Art History and History

The BA Art History and History programme at the University of Kent offers students a comprehensive and engaging exploration of the development of art, culture, and historical events from ancient times to the modern era. This interdisciplinary course aims to deepen students' understanding of visual culture within its historical context, fostering critical thinking and analytical skills essential for careers in museums, galleries, heritage organizations, education, research, and beyond. Throughout the programme, students will examine a wide range of artistic styles, movements, and periods, including classical art, medieval masterpieces, Renaissance masterpieces, modernism, and contemporary art, alongside significant historical events and societal transformations that have shaped the world. The curriculum combines rigorous academic study with practical experience, encouraging students to critically analyze artworks and historical sources, develop their own interpretations, and appreciate the interconnectedness of visual and historical narratives. Students will benefit from expert teaching staff, access to world-class collections and museums, and opportunities for placements and field trips that bring theoretical knowledge to life. The programme emphasizes research skills, academic writing, and presentation capabilities, preparing graduates for diverse career paths or further postgraduate study. With optional modules allowing specialization in areas such as European art, ancient civilizations, or cultural heritage, students can tailor their degree to their interests. Graduates of this course will possess a thorough understanding of the development of art and history and the skills to analyze cultural phenomena critically. They will emerge from the programme with a global perspective and a nuanced appreciation for the visual and historical forces that have shaped societies and cultures over time.

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:

• HA355 - Introduction to the History of Art
• HI426 - Making History: Theory and Practice
• 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
• HI430 - Modern British History (Part Two)
• HI431 - The English Renaissance: Society, Politics and Culture 1400-1600
• HI433 - Early Modern History: The Age of Enlightenment c. 1600-1750
• HI436 - A Global History of Empires: 1850-1960
• HI353 - Britain and the Second World War: The Home Front
• HI359 - Empire and Africa
• HI366 - Britain in the Age of Industrialisation 1700-1830
• HI385 - Introduction to the History of Medicine
• HI391 - The Rise of the United States Since 1880
• HI397 - Cinema and Society, 1930 - 1960
• HI411 - Later Medieval Europe
• HI419 - England in the Age of Chivalry: c1200-1400
• HI425 - Revolutionary Europe 1700-1850

Year in industry

This programme provides an opportunity to undertake an internship and we offer all our students support with their CV’s 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.

Careers

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.

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.

A level

• AAB including History at grade B

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

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.

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

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 University of Kent offers comprehensive programs in Art History and History that are designed to provide students with a deep understanding of cultural, historical, and artistic developments across various periods and regions. The Art History program explores a wide range of art movements, from ancient art to contemporary practices, emphasizing critical analysis, visual literacy, and contextual understanding. Students have access to extensive collections and research facilities, enabling hands-on learning and exhibitions that enhance their comprehension of artistic techniques, symbolism, and historical significance. The curriculum includes modules on Western and non-Western art, digital art history, and museology, preparing graduates for careers in museums, galleries, conservation, and academia. The program encourages analytical thinking, interpretive skills, and innovative research methods, fostering a global perspective on art and its influence on societies. Students benefit from expert faculty, many of whom are leading researchers and practitioners in their fields, as well as opportunities for placements, internships, and collaborative projects. The History program at the University of Kent provides a broad and nuanced understanding of world history, covering significant events, movements, and figures from medieval times to the present day. The course emphasizes critical thinking, primary source analysis, and historical methodologies, enabling students to develop strong research skills. Modules encompass British, European, American, Asian, and global histories, allowing for specialization and interdisciplinary approaches. The program also integrates the study of historiography and contemporary issues, encouraging students to contextualize past events within current global challenges. Extensive library resources, archives, and digital databases support research activities. The curriculum is designed to prepare students for careers in education, research, public history, policy analysis, and beyond. Both programs at Kent are characterized by their outstanding academic support, diverse student community, and extensive extracurricular opportunities, including study abroad options, research seminars, and conferences. Graduates from these programs frequently find employment in cultural institutions, media, publishing, and further academic pursuits. The university’s commitment to research-led teaching ensures that students are engaged with the latest scholarly debates and developments in Art History and History, making Kent a highly regarded choice for students interested in these fields.