History of Art

History of Art BSc examines the development of visual culture from ancient times to the present, exploring how art reflects societal changes, political movements, and technological advances. The programme offers a comprehensive understanding of different periods, regions, and styles, fostering critical analysis and visual literacy. Students engage with a wide range of visual materials, including paintings, sculptures, architecture, photography, and digital media, to understand their historical context and cultural significance. The curriculum combines theoretical and practical approaches, encouraging students to develop skills in connoisseurship, formal analysis, and research methodologies. Through lectures, seminars, and independent study, students gain insights into key themes such as iconography, symbolism, patronage, and conservation. The programme also emphasizes the importance of interdisciplinary perspectives, linking art history with other fields such as archaeology, anthropology, and media studies. Students have opportunities to participate in museum visits, exhibitions, and research projects to enhance their understanding of artworks in their original environments. The department's expert staff provide mentorship and support, guiding students to develop their critical and analytical skills. Graduates of the programme are well-equipped for careers in museums, galleries, auction houses, arts administration, academia, and other sectors related to visual culture. Our history of art programme at University College London stands out for its diverse and dynamic curriculum, rigorous academic standards, and commitment to fostering a global perspective on art and culture. Whether you are passionate about classical art, contemporary practices, or theoretical issues, this programme offers the knowledge and skills needed for a lifelong engagement with the arts. Join us to explore the rich visual heritage of humanity and to develop your own critical voice in the world of art history.

Students develop skills for engaging with visual materials and gain historical knowledge, enabling them to interpret artefacts in relation to their social and cultural contexts. They are introduced to current methodological debates in the field and encouraged to define their own position through reasoned historical and theoretical arguments.

Students undertake modules to the value of 180 credits.

The programme consists of a core module (30 credits), two optional modules (60 credits) and a research dissertation (90 credits).

Core modules

• Methods, Debates and Sources in History of Art

Optional modules

Options may include the following:

• Human and Non-Human in Medieval Art
• Cannibalism and the Early Modern Image
• Vision, Tourism, Imperialism: Art and Travel in the British Empire, 1760-1870
• American Media: Publicity and the Logics of Surveillance
• Politics of the Image: Germany 1890-1945
• Art as Theory: The Writing of Art
• Art and Technology in Nineteenth-Century France
• Photographic Cultures: Photography's Publics and the Production of Politics
• On Sex and Violence
• Race/Place: Exotic/Erotic
• Tracing the Body: Technologies of Representation in 18th and 19th-Century France

Dissertation/report

All MA students undertake an independent research project which culminates in a dissertation of approximately 13,000 words.

Teaching and learning

The programme is delivered through a combination of lectures, seminars, tutorials, as well as gallery and museum visits. Assessment is by two essays for each of the taught courses (six essays in all), the dissertation and a viva.

A minimum of an upper second-class Bachelor's degree in a relevant discipline from a UK university or an overseas qualification of an equivalent standard.

Financing for the History of Art program at University College London is structured through a combination of scholarships, grants, and student loans available to both domestic and international students. UCL offers a range of funding options to support students financially throughout their studies. Prospective students are encouraged to explore the UCL Scholarships database, which provides details on departmental, undergraduate, postgraduate, and international scholarship opportunities. These scholarships are often merit-based, considering academic achievements, or need-based, assessing the financial circumstances of applicants.

In addition to UCL-specific funding, students can apply for external bursaries and fellowships from organizations dedicated to supporting arts and humanities students. For example, the Arts and Humanities Research Council (AHRC) offers grants and funding opportunities that may support postgraduate research in History of Art. International students may also explore funding options provided by their home governments or foreign cultural institutions, which offer scholarships for studying in the UK.

UCL participates in the UK Student Loan Scheme, allowing eligible students to access government loans to cover tuition fees and living costs. The Student Finance UK provides loans and grants to UK residents, which are repayable after graduation once the student’s income exceeds a specified threshold. For international students, financing is typically more reliant on external scholarships and personal funding, as UK government loans are generally unavailable to non-UK residents.

Students interested in part-time work during their studies can find employment opportunities within UCL's numerous departments, research centers, and administrative offices. These roles not only provide financial assistance but also valuable professional experience related to their field of study. UCL's Careers Service offers guidance on securing part-time jobs, internships, and work placements aligned with students’ academic pursuits.

Additionally, some students may consider applying for Graduate Teaching Assistant (GTA) or research assistant positions if enrolled in postgraduate studies. Such positions usually come with a salary that can help offset living expenses while gaining practical teaching or research experience.

Overall, financing a History of Art degree at UCL involves leveraging a mix of internal scholarships, external funding sources, government loans, and part-time work options, enabling students to manage their finances effectively and focus on their academic and professional development.

The History of Art program at University College London (UCL) offers students an in-depth exploration of the visual arts from ancient to contemporary times. This multidisciplinary degree combines rigorous academic study with practical analysis, enabling students to develop comprehensive knowledge of art history's key periods, genres, and cultural contexts. Throughout the course, students engage with a variety of methodological approaches, such as formal analysis, iconography, and cultural history, to interpret artworks and understand their significance within historical frameworks. The program is designed to foster critical thinking, research skills, and a deep appreciation for the development of visual culture across different societies and eras.

Students have access to UCL's extensive libraries and art collections, including the Petrie Museum of Egyptian Archaeology, providing unique opportunities for hands-on research and study. The curriculum typically includes modules on Renaissance and Baroque art, modern and contemporary art, Asian and Islamic art, as well as specialized topics like art and politics, gender studies in art, and digital approaches to art history. Teaching methods include lectures, seminars, seminars, practical sessions, and independent study, encouraging active engagement and intellectual curiosity.

The program also emphasizes the importance of contextual understanding, encouraging students to analyze artworks within political, social, and economic frameworks. Field trips, exhibitions, and collaborations with museums and galleries further enrich the learning experience. Many graduates find successful careers in museums, galleries, auction houses, academia, cultural policy, and arts journalism. The degree is particularly suited to students with a keen interest in visual culture, critical analysis, and a desire to contribute to the understanding and preservation of artistic heritage across cultures and periods. Overall, the History of Art program at UCL prepares students for both advanced research and professional opportunities within the arts sector, fostering a broad, analytical, and internationally informed perspective on art history.