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

London,

48 Months

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About this course

This degree offers a rich study of art history combined with a modern language of your choice, such as French, German, Italian, Japanese, Korean, or Spanish. You'll explore the cultural and political contexts of artworks, buildings, and exhibitions while developing critical thinking, writing, research, and visual analysis skills. The course makes creative use of galleries, museums, and facilities in London and beyond, with an annual study trip abroad. Art history topics encompass architecture, installation, print culture, digital media, painting, sculpture, and photography, taught by experienced and published experts from medieval to contemporary periods. The language component aims to bring you to a high level of competence and cultural understanding in your chosen language, starting from beginner or native speaker levels. The degree prepares students for emerging careers in the arts, alongside options for postgraduate study.

Why this course is highly recommended

This course is ideal if you're passionate about both art history and languages, offering an engaging connection between cultural understanding and visual analysis. The use of London’s art institutions and international study trips enrich your learning experience. The flexible modules, expert teaching staff, and diverse language options—important for global careers—make it a standout choice. The programme prepares you for a range of careers within the arts, curation, policy, education, and research fields, supported by a strong careers service. Its combination of creative, cultural, and linguistic skills makes it highly relevant for those seeking a dynamic and multidisciplinary arts education.

Specialisation

Students can specialise in their chosen language, with options to pursue a pathway in French, German, Italian, Japanese, Korean, or Spanish. They can choose from various modules at different levels, including art history options from medieval to modern periods, and culture-specific courses like cinema, literature, and urban experience. The programme is flexible to suit individual interests, with the possibility of completing a language pathway by taking multiple modules from the same language. There are also opportunities for more focused pathways such as Curating, which can deepen your arts management expertise.

Course fees

Application fees

19.06L

1st year tuition fees

19.06L

Living cost

Degree requirements

To graduate, students must complete modules worth 360 credits over the study period. For full-time students, this involves completing compulsory modules like Doing Art History, The Artwork in History, Debates in Art History, along with language modules and art history options. Depending on your pathway, you can graduate with distinctions such as BA Art History with French, German, Italian, Japanese, or Spanish if you complete more than 150 credits in one language. Part-time pathways extend over six years, spreading credits across more years, while foundation routes include an extra year of study before entering the main degree program.

English language test

DUOLINGO

IELTS

6.5

TOEFL

PTE

Career prospects

Graduates from this programme pursue careers in arts management, conservation, policy work, education, marketing, publishing, and the museum and heritage sectors. Alumni have held roles such as Head of Learning at the Design Museum, Curator at Tate Modern and Tate Britain, and positions at museums and arts organizations worldwide. The degree’s multidisciplinary focus, combining language and art history, also opens doors for postgraduate education or careers in research, curation, or arts administration. The programme’s strong industry links and career service support aim to prepare students for the evolving arts landscape.

FAQs

Can I start the language at beginner level?

Yes, the course is suitable for all levels, from complete beginners to native speakers, in French, German, Italian, Japanese, or Spanish. Korean is available starting at beginner level.

What is the duration of the programmes?

The full-time courses last three years, while part-time options extend up to six years, depending on your pathway and study mode.

Are there opportunities for study abroad or field trips?

Yes, the programme includes a study trip abroad every spring, and modules are designed to make creative use of galleries, museums, and other cultural facilities.