Art History

Art History at the University of Kent offers a comprehensive and engaging exploration of visual culture from antiquity to the modern era. This program is designed to provide students with a deep understanding of the historical, cultural, and theoretical contexts of artworks from diverse periods and regions. Through a blend of lectures, seminars, and independent research, students will develop critical skills in analyzing and interpreting visual materials, enhancing their ability to appreciate the significance of art in society.

The course curriculum covers a wide array of topics, including the evolution of artistic styles, the role of art in religious and political contexts, and the development of modern and contemporary art movements. Students will examine key artworks and monuments, learn about art preservation and curation, and explore the socio-economic factors influencing artistic production. The program encourages a multidisciplinary approach, integrating insights from history, anthropology, and cultural studies to enrich students' understanding of art in its various contexts.

The university’s strong connections with galleries, museums, and heritage organizations provide excellent opportunities for practical experience through internships and field trips. Additionally, students are encouraged to engage with digital tools and resources, facilitating innovative research methods and presentation styles. The program also emphasizes critical thinking, academic writing, and presentation skills, preparing graduates for careers in museums, galleries, heritage management, education, or further academic research.

Faculty members are renowned experts in their fields, offering personalized mentorship and support throughout the degree. Small class sizes foster an interactive learning environment, ensuring students receive individual attention and guidance. The university’s vibrant academic community and modern facilities create an ideal setting for studying Art History, inspiring students to develop their passion and expertise in this visually rich discipline. Graduates of this program are well-equipped to contribute thoughtfully and innovatively to the understanding and appreciation of art across multiple disciplines and sectors.

Detailed Course Facts

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

Part time:EEA:£4500,Non-EEA:£6240

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
• HA361 - Introduction to Aesthetics and the Philosophy of Art
• HA362 - Introduction to Aesthetics and the Philosophy 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

You have the opportunity to select wild modules in this stage

Stage 2

Possible modules may include:

• HA507 - Reading the Image
• HI789 - The Art of Death
• HA688 - Painting in Central Italy 1440 - 1520
• HI5041 - Gothic Art: Image and Imagination in Europe, c.1140-1500
• HA573 - Print Collecting and Curating
• HA580 - Camera, Light and Darkroom: Intro to Black & White Photography
• CL609 - Roman Art and Architecture
• HA595 - Visual Arts Writing
• HA653 - Exposed: The Aesthetics of The Body, Sexuality and Erotic Art
• HA660 - Dialogues; Art History in a Global Context
• HA669 - Study of a Single Artist
• HA681 - Pixelated World: The Digital Revolution
• HA683 - Against Realism: Varieties of Photographic Pictorialism
• HA684 - Genius: Perspectives on Artistic Creation
• HA686 - Thinking about the Arts

You have the opportunity to select wild modules in this stage

Year in industry

This programme provides an 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.

Stage 3

Possible modules may include:

• HA595 - Visual Arts Writing
• ART500 - Independent Project
• CL609 - Roman Art and Architecture
• HA580 - Camera, Light and Darkroom: Intro to Black & White Photography
• HA587 - Against Realism: Varieties of Photograhic Pictorialism
• HA591 - Dialogues: Art History in a Global Context
• HA573 - Print Collecting and Curating
• HA579 - Visual Arts Internship
• HA649 - Exposed: The Aesthetics of the Body, Sexuality and Erotic Art
• HA670 - Study of a Single Artist
• HA687 - Thinking about the Arts
• HA685 - Genius: Perspectives on Artistic Creation
• HA682 - Pixelated World: The Digital Revolution
• HI5041 - Gothic Art: Image and Imagination in Europe, c.1140-1500
• HA689 - Painting in Central Italy 1440 - 1520

You have the opportunity to select wild modules in this stage

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

• BBB

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 16 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.

Art History at the University of Kent offers students a comprehensive exploration of the development of art from ancient times to the modern era, emphasizing critical analysis and contextual understanding. The program is designed to develop students' skills in visual analysis, research, and interpretation, preparing them for careers in museums, galleries, conservation, academia, or further postgraduate study. The curriculum covers a wide range of periods and genres, including classical art, medieval art, Renaissance works, modern and contemporary art movements, and non-Western traditions, ensuring a diverse and holistic understanding of global artistic heritage.

Students will engage with a variety of teaching methods, including lectures, seminars, practical workshops, site visits, and exhibitions, fostering both theoretical knowledge and practical skills. Throughout their studies, students are encouraged to develop their own research interests, supported by qualified faculty with expertise across different periods and regions of art history. The program also emphasizes the importance of visual culture, materiality, and the socio-political contexts of artworks, enabling students to critically evaluate the role of art in society.

The degree provides opportunities for internships and placements within cultural institutions, offering valuable real-world experience. Additionally, the university's strong links with local museums, galleries, and cultural organizations facilitate networking and professional development. The program prepares graduates for further academic research, including PhD studies, or for careers in curation, education, heritage management, and more.

The University of Kent’s Art History program also benefits from its location close to cultural hubs such as London and Canterbury, providing access to diverse artistic resources and events. The academic staff are engaged in active research, ensuring students receive current and relevant knowledge. Facilities include well-stocked libraries, digital archives, and dedicated study spaces. Overall, the program aims to foster critical engagement with art history, develop analytical skills, and instill a passion for understanding the visual arts across different periods and cultures.