For students who do not have the appropriate undergraduate preparation to embark on one of Essex’s MA courses, they may apply for the nine-month Graduate Diploma in Art History and Theory, which can constitute a qualifying year for the relevant MA course.

The University of Essex Graduate Diploma consists of eight modules at 3rd-year undergraduate level (up to two of these can be at 2nd-year level). Students must complete the appropriate coursework and examinations, and can also write a project on a topic of their choice if this is agreed with their course director.