History of Art at the University of Cambridge offers an inspiring and comprehensive exploration of visual culture from antiquity to the present day. This degree programme is designed for students who have a keen interest in understanding the development of art, architecture, and visual representations across different periods and cultures. Through a combination of carefully curated lectures, seminars, and independent research, students will engage with a wide range of topics, including classical art, medieval and renaissance artworks, modern and contemporary art movements, as well as architectural history and the study of visual culture in diverse societies. The course provides students with rigorous analytical skills, encouraging critical thinking and detailed visual analysis, alongside a thorough grounding in historical context and theoretical frameworks. Students will have access to Cambridge’s extensive collections and resources, including the University Library, Fitzwilliam Museum, and dedicated teaching faculty with expertise in multiple areas of art history. The programme is designed to develop both academic and practical skills, preparing students for careers in museums, galleries, publishing, education, or further academic research. Throughout the course, students will undertake a combination of modules that cover chronological periods, geographical regions, and thematic topics. Additionally, there are opportunities for hands-on experiences, such as internships and research projects, to enhance learning and professional development. The programme emphasizes original research, encouraging students to produce high-quality dissertations that reflect their specific interests within the field. Graduates of the History of Art degree from Cambridge leave well-equipped with a detailed understanding of visual culture and critical analysis skills, ready to contribute to cultural, academic, or public sectors. Embracing a rich academic tradition, the course combines historical perspective with contemporary approaches, making it a compelling choice for anyone passionate about art, history, and cultural studies.

Feedback

Students will be provided with feedback via review exercises, supervisions and the supervisor's termly reports.

Assessment

Thesis

The thesis is not to exceed 80,000 words.  The word limit includes: footnotes, table of contents and list of illustrations, but excludes acknowledgements and the bibliography.  Appendices (of no determined word length) may be permitted subject to the approval of the candidate's Supervisor (in consultation with the Degree Committee);  for example, where a catalogue of works is germane to the work.  Permission to include such appendices must be requested well in advance of the submission of the final thesis.

The examination is conducted by two examiners and is usually held at the Faculty.

Other

Candidates for the PhD are reviewed formally on an annual basis.  In the third term, candidates submit a First Year Paper.  Candidates’ reports are assessed by two assessors and the candidate is invited to attend an oral assessment. 

During their sixth term, candidates are required to give a written report of their work to their Supervisor and any other appropriate assessor approved by the Supervisor.   The Graduate Director may also review the work.  The candidate’s progress is assessed and documented in a short report.  

During their ninth term, candidates are required to give a twenty-minute paper on the scope and core findings of their doctoral research in the Third-Year PhD Symposium, to members of faculty and other graduate students.

Candidates submit a log of their research activity which is assessed at each of the annual reviews described above. 

• Magistr (Master's Degree) at Pass level. Diploma Specialista (completed post-1991) with a minimum overall grade of good or 4/5 Bachelor's from Moscow Institute of Physics and Technology and other prestigious institutions with an overall grade of 4/5 Bologna Bachelor's from other institutions with an overall grade of 5/5, Excellent
• Diploma Specialista (completed post-1991) with a minimum overall grade of Excellent or 5/5 Bachelor's from Moscow Institute of Physics and Technology and other prestigious institutions with an overall grade of 5/5
• IELTS (Academic) 7.5
• TOEFL Internet Score 110
• £50 application fee
• First Academic Reference
• Second Academic Reference
• Transcript
• Research Proposal. A research proposal of 1000 - 1500 words should consist of a topic and a hypothesis, a literature review, a statement on method, and key references.
• Sample of Work. A sample of work could be a journal publication or a chapter from your undergraduate dissertation. Please note: applicants who are currently undertaking a graduate course at Cambridge from departments other than History of Art will need to provide a sample of work.
• Personal Reference

Want to improve your English level for admission?

Prepare for the program requirements with English Online by the British Council.

• ✔️ Flexible study schedule
• ✔️ Experienced teachers
• ✔️ Certificate upon completion

📘 Recommended for students with an IELTS level of 6.0 or below.

Enroll in the course

There is no specific information available regarding the financing options for the History of Art program at the University of Cambridge. Generally, the university offers a variety of funding opportunities for prospective and current students, including scholarships, bursaries, and loans, which may be applicable to students pursuing History of Art. These funding sources are often provided through departmental scholarships, college-based awards, and external funding bodies. Applicants are encouraged to explore the University of Cambridge’s central financial support services, which provide guidance on eligibility, application procedures, and deadlines for various funding opportunities. Additionally, some colleges affiliated with the university may offer their own financial aid packages specific to their students. For international students, there may be specific scholarships or grants aimed at supporting overseas applicants, although these are limited and highly competitive. The university also participates in national and international scholarship schemes, which students can apply for if they meet the criteria. Furthermore, students can consider government loan schemes available in their home countries that support university study abroad or in the UK. It is recommended that prospective students carefully review the financial information provided on the university’s official website and contact the university’s admissions or financial aid offices for personalized advice and assistance. While specific details about tuition fees for the History of Art program are published annually and can vary depending on the student’s fee status (home, EU, or international), the university’s financial support offerings are designed to help students manage these costs. Overall, students are encouraged to plan their finances early and consider multiple sources of funding to support their studies in History of Art at Cambridge.

The History of Art program at the University of Cambridge offers a comprehensive and interdisciplinary exploration of visual culture, examining art, architecture, and visual practices from a wide range of historical periods and geographical locations. This esteemed program is designed to cultivate a deep understanding of the cultural, social, and political contexts that have shaped artistic production throughout history. Students are encouraged to analyze artworks critically, develop visual literacy, and engage with scholarly discourse through a variety of teaching methods, including lectures, seminars, practical classes, and extensive curatorial projects.

The curriculum covers classical art and architecture, medieval illuminated manuscripts, Renaissance masterpieces, Baroque and Rococo art, modern and contemporary practices, as well as non-Western artistic traditions. It aims to develop both theoretical knowledge and hands-on skills in visual analysis, research, and critical thinking. The program also emphasizes practical engagement with art collections and museums, fostering skills in art handling, documentation, and exhibition organization.

Students benefit from the university's world-class resources, such as access to renowned libraries, archives, and collections within the Fitzwilliam Museum, which houses an extensive and diverse collection of artworks spanning centuries and cultures. The research-led teaching approach involves close interactions with expert faculty members who are leaders in their fields. The program encourages independent research and intellectual curiosity, preparing graduates for careers in academia, curation, arts administration, or further postgraduate study.

Duration of the program typically spans three years for undergraduate studies or one year for postgraduate taught degrees. Cambridge’s historic setting provides an inspiring environment for study and research, complemented by vibrant academic community life. By the end of the course, students are expected to have developed a nuanced understanding of art history, sharpened their analytical and presentation skills, and gained a global perspective on visual culture.

The department facilitates various extracurricular activities, including exhibitions, conferences, and internships, designed to enhance practical experience and professional development. Overall, the History of Art program at Cambridge offers a rigorous academic pathway for students passionate about understanding the significance of visual culture through history, fostering critical appreciation and scholarly excellence in the arts.