Art History and German

The Art History and German programme at the University of Kent offers students an exceptional opportunity to explore the rich cultural, artistic, and linguistic traditions of Germany alongside the study of visual arts from different periods and regions. This integrated degree is designed to develop a deep understanding of the history of art through critical analysis and contextual inquiry, while simultaneously mastering the German language and gaining insights into German literature, culture, and society. Students will engage with a diverse curriculum that includes modules on European art movements, contemporary art practices, and major historical periods coupled with language courses that enhance fluency and enable meaningful intercultural communication. The programme encourages a multidisciplinary approach, combining analytical skills with language proficiency, and fosters an appreciation of cultural diversity within European contexts. Students will have the opportunity to participate in field trips, exhibitions, and possibly an Erasmus exchange to immerse themselves in the vibrant cultural landscape of Germany. The programme aims to prepare graduates for careers in museums, galleries, arts administration, cultural heritage, translation, international relations, and education, among others. By integrating art historical inquiry with language studies, students develop critical thinking, research, and communication skills that are highly valued in various professional settings. The department benefits from experienced staff, excellent resources, and strong links with cultural institutions, ensuring students receive a comprehensive education that combines theoretical knowledge with practical skills. Whether students are passionate about German culture, art history, or language, the combined degree offers a unique and enriching academic experience that broadens horizons and enhances employability. Graduates of this programme will leave equipped with a sophisticated understanding of European art and culture, alongside high-level German language skills, ready to embark on diverse, dynamic careers in the global cultural and creative sectors.

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.

Stage 1

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
• GE301 - Learning German 3 (Post A Level)
• GE329 - Intensive Beginners German
• GE331 - Learning German 2 (Post-GCSE German)
• GE330 - Beginners' Danish: Language & Culture
• GE311 - Varieties of German Writing
• GE312 - Images of Germany, 1945-1990
• GE326 - Introduction to German Literature (in translation)
• GE327 - German Pronunciation and Phonetics
• GE328 - Post-1989 German Cinema

You have the opportunity to select wild modules in this stage

Year abroad

You have the opportunity to spend a year studying or working in Germany or Austria, where you can improve your language skills and experience German art forms and culture first-hand. With the option of a dissertation in the final year, you may choose to focus on both Art History and German 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 Bachelor of Arts in Art History and German at the University of Kent offers a comprehensive interdisciplinary programme designed to develop students' understanding of European art, culture, history, and language. The programme combines the study of art historical methods and German language skills, providing a unique opportunity for students to explore the cultural and historical contexts of art and society across different periods and regions. Throughout the course, students engage with a diverse range of topics including classical and modern European art, architecture, and visual culture, alongside the study of German language, literature, and thought.

The programme emphasizes the development of critical analytical skills, encouraging students to interpret and evaluate artworks and cultural phenomena within their historical settings. Students are also offered opportunities to participate in practical activities such as museum visits, curatorial projects, and language immersion exercises, enhancing their appreciation of cultural heritage and fostering communication skills in German. The programme features a combination of lectures, seminars, workshops, and language classes, facilitating a dynamic learning environment.

Students are encouraged to undertake independent research and writing projects, which prepare them for further academic pursuits or careers in cultural sectors, international organizations, or the arts. The course also offers optional modules in related areas such as contemporary art, digital media, and linguistics, allowing students to tailor their studies to their interests.

The university supports students through dedicated academic advisors and resources such as language labs, art collections, and research libraries. The programme often includes opportunities for study abroad in Germany, offering immersive language and cultural experiences, which significantly enhance students' intercultural competence and employability. Graduates of the programme have pursued careers in museums, galleries, education, journalism, translation, and international business, benefiting from the blend of linguistic and historical expertise gained during their studies.

Overall, this degree programme aims to cultivate well-rounded graduates with a deep understanding of European art and German language and culture, preparing them for diverse professional paths or postgraduate study. The structured curriculum, combined with practical experiences and cultural engagement, makes it a distinctive choice for students interested in the arts and the German-speaking world.