History of Art (with a Foundation Year)

History of Art with Foundation Year at the University of East Anglia offers a comprehensive and engaging introduction to the study of visual culture from ancient times to the present day. This programme is designed for students who have a passion for art, design, and visual history but may not yet meet the direct entry requirements for a standard degree. The Foundation Year provides essential skills in critical thinking, research, and academic writing, preparing students for successful university study in the arts. Throughout the course, students explore a wide range of topics including painting, sculpture, architecture, and contemporary visual practices, gaining a deep understanding of the cultural, social, and historical contexts that have shaped art over centuries.

The degree programme combines rigorous academic study with practical engagement, encouraging students to develop their analytical abilities and their own perspective on art and its significance. In addition to traditional lectures and seminars, students participate in gallery visits, workshops, and collaborative projects, enriching their learning experience. The curriculum covers various periods and regions, offering a global perspective on art history, from classical antiquity to modern and contemporary art movements. Students also learn about the technologies and methodologies used in art curation, conservation, and digital humanities, equipping them with a broad skill set suitable for diverse careers.

Graduates of this programme are well-prepared for further postgraduate study or careers in museums, galleries, cultural heritage sectors, education, and media. The Foundation Year serves as a solid foundation that enhances academic skills and confidence, enabling students to thrive in the later stages of their degree. The vibrant university community and dedicated faculty ensure an intellectually stimulating environment where students' curiosity and creativity are nurtured. If you are interested in exploring the rich world of visual culture and developing a critical understanding of art’s role in society, the History of Art with Foundation Year programme at UEA provides an excellent starting point for your academic and professional journey.

Detailed Course Facts

• EUR 10560 Year (EEA)
• EUR 14600 Year (Non-EEA)

• English

Course Content

Year 1

Level 0: The Foundation Year is an intensive course where you will study alongside students who aim to progress on to a variety of degree programmes within the Faculty of Arts and Humanities. With an average of 18 guided learning hours per week you will participate in lectures, seminars, reading and study groups, as well as visits to organisations such as the East Anglian Film Archive and the Sainsbury Centre for Visual Arts. You will also be given individual tutorial support to ensure you are reaching your full potential and are able to progress on to the full honours programme with confidence.

Over the course of the year you will be introduced to a wide range of academic subjects such as literature, history, philosophy, film, television and media, American studies, politics and the history of art. You will gain a foundational knowledge of many of the concepts, methods and techniques you will study in more detail at level 1 and above. In addition, you will develop a wide range of transferable skills in areas such as written and verbal communication, research, collegiality, time-management and language skills which will significantly enhance your employability in the future.

Year 2

Level 1: During the second year, lecture modules examine artistic techniques, materials and identities, as well as key themes and methods of interpretation in the history of art, and are complemented by a range of seminar modules which address art and architecture in particular cultures and periods. You may also take a language module.

Year 3

Level 2: In the third year lecture modules focus on art’s relationship to performance and display, before exploring different methodological approaches to art-historical analysis from the eighteenth century through to the most up-to-date theories. Optional modules in the second year allow you to develop your pre-existing interests, or to engage with cultures and art forms which may be new to you.

Year 4

Level 3: In your final year teaching is entirely through small-group seminar modules which involve the advanced and in-depth study of particular cultures and art forms. As in the first and second years, modules can be chosen according to your own interests. The 9,000-word dissertation, on a topic of your own choice and supervised by at least one member of the faculty, represents an important part of the final year and introduces you to the skills of academic enquiry, research and writing needed for postgraduate study.

During the Foundation Year you will be assessed in a variety of ways which will allow you to exercise different learning styles and familiarise yourself with the format and expectations of assessment in Higher Education. There will be a strong emphasis on formative assessment with feedback on drafts of written work and group tutorials which will help you to clearly see how you can improve and develop, enabling you to learn from your peers as well as teaching staff. This in turn will help you to build confidence in your abilities and become a more independent learner.

Your progress will be monitored through individual tutorials to ensure that you are happy on the course and achieving your full potential. You need to achieve a minimum of 40% overall with a pass in all modules in order to progress on to the History of Art programme. At levels 1, 2 and 3 key issues and ideas are introduced in lectures given by all members of faculty. These are accompanied by more specialist study, undertaken in small groups. You will be assessed at the end of each semester on the basis of coursework, and at the end of each year by coursework. In your final year, you will write a dissertation on a topic of your choice and with the advice of tutors. There is no final examination. Your final degree result is determined by the marks you receive in Years 3 and 4.

English Language Requirements

IELTS band : 6.5 TOEFL iBT® test : 92

To study at this university, you have to speak English. We advice you to

Requirements

• A Level: CCC
• International Baccalaureate: 28 Points
• Scottish Highers: Please contact institution for further information
• Scottish Advanced Highers: Please contact institution for further information
• Irish Leaving Certificate: Please contact institution for further information
• Access Course: Please contact institution for further information
• HND: Please contact institution for further information
• European Baccalaureate: 60% overall

Students for whom English is a Foreign language

We welcome applications from students from all academic backgrounds. We require evidence of proficiency in English (including writing, speaking, listening and reading). Recognised English Language qualifications include:

• IELTS: 6.5 overall (minimum of 6.0 in Reading and Writing and no less than 5.5 in any component)
• TOEFL: Internet-based score of 92 overall (minimum 20 in Speaking component, 19 in Writing, 18 in Listening components and 20 in Reading components.
• PTE: 62 overall (minimum 55 in Reading and Writing and 51 in any component).

If you do not meet the University's entry requirements, our INTO Language Learning Centre offers a range of university preparation courses to help you develop the high level of academic and English skills necessary for successful undergraduate study

Interviews

The majority of candidates will not be called for an interview. However, for some students an interview will be requested. These are normally quite informal and generally cover topics such as your current studies, reasons for choosing the course and your personal interests and extra-curricular activities.

Gap Year

We welcome applications from students who have already taken or intend to take a gap year, believing that a year between school and university can be of substantial benefit. You are advised to indicate your reason for wishing to defer entry and may wish to contact the appropriate Admissions Office directly to discuss this further.

Intakes

The School's annual intake is in September of each year.

Alternative Qualifications

If you are studying the BTEC National Diploma please contact us for further information.

We encourage you to apply if you have alternative qualifications equivalent to our stated entry requirements. Please contact us for further information.

GCSE Offer

All applicants are required to have a minimum of 5 GCSE's including GCSE English language and Mathematics (or equivalent) at a minimum of Grade C.

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 East Anglia.

The History of Art (with Foundation Year) program at the University of East Anglia offers students a comprehensive introduction to the study of visual culture, from ancient to modern times. The foundation year provides a valuable preparatory period, allowing students to develop essential skills in visual analysis, contextual understanding, and research methodologies, ensuring they are well-equipped to undertake advanced studies in the discipline. The program covers a wide range of topics, including Western art history, non-Western artistic traditions, and contemporary visual practices. Students have the opportunity to explore various mediums such as painting, sculpture, architecture, photography, and digital media, gaining a broad understanding of the evolving nature of art across different periods and cultures. The curriculum emphasizes critical thinking, interpretative skills, and the ability to engage with complex visual material analytically.

Throughout the program, students benefit from the expertise of experienced academic staff, who are active researchers and practitioners in their fields. The university’s facilities include dedicated art history libraries, digital archives, and access to museum collections, enriching the learning experience. The program also offers practical components, such as exhibitions, field trips to art galleries and historical sites, and collaborative projects, fostering a hands-on approach to understanding art within its cultural and historical contexts.

Graduates of the program are well-prepared for careers in museums, art galleries, cultural heritage organizations, education, and further postgraduate studies. The foundation year acts as a bridge, ensuring students without previous relevant qualifications can successfully join the degree course and develop the necessary academic foundation over the initial year. The University of East Anglia’s vibrant arts community and strong links with cultural institutions provide additional opportunities for networking, work placements, and exhibitions, supporting students’ future career aspirations. Overall, this program combines rigorous academic training with practical experience, fostering a deep appreciation and critical understanding of the rich and diverse world of visual art.