History and Philosophy of Art

The History and Philosophy of Art program at the University of Kent offers an interdisciplinary approach to understanding the development, context, and significance of visual culture from ancient times to the modern era. This degree combines rigorous historical analysis with philosophical inquiry, providing students with a comprehensive understanding of artistic practices, their cultural environments, and the underlying theories that shape artistic interpretation. Throughout the course, students explore a wide range of topics, including the evolution of artistic styles, the relationship between art and society, aesthetics, and the ethical considerations surrounding art production and reception. The program encourages critical thinking and analytical skills, enabling students to evaluate artworks both within their historical context and through contemporary philosophical perspectives. Students will have the opportunity to engage with a diverse collection of visual materials, participate in seminars, and undertake independent research projects. The curriculum is designed to foster a deep appreciation of artistic heritage and develop skills in visual analysis, scholarly writing, and oral communication. Additionally, the program prepares graduates for careers in museums, galleries, arts administration, education, and further academic research. The academic staff are experts in fields spanning art history, philosophy, cultural studies, and the history of ideas, ensuring a rich, multidisciplinary learning environment. With access to university resources, including specialized libraries and art collections, students can deepen their understanding and engage actively with the material. The program also emphasizes employability and the development of transferable skills such as critical thinking, research methodologies, and effective communication, which are highly valued across many professional sectors. Overall, this degree offers a unique opportunity for students passionate about art, history, and philosophy to explore the profound connections between these disciplines and to cultivate a sophisticated understanding of visual culture that will serve them in diverse professional paths.

Detailed Course Facts

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

• 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:

• HA315 - The Shock of the Now: Themes in Contemporary Art
• 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
• 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
• CL609 - Roman Art and Architecture
• HA573 - Print Collecting and Curating
• HA580 - Camera, Light and Darkroom: Intro to Black & White Photography
• 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
• HA595 - Visual Arts Writing
• HA681 - Pixelated World: The Digital Revolution
• HA683 - Against Realism: Varieties of Photographic Pictorialism
• HA684 - Genius: Perspectives on Artistic Creation
• HA686 - Thinking about the Arts
• HA688 - Painting in Central Italy 1440 - 1520
• HI5041 - Gothic Art: Image and Imagination in Europe, c.1140-1500
• HI789 - The Art of Death

You have the opportunity to select wild modules in this stage

Year in industry

The School of Arts ‘Year in Industry' module is an opportunity for students to take ‘a year out’ to gain experience of the workplace. We have long recognised the benefits of students taking a year out in the workplace, where the relevance of the subjects taken is as important as the experience itself, and the benefits to the student of increasing awareness and confidence are emphasised. It also gives students an opportunity to increase their contacts and network to let them hit the ground running when they graduate. The year itself will be pass/fail and is assessed through employer feedback and a submitted report from you that is marked. The year will offer reduced fees, is flexible in its approach and need not be specifically aligned to your subject of study.

Stage 3

Possible modules may include:

• HI789 - The Art of Death
• ART500 - Independent Project
• HI5041 - Gothic Art: Image and Imagination in Europe, c.1140-1500
• HA689 - Painting in Central Italy 1440 - 1520
• HA687 - Thinking about the Arts
• HA685 - Genius: Perspectives on Artistic Creation
• HA682 - Pixelated World: The Digital Revolution
• HA595 - Visual Arts Writing
• HA649 - Exposed: The Aesthetics of the Body, Sexuality and Erotic Art
• HA670 - Study of a Single Artist
• 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
• CL609 - Roman Art and Architecture

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.

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 including 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.

The History and Philosophy of Art program at the University of Kent offers students a comprehensive interdisciplinary education that combines the study of visual arts history with philosophical inquiry into aesthetic and artistic questions. This degree is designed to develop students' critical thinking, analytical skills, and understanding of the historical, cultural, and philosophical contexts of art. Throughout the course, students explore various periods of art history, from ancient to modern times, examining key artworks, movements, and issues that have shaped the development of art across different cultures and eras. The philosophy component encourages reflection on the nature of beauty, creativity, artistic expression, and the ethical considerations surrounding art. The program also emphasizes the importance of original research, critical analysis, and effective communication through essays, presentations, and discussions. Students have the opportunity to engage with a diverse range of subjects, including the philosophy of aesthetics, the history of Western and non-Western art traditions, and contemporary debates about art and society. The program benefits from the university’s access to excellent resources, including dedicated art galleries, a rich library collection, and connections with local museums and cultural institutions. Students are encouraged to participate in field visits, exhibitions, and internships to gain practical experience and deepen their understanding of the art world. The degree prepares graduates for careers in museums, galleries, art criticism, curation, education, as well as for postgraduate study or research in related fields. The program fosters a vibrant academic community, with experienced faculty who are active researchers and practitioners in their fields, offering mentorship and support throughout the students’ studies. Overall, the History and Philosophy of Art at the University of Kent aims to cultivate well-rounded individuals who appreciate the complexities of art and its philosophical implications, enabling them to contribute thoughtfully to cultural and intellectual debates.

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