Course summary

History of Art is a way of unlocking the past through material culture and understanding the process of human creativity itself. Discover art and visual culture through a broad range of perspectives, such as social history, global art, philosophy, anthropology, feminism and religion. You will have access to original works, a dedicated fine art library and collection of resources in the Barber Institute of Fine Arts, our acclaimed public gallery on-campus. Here you will find works by Botticelli, Van Gogh, Monet, Magritte, Degas, Gwen John, Vigée LeBrun and Rodin. Study trips play an exciting part in your degree and include visits to galleries and museums in the UK and abroad. A highlight is the University-funded trip to a major European centre of artistic importance, where you have the opportunity to examine works of art and architecture in situ. Previous study trips have been to Rome, Prague, Berlin and Paris and are led by staff with specific research interests in the city. The trip provides a great opportunity to get to know your entire year group in an informal and inspiring setting. Why study this course? The Golovine – An official blog for the Department of Art History, Curating and Visual Studies at the University of Birmingham. You will be able to contribute to the blog regularly as part of the course. Read it to get an exclusive insight into topics including what it’s like studying at Birmingham, former student successes, research conducted and commentaries on art news. University-funded trips - Gallery study trips are organised in the West Midlands and London, and you can enjoy a week-long, University-funded trip to a major European city in your second year. You might also choose to study abroad for one year or one semester during your degree. Our exchange universities include Melbourne University in Australia, Lund University in Sweden and Leiden University in the Netherlands. Great employability prospects - 85% of our History of Art graduates in employment or further education 15 months after completion of their degree with £24,500 average earnings (Graduate Outcomes 2023). You will have the opportunity to apply for our funded arts internships with the Barber Institute of Fine Arts, or with other local cultural organisations. On-campus gallery - Teaching regularly takes place in our working gallery on campus, The Barber Institute of Fine Arts, which is home to a dedicated fine art library and world-class collection. Seminars and events are held here, which really help to deepen your understanding and expand your knowledge of the museum and heritage sector following our hands-on approach. A city brimming with culture - The city of Birmingham hosts many art venues and cultural festivals. You will find a thriving underground arts scene, edgy contemporary pieces in the Ikon Gallery, and stunning traditional works in the Birmingham Museum and Art Gallery, which houses the largest collection of pre-Raphaelite artwork in the world. Top 10 for History of Art in the Guardian University Guide 2023 4th for History of Art in The Times and Sunday Times Good University Guide 2023 Top 10 for History of Art in the Complete University Guide 2023