Course summary
The Graduate Certificate in History of Art and Architecture is an intensive conversion course designed for students with a first degree in another subject who wish to pursue a Master's degree in the history of art or architecture. On this course, you will gain the chance to work closely with internationally recognised experts who are defining the field conducting ground-breaking research in periods from medieval to contemporary and focusing on painting, sculpture, print culture, architecture, photography, digital art and museology. Our History of Art and Architecture Graduate Certificate is also enriched by museum and site visits, visiting speakers and screenings. Over the course of the Certificate you will develop skills of visual analysis, critical thinking, academic writing and research experience that will prepare you to embark on further postgraduate study, for example our MA History of Art, MA History of Architecture, MA History of Photography, MA History of Art with Curating or MA Museum Cultures. If you wish to pursue a full-time course at this level, for example if you require a student visa, you can apply for our Graduate Diploma in History of Art and Architecture. Please contact us if you are unsure about what level of study would best suit you. Highlights
- Birkbeck was ranked as one of the top four universities in the UK for its Art and Design research in the 2021 Research Excellence Framework.
- You can attend a wide range of events, including the Postgraduate Research Seminar, which brings art historians from all over the UK and beyond to speak at Birkbeck; the biennial Murray Lecture; the Murray Seminar on Medieval and Renaissance Art; the exhibitions and displays at Birkbeck's Peltz Gallery, and events at the Birkbeck Institute for the Humanities. Find out more about our staff and student activities on the Birkbeck History of Art blog or join us at one of our information evenings, held throughout the year.
- You will have access to an incredible range of resources, including the Birkbeck Library and our in-house resources centre, the British Library, specialist libraries at the University of London, Courtauld Institute of Art, Royal Institute of British Architects and V&A, as well as the visual resources of the British Museum, National Gallery, National Portrait Gallery, Tate Britain, Tate Modern, V&A, Barbican Gallery, Institute of Contemporary Arts, Hayward Gallery and Royal Academy, and many commercial galleries and salesrooms.
- We encourage you to become involved in our lively research culture through the History and Theory of Photography Research Centre, the Architecture, Space and Society Centre and the Vasari Research Centre, which has pioneered the field of digital art history.
- You will have the option to join our study trips, offered each spring. Cities visited in the last few years include Florence, Paris, Venice, Vienna, Rome, Berlin and Moscow.
- museum/gallery curator
- arts administrator
- advertising account executive
- community arts worker
- multimedia specialist
- higher education lecturer.
Modules
For information about course structure and the modules you will be studying, please visit Birkbeck’s online prospectus.
Assessment method
Assessment is based entirely around coursework (no examinations). It develops incrementally from a 2000-word essay, on to two 2500-word essays and a 2500-word research exercise. It culminates in a 5000-word extended essay based on your own research. At each stage of the programme you receive written feedback on your coursework.
How to apply
International applicants
If English is not your first language or you have not previously studied in English, our usual requirement is the equivalent of an International English Language Testing System (IELTS Academic Test) score of 6.5, with not less than 6.0 in each of the sub-tests. If you don't meet the minimum IELTS requirement, we offer pre-sessional English courses and foundation programmes to help you improve your English language skills and get your place at Birkbeck.
Entry requirements
A second-class honours degree (2:2 or above) from a UK university, or an equivalent international qualification. If you do not already hold a first degree, but believe that you are a suitable candidate for the Graduate Certificate through other experience and educational achievements, please contact the admissions tutor. Applications are reviewed on their individual merits and your professional qualifications and/or relevant work experience will be taken into consideration positively. We actively support and encourage applications from mature learners.
Fees and funding
Tuition fees
England | £3600 | Year 1 |
Northern Ireland | £3600 | Year 1 |
Scotland | £3600 | Year 1 |
Wales | £3600 | Year 1 |
International | £6610 | Year 1 |
Tuition fee status depends on a number of criteria and varies according to where in the UK you will study. For further guidance on the criteria for home or overseas tuition fees, please refer to the UKCISA website .
Additional fee information
Provider information
Birkbeck, University of London
Malet Street
Bloomsbury
London
WC1E 7HX
Course contact details
Visit our course pageBirkbeck Student Advice Service
0203 907 0700