Course summary
Art and the history of art complement one another perfectly. Whilst developing your practical knowledge and skills at Reading School of Art, you can explore the theories and ideas behind different periods and styles of art with our BA Art and History of Art. The first year of this course gives you a broad art foundation, encouraging you to experiment with a wide range of subjects and media. You can explore casting, welding, printing making and digital and technical media as well as more traditional approaches. Modules in Contemporary Art Theory and History of Art complement your core practical learning. Studying history of art will give you an insight into past societies and the different media they used to express themselves. You will consider painting, sculpture, photography, architecture and the decorative arts across a range of periods. You will receive your own dedicated studio space, accessible 24 hours a day and 7 days a week. We focus heavily on exhibitions, and regular field trips to national and international museums, art institutions and galleries will give you the chance to consider the diverse conditions in which art is created, displayed and received. Throughout this course you will have lots of opportunity to gain professional experience by taking part in your own exhibitions, public art commissions and events. Debate and constructive criticism are actively encouraged and you will openly discuss your work with peers and teaching staff. After your first year you will be assigned a studio tutor and focus on developing your individual and professional practice, working towards your final project and dissertation in the final year. Placements and collaborations are actively encouraged and there is also the chance to experience life in another country. You can also learn a modern language to complement the study abroad option your third year. Throughout your degree you will receive advice and guidance in career development. Placement You are encouraged to work with different artists and designers in hosting events and exhibitions. Previous external exhibitions have included Urban Utopia, a partnership between Fine Art and Deutsche Bank, and an exhibition at the Beaconsfield Gallery in London. You are also expected to undertake placement opportunities. Past students have enjoyed internships at Studio Voltaire and Frieze Art Fair. Others have performed at the ICA, taken part in an Arts Council-supported film project at the Museum of English Rural Life, and participated in an international exhibition at the Seoul Institute of Arts in South Korea. Regular field trips to national and international museums, art institutions and galleries allow you to consider the diverse conditions in which art is displayed and received. There are also many opportunities for you to apply to study abroad: Reading School of Art has links with universities in countries such as the USA, Canada, Australia, Taiwan, France, Switzerland and Finland.
Modules
The following modules have been approved in principle for delivery for 2024/25. Please note that as part of our current curriculum improvement process, all modules require final University approval and may be subject to change. Core modules:
- Art Studio
- History of Art 1
- History of Art 2
- Drawing
- Presenting the Past: An Introduction to Museum Studies
- Art Studio 2
- History of Art 3
- History of Art 4
- Art Studio 2b
- Situated Art Practice
- Art Studio 3b
- History of Art Dissertation
How to apply
This is the deadline for applications to be completed and sent for this course. If the university or college still has places available you can apply after this date, but your application is not guaranteed to be considered.
Application codes
- Course code:
- VW31
- Institution code:
- R12
- Campus name:
- Main Site
- Campus code:
- -
Points of entry
The following entry points are available for this course:
- Year 1
Entry requirements
Qualification requirements
UCAS Tariff - Not accepted
A level - BBB
Pearson BTEC Level 3 National Extended Diploma (first teaching from September 2016) - DDM
Access to HE Diploma - D: 18 credits M: 27 credits
Scottish Higher - ABBBB
International Baccalaureate Diploma Programme - 30 points
Extended Project - B
Cambridge International Pre-U Certificate - Principal - M2, M2, M2
GCSE/National 4/National 5
T Level - M
Contextual offers for this programme are typically two grades beneath our standard entry requirement, e.g. BCC.
Additional entry requirements
Interview
Portfolio
English language requirements
Test | Grade | Additional details |
---|---|---|
IELTS (Academic) | 6.5 | We require a minimum score of 6.5 overall with at least 5.5 in each element of the test (Listening, Speaking, Reading and Writing). |
TOEFL (iBT) | 88 | We require a minimum score of 88 overall with no less than 17 in Listening and Writing, 18 in Reading and 20 in Speaking. |
Cambridge English Advanced | B | We require a grade B or a score of 176 overall with no element less than 162. |
Cambridge English Proficiency | C | We require a grade C or a score of 176 overall with no element less than 162. |
PTE Academic | 69 | We require a minimum score of 69 overall with at least 59 in each element of the test (Listening, Speaking, Reading and Writing). |
Institution's Own Test | Test of English for Educational Purposes (TEEP). We require a minimum score of 6.5 overall with at least 5.5 in each element of the test (Listening, Speaking, Reading and Writing). | |
Trinity ISE | Merit | We require a Merit in each element from ISE II. If you take ISE III or ISE IV, we require a Pass in each element. |
Full list of acceptable English Language Tests
Student Outcomes
The number of student respondents and response rates can be important in interpreting the data – it is important to note your experience may be different from theirs. This data will be based on the subject area rather than the specific course. Read more about this data on the Discover Uni website.
Fees and funding
Tuition fees
England | £9250 | Year 1 |
Northern Ireland | £9250 | Year 1 |
Scotland | £9250 | Year 1 |
Wales | £9250 | Year 1 |
Channel Islands | £9250 | Year 1 |
Republic of Ireland | £9250 | Year 1 |
EU | £22350 | Year 1 |
International | £22350 | 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
University of Reading
Whiteknights House
PO Box 217
Reading
RG6 6AH