Art History

The Art History programme at the University of Essex offers students a comprehensive and engaging exploration of the visual arts from ancient times to the modern era. Designed to develop critical thinking, analytical skills, and a deep understanding of artistic developments across different cultures and periods, this course provides a solid foundation for those interested in pursuing careers in museums, galleries, art criticism, or further academic research. Throughout the programme, students examine a diverse range of artworks, including paintings, sculpture, architecture, and new media, fostering appreciation for the historical context and cultural significance of visual culture. The curriculum emphasizes both theoretical and practical approaches, encouraging students to analyze artworks critically, engage with relevant scholarly debates, and understand how art reflects and influences societal changes. Students also gain valuable research skills by working with primary and secondary sources, participating in gallery visits, and engaging in projects and presentations. The programme is delivered by experienced academics who are active researchers in fields such as medieval art, Renaissance, modern and contemporary art, Asian art, and more, ensuring that students receive a high-quality education grounded in the latest research. With a focus on global perspectives, the course explores artistic traditions across different regions, helping students appreciate the interconnectedness of artistic practices worldwide. Opportunities for internships and placements are available, enabling students to gain practical experience and build professional networks. The course prepares graduates for diverse career paths, including art curation, education, journalism, conservation, and further postgraduate study. With state-of-the-art facilities, a vibrant academic community, and the support of dedicated staff, the Art History programme offers an inspiring environment to cultivate a lifelong passion for the arts. Whether students are just beginning their journey in art history or looking to deepen their existing knowledge, this programme is designed to equip them with the skills, insights, and confidence to succeed in the dynamic fields related to visual culture.

Detailed Course Facts

• GBP 9000 Year (EEA)
• GBP 11950 Year (Non-EEA)

• English

Course Content

The special characteristics of our courses are flexibility and choice. In your first year, you usually take four or five modules that include pre-requisite(s) for your course but, in many cases, mean you can try subjects you have not come across before. If you are taking a humanities or social science, then you have the greatest choice, as most of our first-year modules do not assume any specialist knowledge.

Year 1
Art and Ideas
The Pre-Raphaelites: Revolutions in Art and Life
Dada and Surrealism between the Wars: Bad Dreams
Ways of Seeing
Collect, Curate, Display: A Short History of the Museum
Year 2
The Renaissance in Tuscany
More Art, More Ideas - Critique and Historiography in the History of Art
Picturing Paris: The Capital of the Nineteenth Century
After Impressionism: European Art from Van Gogh to Klimt
The Art of Exhibition: Salon, Biennal, Blockbuster (Available from October 2015)
Becoming Modern: European Art from Futurism to Surrealism
Art in Latin America I
Journeys Through Time and Space: Architecture & Urbanism
Year 3
Art and Culture 1945 - Present: Modern Art was a CIA Weapon
Art in Latin America II: Modern and Contemporary
History of Photography (NRG)
The Work of Art in the Age of Digital Reproduction: Film, New Media, Software
The Reinvention of Man and the World: Art and Architecture in High Renaissance Italy
Art and Ideas III: Aesthetics After-Kant
A third year dissertation project is also available as an option.

English Language Requirements

IELTS band : 6

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

Requirements

A-levels: ABB-BBB GCSE English: C
BTEC National Diploma: DDM in Fine Art
IB: 32-30 points (we consider IB certificates at the Higher level on a case-by-case basis)
Achievement of the Access to HE Diploma with a minimum of 6 level three credits at distinction and the remainder at merit (or above) or achievement of the Access to HE Diploma with a minimum of 45 level three credits at merit (or above).
English language requirements for applicants whose first language is not English: IELTS 6.0 overall with minimum 5.5 in each component (or equivalent). Different requirements apply for second year entry.

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 Essex.

Funding

For up-to-date information on funding opportunities at Essex, please visit: www.essex.ac.uk/studentfinance.

The Bachelor of Arts in Art History at the University of Essex offers students a comprehensive and in-depth understanding of the history of art from ancient times to the modern era. The program emphasizes critical thinking, visual analysis, and contextual understanding of artworks, enabling students to develop a nuanced appreciation of cultural, social, and political aspects reflected through art. Throughout the course, students explore a wide range of artistic movements, styles, and periods, gaining specialist knowledge in areas such as Western and non-Western art, contemporary practices, and curatorial studies.

The curriculum is designed to combine theoretical approaches with practical skills, including methods of visual analysis, research techniques, and exhibition curation. Students have the opportunity to study diverse topics such as Renaissance art, modernism, medieval iconography, contemporary installation art, and global art movements. The program encourages interdisciplinary learning, integrating insights from history, anthropology, and cultural studies to enrich students' understanding of artistic production within diverse contexts.

Students benefit from the university's strong links with museums, galleries, and cultural institutions, providing valuable opportunities for internships, placements, and collaborative projects. The program also includes visits to major art collections, galleries, and exhibitions, facilitating experiential learning. The university’s faculty comprises experienced academics and researchers committed to providing personalized support and mentorship.

The degree prepares graduates for a variety of careers in art galleries, museums, cultural heritage organizations, education, and academia. Additionally, students develop transferable skills such as critical thinking, communication, project management, and digital competencies that are highly valued across numerous industries. The program is suitable for both those beginning their academic journey in art history and for those wishing to deepen their existing knowledge base. Overall, the programme at Essex fosters a stimulating learning environment that combines rigorous academic study with practical engagement, aiming to produce well-rounded professionals equipped to contribute meaningfully to the cultural sector.