BA (Hons) in Art History (with Foundation Year), Birkbeck, University of London

London,

48 Months

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About this course

Our BA Art History provides a chance to explore visual arts as a vital part of human culture in an engaging, accessible, and flexible manner. Taught by world-leading scholars, the course makes use of London's rich art collections, monuments, and study facilities. It offers a broad understanding of artworks in their cultural and political contexts, with a focus on images' roles within society. The curriculum encompasses diverse media, including architecture, installation, exhibitions, print culture, and digital media alongside painting, sculpture, and photography. Learning methods include interactive lectures, seminars, and visits to galleries and museums, supported by rich online resources. Students can choose full-time or part-time study, with evening classes designed to accommodate working students or those with other commitments.

Why this course is highly recommended

This course is highly valued for its rich and dynamic approach to art history, covering a wide range of media and periods, from medieval to contemporary. Students benefit from teaching by experienced, published scholars and from the opportunity to engage with London's exceptional art collections and study facilities. The course's flexibility—offering both full-time and part-time options, including evening classes—makes it suitable for a variety of students, especially those balancing other commitments. Additionally, the course's alumni have progressed to notable careers in museums, galleries, and cultural sectors, underlining its practical relevance.

Specialisation

The course offers additional pathways for students to specialise, including Art History and Language (with languages such as French, German, Italian, Japanese, Korean, Spanish), and Art History with Curating. These pathways allow students to tailor their studies based on their interests and career ambitions, combining visual arts with language skills or curatorial expertise.

Course fees

Application fees

19.06L

1st year tuition fees

19.06L

Living cost

Degree requirements

Students must complete modules worth 360 credits across typically three years full-time or four years part-time. The curriculum includes compulsory modules such as Debates in Art History, Doing Art History, and a dissertation. Students undertake a mix of lectures, seminars, and assessments like essays and presentations. Options modules cover diverse topics like Art in London, Art and Society, and specialized subjects at advanced levels.

English language test

DUOLINGO

TOEFL

PTE

IELTS

6.5

Career prospects

Graduates emerge with transferable skills including critical analysis, fluent communication, and research capabilities. They can pursue careers in arts management, conservation, education, marketing, publishing, museums and heritage sectors, as well as research and academia. Past graduates have taken roles as curators, museum leaders, campaign managers, and course programmers, reflecting the course’s strong linkage to practical cultural and arts sectors.

FAQs

Can I study this course part-time?

Yes, the course is available for part-time study in both four-year and six-year formats, allowing flexibility for students who juggle other commitments.

Are there options for studying with a Foundation Year?

Absolutely. The course offers full-time and part-time routes with Foundation Year, which supports students returning to study or lacking previous relevant qualifications.