History of Art

History of Art at University College London offers a comprehensive and in-depth exploration of visual culture from ancient to contemporary times. This programme is designed for students who are passionate about understanding the development, context, and significance of art across different periods, regions, and cultures. Students will engage with a diverse range of topics, including the analysis of artistic techniques, the socio-political influences on art production, and the interpretation of visual materials in their historical settings.

The course provides a rigorous academic framework that combines theoretical knowledge with practical skills in visual analysis, research methodologies, and critical thinking. Throughout the programme, students will have the opportunity to study a variety of art forms, including painting, sculpture, architecture, and new media, and to understand their cultural and historical contexts. The curriculum is structured to foster a deep appreciation of the interconnectedness of art, history, and society, encouraging students to develop an analytical approach to visual culture.

Students will benefit from UCL’s world-class academic staff, renowned for their research and expertise in the field of art history. The programme also emphasizes experiential learning, with access to excellent museum collections, online resources, and potential opportunities for research trips and internships. Graduates will be equipped with transferable skills such as critical analysis, detailed research, and effective communication, preparing them for careers in academia, curation, arts management, publishing, and beyond.

The flexible structure of the degree allows students to tailor their studies according to their interests, including options for projects, dissertations, and interdisciplinary approaches. Whether you are interested in the art of classical civilizations, medieval manuscripts, Renaissance masterpieces, or contemporary visual culture, this programme offers a solid foundation and the tools necessary for a lifelong engagement with the history of art. Join UCL’s History of Art programme and immerse yourself in the fascinating world of visual expression across centuries and cultures.

In each year of your degree you will take a number of individual modules, normally valued at 0.5 or 1.0 credits, adding up to a total of 4.0 credits for the year. Modules are assessed in the academic year in which they are taken. The balance of compulsory and optional modules varies from programme to programme and year to year. A 1.0 credit is considered equivalent to 15 credits in the European Credit Transfer System (ECTS).

The programme begins with introductory modules in History of Art and its Objects and a foundation course in history of art, together with thematic seminars. You will continue with modules set mainly within two chosen periods in the second year, and in the final year you will select special subjects offered within the department.

You will also take modules in a subsidiary subject (anthropology, archaeology, history or philosophy) to help build a solid foundation to comprehend visual culture, both past and present.

In the final year you will write a dissertation, involving independent research.

A levels

Grades

AAA-ABB

Subjects

No specific subjects, though essay-based subjects are an advantage.

GCSEs

English Language at grade B, plus Mathematics at grade C. For UK-based students a foreign language at grade B is required.

IB Diploma

Points

34-38

Subjects

A score of 16-17 points in three higher level subjects, with no score lower than 5. A minimum of grade 4 is required at standard level in a modern language.

The University College London offers a range of financing options to support students enrolled in its History of Art undergraduate and postgraduate programs. Tuition fees vary depending on the student's domicile status, with UK residents typically paying lower fees compared to international students. For UK students, tuition fees are approximately £9,250 per year, while international students may pay around £21,000 per year. These fees are subject to annual increases and may differ for part-time study or specific courses.

UCL provides several scholarship programs aimed at reducing financial burdens for eligible students. The UCL Undergraduate Bursary scheme offers non-repayable financial support based on household income, helping students from less privileged backgrounds to afford their studies. Additionally, the UCL Gates Cambridge Scholarships, Chevening Scholarships, and Commonwealth Scholarships are available for international students, offering full or partial funding for tuition, living expenses, and travel costs. Prospective students are encouraged to visit the UCL Scholarships and Funding webpage to explore detailed eligibility criteria and application procedures.

Apart from scholarships, students can access government financial aid and loan schemes. UK students may be eligible for tuition fee loans and maintenance loans through Student Finance England, which can cover tuition costs and living expenses over the duration of their studies. International students are advised to seek funding from their home countries or private sources, as UK government loans are generally not available to them.

UCL also provides work-study options and part-time employment opportunities on campus, allowing students to earn supplementary income during their studies. The university's Careers Service offers guidance on securing part-time work, internships, and placements relevant to students' academic interests and career goals.

Students are encouraged to apply early for financial assistance and to thoroughly review the specific funding opportunities available for their particular course and student status. Planning finances carefully and exploring all available options can significantly ease the financial challenges of university education. Overall, while studying at UCL involves substantial financial commitments, the university's comprehensive support network and funding schemes aim to make higher education accessible and affordable for both domestic and international students pursuing degrees in History of Art.

The History of Art programme at University College London offers an in-depth exploration of artistic developments across different periods, cultures, and regions. This undergraduate degree is designed to provide students with a comprehensive understanding of visual culture, emphasizing critical analysis and contextual understanding of artworks. The curriculum covers a broad spectrum of art historical topics, ranging from ancient to contemporary art, and includes specialized modules focusing on different geographical areas such as Western art, Asian art, African art, and beyond. Students are encouraged to engage with diverse methodologies, including formal analysis, iconography, and socio-political interpretations, to develop a well-rounded perspective on the significance and impact of art throughout history.

Throughout the course, students benefit from access to UCL's extensive collections and resources, including the UCL Art Collection and the university’s libraries with comprehensive holdings in art history. The programme also emphasizes practical skills, such as visual analysis, research, and academic writing, preparing graduates for careers in museums, galleries, art criticism, curation, and academia. The assessments include essays, presentations, and examinations, fostering critical thinking and articulate communication. The department's distinguished faculty, with expertise spanning various periods and regions of art history, provide mentorship and guidance, ensuring a rich academic environment.

Furthermore, the university encourages interdisciplinary learning, allowing students to combine their art history studies with other fields such as archaeology, history, and anthropology. Opportunities for studying abroad and participating in internships are also available, enriching students’ educational experience and enhancing their professional prospects. The programme aims to cultivate an understanding of the cultural, social, and political contexts that shape artistic production, fostering a nuanced appreciation of art's role in human history. Graduates emerge with a critical eye, informed knowledge, and the skills necessary to analyze and interpret visual material within a global and historically informed framework.