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Art History at Birkbeck, University of London - UCAS

Course options

2026 - 2027
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Course summary

This art history course, from which you will gain either a Graduate Certificate or Graduate Diploma, is designed to introduce you to the study of art history, particularly if you are a graduate from another discipline. It will prepare you for postgraduate study if you wish to pursue your studies further in this area, and will deepen your understanding of this fascinating subject. Why choose this course?

  • This course is taught by world-leading researchers who will support and challenge you as you develop as an art historian.
  • It will strengthen your understanding of the visual arts and its expression of ideas and values in different times and places.
  • It will enable you to gain high-level academic experience to continue on to postgraduate courses in art history, and has previously provided a swift and successful route for students with degrees already in science, social science and other humanities disciplines.
What you will learn On this course, you will engage with the visual, material and cultural attributes of art objects across a range of different media and contexts. Your studies begin with a core module that introduces you to the key skills and approaches of the art historian. You will then be able to tailor your course choosing from specialist-led option modules that allow you to focus on a particular period of interest in more depth. Through your coursework choices, you will have the opportunity to develop your own research project and your own voice as an art historian. How you will learn This course is designed to foster your intellectual independence and research skills within a supportive environment that emphasises exchange with your tutor and fellow students. You will be taught via interactive lectures and seminars supported by rich online resources via our virtual learning environment. You will also be supported by a personal tutor and will have access to additional learning development covering everything from IT skills to academic writing. This course is available to study full- or part-time with classes taking place in the evening. 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.
  • The teaching and research of history of art was established more than half a century ago at Birkbeck. Our Gordon Square building - once home to members of the Bloomsbury Group - houses the Jo Spence Archive and Peltz Gallery and hosts the leading journal History of Photography. Our research centres, including the Centre for Museum Cultures and the Murray Centre for History of Art, Architecture and Photography, play a crucial role in generating and disseminating new knowledge.
  • We offer information evenings for prospective students interested in our history of art courses throughout the year. As well as regular gallery and museum visits, we offer an exciting study trip abroad every spring.
  • We typically have some bursary funding available from our annual application to the Royal Female School of Art Foundation, which supports undergraduate students who are experiencing short-term financial hardship.
Careers and employability On successfully graduating from this course, you will have gained an array of important transferable skills, including:
  • a sophisticated use of written and spoken English
  • highly developed visual skills
  • an advanced critical ability in understanding and applying complex theories
  • strong skills and initiative in collecting and organising complex materials and writing up clear, well-presented assignments and fluent critical arguments.
Graduates can pursue career paths in a variety of fields, particularly where progression on to postgraduate study is valued, including:
  • the museums and heritage sectors
  • arts management
  • conservation and policy
  • arts publishing and media
  • research and academia.

Modules

For information about course structure and the modules you will be studying, please visit Birkbeck’s online prospectus.

Assessment method

Coursework consisting of essays, including a 5000-word extended essay, research exercises and a research portfolio. Across the course you will build from a short visual-analysis-based essay through to longer pieces of writing and ultimately your own, self-devised research essay on a topic of your choice. You will be guided on this learning journey by a personal tutor and detailed, supportive feedback on each piece of work you submit. See individual modules for specific assessment details for each module.

How to apply

International applicants

If English is not your first language or you have not previously studied in English, the requirement for this course 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 either the Certificate or Diploma 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

No fee information has been provided for this course

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

To be confirmed
Art History at Birkbeck, University of London - UCAS