Mumbai: Somaiya Vidyavihar University has unveiled its pioneering MA Art History and Visual Studies program, positioning itself at the forefront of arts and humanities education in India.
Offered through the Dr Shantilal K Somaiya School of Art, this program marks Mumbai’s first MFA-track initiative in the discipline, designed to merge academic depth with professional exposure.
MA Art History and Visual Studies: Bridging Scholarship and Practice
The MA Art History and Visual Studies stands out as a comprehensive postgraduate program that enables students to critically analyze art across Indian, South Asian, European, American, and African contexts.
With a curriculum that integrates anthropology, sociology, semiotics, gender studies, and literature, the MA Art History and Visual Studies program bridges traditional art scholarship with contemporary cultural analysis.
Students receive hands-on archival and curatorial training, conduct independent research, and study how artistic forms evolve across different periods and societies.
By blending classical, modern, and contemporary art perspectives, the program equips graduates with the cultural fluency and professional skills required for global careers as art historians, critics, curators, and cultural policy leaders.
Expanding Opportunities: MA in Writing and Art Criticism
In addition to the MA Art History and Visual Studies, Somaiya Vidyavihar University offers the MA in Writing and Art Criticism, a distinctive program that combines creative and critical approaches to art writing. Students learn directly from leading professionals including writers, curators, auctioneers, historians, and sociologists.
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The program integrates publishing, curatorial practice, and museum partnerships into its framework, while also incorporating AI-based learning tools, multilingual scholarships, and translation training to prepare students for evolving professional landscapes.
Liberal Arts Education at Somaiya Vidyavihar University
Complementing its specialized postgraduate offerings, Somaiya Vidyavihar University advances interdisciplinary learning through its BA (Hons) and MA Liberal Arts programs under the Somaiya School of Civilisation Studies.
The Bachelor of Liberal Arts is a four-year program offering majors in anthropology, literature, philosophy, history, political science, and Asian studies. It emphasizes inquiry, communication skills, and critical thinking through seminars, lectures, and mentorship.
The upcoming Master of Liberal Arts, beginning in 2025–2026, will provide deeper engagement in history, anthropology, literature, and area studies. Its curriculum balances civilizational insights with critical perspectives, preparing graduates for careers in academia, diplomacy, publishing, media, cultural institutions, and public service.
“At Somaiya Vidyavihar University, we believe arts and liberal arts education must inspire curiosity, engage with contemporary issues, and encourage cross-disciplinary learning,” said Dr Gaurav Gadgil, Associate Professor, Somaiya School of Civilisation Studies.
Abhay Sardesai, Director of the Dr Shantilal K Somaiya School of Art, emphasized: “Through our Master’s programs in Art History and Visual Studies and Art Writing & Criticism, we aim to cultivate thinkers, writers, and curators who can critically engage with diverse cultural expressions and shape global conversations in art and culture.”
