College (department): University of Limerick, department of government and society

Course duration: Two years

Entry requirements: Good honours degree in history, or history of art, or industrial design or archaeology or fine art. People with relevant professional experience who do not have one of the above will be given serious consideration.

Number admitted to the course: maximum 15

Target group: Those wishing to develop their research capacity in the history of art. People wishing to develop the area as a personal rather than a professional interest are an important part of the target population but those who seek careers in galleries, museums, education and research are attracted to the course. Course co-ordinator John Logan says he'd "like to emphasise the extent to which the course is for people who are passionate about understanding art and its historical context". It is likely to prove attractive to people thinking about a career change.

Course content: Research methodology in the history of western art and design from the period 1400 to 1950 in the first year and a thesis in the second year.

How long has the course been running? Starting this year for the first time.

Why was it introduced? In response to perceived demand in the Limerick region for advanced education in the history of art and design. The guiding philosophy of the course is to look at any piece of art or design in its historical context. There is a very strong emphasis on history, according to course co-ordinator John Logan. He says: "Traditionally, many courses will look at an object in terms of its size, shape and value. This course will look at how the object itself came about. It may have been owned by the rich, but most art works were made by ordinary people."

Job prospects for graduates: Expected to be very good. Logan cites the growing number of art galleries in the region. As these become increasingly professional, they require qualified staff. There are also historic houses and castles that require curators. There is also demand at national level. He notes: "Recently, a nine-month registrar's position in the National Gallery was advertised in The Irish Times. One of the essential qualifications was art history."

Costs: £2,000 approximately annually

Contact: John Logan