BA (Hons) in Art History and Language (French, German, Italian, Japanese, Korean, Spanish), Birkbeck, University of London

London,

36 Months

Check Eligibility

About this course

This course offers a unique blend of art history and modern language studies, giving you the chance to develop critical thinking, writing, historical research, and visual analysis skills. You'll explore the cultural and political contexts of artworks, buildings, and exhibitions, considering the role of images within society. The modules make creative use of art galleries, museums, and facilities in London and abroad, including a study trip every spring. Art history is taught as a dynamic subject covering architecture, installation, exhibitions, print culture, and media, taught by experienced researchers. The language component allows you to reach high proficiency in your chosen language—French, German, Italian, Japanese, Korean, or Spanish—and study its cultures, whether you start as a beginner or native speaker. Korean is offered from beginner level, and the final degree will be awarded 'with' the specific language if you study from beginner to intermediate levels.

Why this course is highly recommended

If you're interested in combining arts with language expertise, this course offers a rich, multidisciplinary experience. It is taught by a prestigious team of researchers and experienced teachers, with strong research-led teaching and opportunities to engage with galleries, museums, and study trips abroad. The flexibility of starting at beginner or native levels in multiple languages, combined with innovative modules exploring art history broadly— from medieval to contemporary— makes it ideal for students aiming for careers in arts management, curation, education, and research. The course's structure supports diverse career paths in arts, conservation, and academia, backed by strong industry links and a dedicated careers service.

Specialisation

Students can choose a language pathway such as French, German, Italian, Japanese, Korean, or Spanish, starting at their current level. The program includes core modules, research projects, and optional modules at Level 5 and Level 6—covering art movements, societal themes, and culture-specific modules. There's also an option to graduate with an interdisciplinary focus in areas like urban experience, cinema, or literature, depending on your interest. The program is flexible enough to accommodate complete beginners or native speakers, with Korean offered from the beginner level. A maximum of three modules from a single language will form your language pathway, and your coursework can include a dissertation and research portfolios.

Course fees

Application fees

19.06L

1st year tuition fees

19.06L

Living cost

Degree requirements

To graduate, students must complete modules totaling 360 credits over the course duration, which varies between full-time and part-time pathways. Yearly modules include core modules like Doing Art History, The Artwork in History, Debates in Art History, alongside language modules starting from beginner or proficiency levels. Year 3 features a research portfolio and artifact-specific modules, culminating in a dissertation. For students focusing on a specific language pathway, completing more than 150 credits in that language will grant a 'with' degree. Part-time students spread their credits over a longer period, including foundation years, which prepare those with no prior study in the subject.

English language test

DUOLINGO

IELTS

6.5

TOEFL

PTE

Career prospects

Graduates from this program can expect to work in arts management, conservation, museums, galleries, education, and arts publishing. Past alumni have held positions such as Head of Learning at the Design Museum, Curator at Tate Modern, Curatorial Assistant at the San Francisco Museum of Modern Art, and roles in heritage organizations and cultural institutions. The program's strong emphasis on research, curation, and cultural understanding helps students pursue careers within the arts sector, or progress into postgraduate studies for further specialization.

FAQs

Can I study this course part-time?

Yes, the course is available as both part-time and full-time options, with pathways spanning from 3 to 6 years, depending on your preference and schedule.

What languages can I choose?

Students can select French, German, Italian, Japanese, Korean, or Spanish. Korean is offered from beginner level only, and students can start at any proficiency level.

Are study trips abroad included?

Yes, a study trip abroad is included every spring, offering practical experience and cultural immersion, though students are responsible for expenses like travel and accommodation.