Is this a reason to get two MAs before a PhD?

[ButteredLemon]

After a career in journalism, I have gone back to university and am currently getting my BA in History of Art in one of the best programs in the UK (it includes some curating classes too).  I'm thinking ahead to my masters degree and PhD.   I can not find a program that focuses on what I want: Medieval French visual culture.    So my idea was to get an MA in History of Art, followed by an MA in Medieval Studies.  I would then go for my PhD.  That is a five year plan (each MA takes one year and the PhD about three.). My question is this: is that totally nuts?

I am 46 this year.   I am getting these degrees because I want them.  I really don't know how or even if they will serve a future career.  My journalism career is dead but I did write a well-received novel when I was younger and I'm thinking of simply being an independent writer and curator after I get my PhD.   On the one hand I feel this need to hurry up and get through it all (because of my age). On  the other hand, I worry having a Medieval Studies MA could hurt me when I apply to PhD programs.   I'd like to know your thoughts.  How weird would it be to get two MAs before the PhD?  

Thanks for any opinions. 

[cyborg213]

Considering you will graduate with a BA degree in Art History, is the MA in Art History really necessary? Without having too much information on your situation, I think you should focus your BA thesis in Medieval French visual culture, and then go directly to the MA in Medieval Studies - making sure you take a fair amount of courses in Art History and focus your MA thesis in Medieval French visual culture. Or go for the MA in Art History and focus on Medieval French VC. However, even if you go through the 2 MAs (which is not weird at all!), it won't take you as long as a PhD program in the US, which usually takes 6 to 7 years to complete (and in most cases people start their PhDs after one or two years of an MA). In any case, if you feel comfortable enough with writing a dissertation right after pursuing a yearlong masters program, I'd go for it. I guess the decision has to do more with how much you think you can accomplish in a year-long masters program, and how much experience and knowledge you feel you need to acquire in order to write a dissertation. 

[N0rd]

Really I think this is up to your personal preference. I don't think it's weird to get two MAs before a PhD, however I also don't think it's entirely necessary. I think your decision should come down to the amount of time and money you really want to invest in this.

If you're concerned about your ability to get into a PhD program I think the fact that you're pursuing a BA in Art History and would get an MA in either Art History or Medieval Studies would more than prove that you're dedicated to the field and are qualified for admission. Getting two MAs definitely won't hurt you and the dual emphasis on Art History and Medieval Studies would provide you with a broad background and allow for a lot of interesting interdisciplinary research. Have you looked into MA programs focusing on Medieval Art History? You may not find a program that focuses specially on France but this may be a way to blend the two MA options you're looking at. Personally, if I were in your shoes I would do the Art History BA and then either an MA in Medieval Art History or Medieval Studies then followed by the PhD in Medieval French Visual Culture/Art History.  I think any combination (or all of) of the degrees you mentioned would qualify you for research and writing it just comes down to how much you want to commit.

[artemisia]

Honestly, the biggest problem you will face applying to PhD programs is finding a place that wants to fund a student who is doing a degree basically for fun. Besides that, a medieval studies MA won't hurt your chances if you are able to write your dissertation on French medieval visual culture. If not, an art history MA program where you can hone that focus is more advantageous.