Art History and French

Art History and French at the University of Kent offer a unique interdisciplinary programme that combines the study of visual arts, their historical contexts, and the French language and culture. This course is designed to provide students with a comprehensive understanding of how art has evolved across different periods and regions, with a particular emphasis on French art and cultural history. The programme enables students to develop skills in visual analysis, critical thinking, and research, while also gaining practical language proficiency in French.

Throughout the course, students explore a wide range of topics, including medieval and Renaissance art, modern and contemporary art movements, as well as the socio-political contexts that have shaped artistic production in France and beyond. The curriculum includes modules that cover core topics in art history, such as painting, sculpture, architecture, and decorative arts, alongside language modules that enhance fluency and communication skills in French. This integrated approach helps students to better appreciate the cultural significance of artworks and their connections to French literature, philosophy, and history.

The programme offers valuable opportunities for experiential learning, including visits to galleries and museums, engagement with professional practices in the arts, and the potential for work placements or study abroad programmes in France. These experiences are aimed at broadening students’ horizons and providing practical skills for careers in museums, galleries, cultural management, education, or further academic research.

Located in the vibrant cultural hub of Canterbury, the University of Kent provides students with an inspiring environment to study art and culture. The programme is taught by experts in the fields of art history and French language, who are dedicated to supporting students’ academic and personal development. Whether you are passionate about the visual arts, eager to deepen your linguistic capabilities, or interested in exploring French cultural history, this interdisciplinary programme is designed to equip you with a diverse skill set and a global perspective. Graduates of this programme are well-prepared for careers in arts administration, teaching, international relations, translation, or further postgraduate study.

The combination of art history and French at Kent represents an excellent opportunity for students to immerse themselves in two rich and interconnected fields, fostering a nuanced understanding of cultural expression and facilitating international engagement. Join us to explore the artistic and linguistic landscapes of France and beyond, and to develop skills that will serve you in a wide variety of professional contexts.

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:

• 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
• HA355 - Introduction to the History of Art
• FR300 - Learning French 3 (Post A Level)
• FR327 - Learning French 2A (Post GCSE)
• FR328 - Learning French 2B (Post GCSE)
• FR330 - Intensive French for Beginners
• FR331 - French Drama: Love, Marriage and Politics (in translation)
• FR332 - French Narratives: Love, Marriage and Politics (in translation)
• FR337 - Texts and Contexts 1
• FR338 - Texts and Contexts 2
• FR301 - Writer and Genre in France I
• FR302 - Writer and Genre in France II
• FR308 - Questions of French Cinema
• FR310 - Twentieth Century France in Crisi

You have the opportunity to select wild modules in this stage

You have the opportunity to spend a year studying or working in France, where you can improve your language skills and experience French art forms and culture first-hand. Past students in this programme have chosen to spend their Year Abroad working in art galleries in Paris. With the option of a dissertation in the final year, you may choose to focus on both Art History and French by writing about art forms observed during the year abroad.

At Kent, we take the commitment to supporting and preparing our students for life after university very seriously. A degree in Art History enables you to explore the history, meaning and nature of the visual arts, while also providing the skills for a career in the arts industries and elsewhere.

Career options include museum curation, options in heritage and tourism, working as an archivist and art historian; art librarianship; arts shipping and insurance; arts therapy; auctioneering; craft studio workshop management; community arts/project development work; art dealing and brokerage; gallery work; heritage management; independent curation/art consulting; journalism; picture/provenance researching and photography.

You have the opportunity to undertake an internship and we offer all our students support with their CVs and personal statements. In this way, the degree offers both a strong grounding in the foundations of art historical study and an expansive approach to developing career skills.

English Language Requirements

IELTS band : 6.5

To study at this university, you have to speak English. We advice you to

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

• AAB

GCSE

• C in a modern European language other than English

Access 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

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 French program at the University of Kent offers students a comprehensive interdisciplinary education that combines the study of visual culture with the mastery of the French language and culture. This program is designed for students who are passionate about exploring the historical and theoretical aspects of art, alongside developing linguistic skills and cultural understanding of Francophone regions. Throughout the course, students examine a wide range of artistic periods, styles, and movements, from ancient art to contemporary works, with a particular emphasis on European art history.

The program emphasizes both theoretical analysis and practical skills, enabling students to critically evaluate artworks within their historical contexts and develop their own interpretations. In addition to traditional classroom learning, students have opportunities for hands-on research, museum visits, and engaging with digital humanities tools. The French component of the degree enhances students' language proficiency through intensive language modules, conversation practice, and the study of French literature, film, and cultural studies. This dual focus aims to prepare graduates for careers in art curation, museum management, cultural heritage, arts journalism, or further academic research.

Students in this program also benefit from the university's strong links with cultural institutions and galleries, offering placements and networking opportunities. The program may include periodical field trips to art exhibitions, historical sites, and regions significant to French art and culture, such as France itself. Typically delivered over three or four years, with options for combined honours or pathways that include year abroad or work placements, the program is designed to develop both specialised knowledge and transferable skills such as critical thinking, communication, and research. Graduates of the program emerge well-equipped to pursue professional roles involving art and French culture or to continue their studies at postgraduate level. The curriculum is regularly reviewed to ensure it reflects current developments in art history and Francophone cultural studies, ensuring that students receive an up-to-date education grounded in academic excellence.