History and Philosophy of Art with a Year Abroad

The History and Philosophy of Art with a Year Abroad program at the University of Kent offers students a unique opportunity to explore the rich history, critical theories, and philosophical questions surrounding visual culture and artistic expression. This interdisciplinary degree combines the study of art history and philosophy, allowing students to develop a comprehensive understanding of how art shapes and is shaped by cultural, social, and political contexts throughout history. Throughout the course, students will examine various periods of art, from classical antiquity to contemporary practices, gaining insights into the aesthetic, historical, and theoretical dimensions of visual arts.

A distinctive feature of this program is the Year Abroad, which enables students to spend a dedicated year studying at a partner university abroad. This experience enriches academic understanding by immersing students in different cultural perspectives and artistic traditions, encouraging a global approach to art history and philosophical inquiry. The Year Abroad also enhances language skills, intercultural communication, and independence, providing students with valuable skills relevant to careers in the arts, education, cultural management, and research.

The program curriculum combines lectures, seminars, practical sessions, and independent research. Core modules cover topics such as the history of European art, the philosophy of aesthetics, the ethics of art, and critical methods. Elective modules allow students to tailor their studies according to personal interests, including areas like contemporary art, digital media, and art theory. The program emphasizes critical thinking, analytical skills, and effective communication, preparing graduates for further academic research or careers in museums, galleries, arts organizations, or cultural policy.

Assessment methods include essays, presentations, exhibitions, and examinations, all designed to foster a deep understanding of the subject matter and the ability to articulate complex ideas clearly. Students are encouraged to develop their own research projects, participate in exhibitions, and attend specialist lectures and events, cultivating a vibrant intellectual community. With its combination of rigorous academic training and practical international experience, the History and Philosophy of Art with a Year Abroad program at the University of Kent equips students with the knowledge, skills, and global outlook necessary for success in the dynamic field of arts and culture.

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 abroad

If you achieve at least 60% in Stage 1, you may spend a year abroad between Stages 2 and 3, studying at one of our partner universities.

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: AAB

• 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.

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.