Art History and Film

Art History and Film at the University of Kent offers students an exciting opportunity to explore the vibrant worlds of visual culture, art, and cinematic expression. This combined honours degree programme is designed to provide a comprehensive understanding of the development, meaning, and impact of art and film across different periods and cultures. Throughout the course, students will engage with a diverse range of topics, including classical and contemporary art, film history, theories of visual culture, and the social and political contexts that shape artistic and cinematic works. The programme emphasizes critical thinking, analytical skills, and research methodology, preparing students for careers in the arts, media, education, and cultural industries. The curriculum features a balanced mix of lectures, seminars, practical workshops, and independent study, enabling students to develop both theoretical knowledge and practical skills in art analysis and film critique. Students will have access to excellent resources, including at the university's art galleries, film studios, and libraries, facilitating rich learning experiences. The programme also offers opportunities for work-based learning, internships, and field trips, allowing students to gain real-world insights and professional connections within the creative sectors. Graduates of this programme will be well-equipped to pursue further academic research, advanced careers in art institutions, film festivals, museums, galleries, or media organizations. The interdisciplinary approach of the course encourages students to think critically about visual narratives and cultural representations, fostering a deeper understanding of the role of art and film in society. With a flexible timetable and dedicated academic support, students can tailor their studies to match their interests and career aspirations. Overall, the Art History and Film programme at the University of Kent provides an enriching environment for developing artistic sensibilities, critical analysis, and practical expertise needed to thrive in dynamic creative industries.

Detailed Course Facts

• GBP 9000 Year (EEA)
• GBP 12450 Year (Non-EEA)

Total Kent credits: 360

Total Kent credits: 360

• English

Course Content

The course structure below gives a flavour of the modules that will be available to you and provides details of the content of this programme. This listing is based on the current curriculum and may change year to year in response to new curriculum developments and innovation. Most programmes will require you to study a combination of compulsory and optional modules, you may also have the option to take ‘wild’ modules from other programmes offered by the University in order that you may customise your programme and explore other subject areas of interest to you or that may further enhance your employability.

Possible modules may include:

• FI313 - Film Form
• FI315 - Introduction to Film Theory
• HA355 - Introduction to the History of Art
• HA314 - The Shock of the Now: Themes in Contemporary Art
• HA315 - The Shock of the Now: Themes in Contemporary Art
• HA316 - Thinking about Photography and its Histories
• HA317 - Thinking about Photography and its Histories

Requirements

The University will consider applications from students offering a wide range of qualifications, typical requirements are listed below, students offering alternative qualifications should contact the Admissions Office for further advice. It is not possible to offer places to all students who meet this typical offer/minimum requirement.

Qualification, Typical offer/minimum requirement

• A level

AABAccess to HE Diploma

• The University of Kent will not necessarily make conditional offers to all access candidates but will continue to assess them on an individual basis. If an offer is made candidates will be required to obtain/pass the overall Access to Higher Education Diploma and may also be required to obtain a proportion of the total level 3 credits and/or credits in particular subjects at merit grade or above.

BTEC Level 3 Extended Diploma (formerly BTEC National Diploma)

• The university will consider applicants holding BTEC National Diploma and Extended National Diploma Qualifications (QCF; NQF;OCR) on a case by case basis please contact us via the enquiries tab for further advice on your individual circumstances.

International Baccalaureate

• 34 points overall or 17 points at HL

English Language Requirements

6.5 IELTS (with a minimum of 6.0 in Reading and Writing and 5.5 in Speaking and Listening)

Work Experience

No work experience is required.

Related Scholarships*

• Academic Excellence Scholarship

  "The Academic Excellence Scholarship can provide up to a 50 % reduction in tuition per semester. These scholarships will be renewed if the student maintains superior academic performance during each semester of their 3-year Bachelor programme. The scholarship will be directly applied to the student’s tuition fees."

• Access Bursary

  Bursary for UK students all subjects where the variable tuition fee rate is payable.

• Alumni Bursary

  Alumni Bursary for UK Undergraduate students

* The scholarships shown on this page are suggestions first and foremost. They could be offered by other organisations than University of Kent.

Funding

Kent offers generous financial support schemes to support eligible undergraduate students during their studies. Our 2015 entry support package has not been finalised. However, our 2014 financial support package included a £6,500 cash bursary. Find out more on our funding page.

General scholarships

Scholarships are available for excellence in academic performance, sport and music and are awarded on merit. For further information on the range of awards available and to make an application see our scholarships website.

The Kent Scholarship for Academic Excellence

At Kent we recognise, encourage and reward excellence. We have created the Kent Scholarship for Academic Excellence, which will be awarded to any applicant who achieves a minimum of AAA over three A levels, or the equivalent qualifications as specified on our funding pages. Please note that details of the scholarship for 2015 entry have not yet been finalised and are subject to change.

The Art History and Film programme at the University of Kent offers a comprehensive exploration of the visual arts and cinematic studies, providing students with a broad understanding of historical and contemporary practices. The programme is designed to develop critical analysis, research skills, and cultural awareness through a curriculum that combines theoretical frameworks with practical engagement. Students have the opportunity to study a wide range of topics, including medieval and Renaissance art, modern and contemporary art movements, film theory, international cinema, and the socio-cultural contexts of visual media. The course structure typically includes lectures, seminars, workshops, and independent research projects, encouraging active participation and in-depth study.

The programme benefits from Kent’s strong links with cultural institutions, museums, and film festivals, facilitating internships and networking opportunities that enhance employability in galleries, museums, film industries, and academia. Faculty members are experienced researchers and practitioners in their fields, contributing to a dynamic learning environment. Students are encouraged to develop their critical thinking and interpretative skills through coursework, presentations, and a dissertation project. The University of Kent’s campus provides excellent facilities, including dedicated art and film study areas, access to extensive digital archives, and a vibrant student community focused on arts and media.

Graduates of the Art History and Film programme are well-equipped for careers in arts administration, curatorial work, filmmaking, journalism, arts publishing, and further postgraduate study. The interdisciplinary approach nurtures versatility and adaptability, essential qualities in the rapidly evolving cultural and media sectors. Overall, the programme at Kent aims to produce informed, creative, and critically engaged graduates ready to contribute to the fields of art and film both nationally and internationally.