Art History & Visual Culture BA

What was the first form of art? What can we learn through art and visual culture? How can art have an impact on your life?

This is your opportunity to explore both the history of art and more recent ideas of the visualextending the analysis of visual forms from the historical right through to areas of contemporary practice.

In the process, you will develop critical analysis skills which are both essential in todays job market and will provide personal enlightenment.

Youll be taken on a fascinating creative journey, beginning in the first year with an exploration of photography, media and communications and world cultural history. Rooted in the American liberal arts tradition, at Richmond youll experience a broad range of subjects, from Scientific Reasoning to Visual Thinking, all of which will hone your critical thinking.

The second year will focus on how art changes across cultures, and its impact on our economy, health and wellbeing, society and education, setting the visual arts in their wider cultural and political contexts.

Our introduction to visual culture will enable you to explore everything from the history and theory of painting and sculpture to print, photography, film, advertising and fashion, developing your communication and research skills.

London becomes the second classroom in year three, as youll explore a variety of arts and visual cultures, from pre-history to the present, in the world- leading museums and art galleries which are on the doorstep. Field trips to art centres in the UK and abroad will extend your perspective.

Themes in Contemporary US Art, Cultural Theory, History of Design and Working in the Art World are all core topics in the second half of this programme.

Take your pick from some exciting electives which include Questioning Renaissance Art, Fashion and Media, and Film in the Americas.

Were proud to offer a strong element of professional practice in this programme, through our teaching approach and our emphasis on the importance of gaining practical experience. The course Working in the Art World explores the creative and cultural industries in London and an internship is offered within a leading arts or creative organisation, to improve your employability after graduation.

As with all of our programmes at Richmond, youll be able to study one programme and gain two degrees, one from the UK and one from the US.

At Richmond our undergraduate degree programmes, which are based on the US educational approach, are offered on a four year pathway. Every undergraduate degree student will first enter our Liberal Arts programme before specialising in their Major.

This programme can also be taken as a three year pathway depending on previous qualifications. The entry requirements for all undergraduate programmes at Richmond are the same, regardless of your chosen Major.

Academic Entry Requirements

Below is information on our entry requirements for both 4 years and 4 years with foundation programmes.

• A Levels: 96 UCAS points
• US High School Diploma (or equivalent): 2.5 GPA minimum (on 4.0 scale)
• International Baccalaureate: 24 IB points (year 1)
• BTEC National Diploma: MMM
• Completion of Year 12-13 International equivalent secondary school qualification with a minimum grade average of grade of C including mathematics and English.

• GCSEs: 5 at grade C or above / grade 4-9 (or equivalent)

We understand that not every student is in the same situation, if you have any questions about your qualifications, please get in touch with us [email protected].

The University offers personal development seminars, leadership opportunities and access to work experience, volunteering and internships. There is also a dedicated, personalised service for assistance with CV writing, interview preparation tips and much more.

Throughout your studies, you will have the opportunity to build links with industry experts and Richmond alumni, connecting you to a vast and influential worldwide network.

Internships
We offer career support and advice through our Careers & Internships Office that will assist and guide you in your study choices to make sure you stand out from the crowd when you graduate. Whether you are interested in gaining work experience in London or internationally, we will be here to help you find the best possible opportunities.

Through internships you will gain business acumen, beneficial work experiences and transferable skills which will give you a competitive advantage in a fast-paced working environment.

Work while you study across 5 continents through our partners Connect123 and CRCC Asia with destinations in Spain, Argentina, South Africa, China, Japan, Vietnam and Australia.

Graduate Destinations
Below is a list of where some of the graduates of this programme have gone on to work.

• Barons Court Theatre
• Boston Ballet
• Christies
• Vogue Magazine Graduate School
• V&A Museum

You apply one of three ways, either apply directly through us, apply through UCAS and for our US students, via the Common Application ($50.00).

In order to submit your application you will need the following information

• Details of your education history, including the dates of all exams/assessments
• The email address of your referee who we can request a reference from, or alternatively an electronic copy of your academic reference
• A personal statement this can either be emailed as a Word Document or PDF, or completed online
• An electronic copy of your in process or completed high school (secondary school) transcript and graduation certificate

Visit our How to Apply webpage for more information regarding Entry Requirements, admissions processes and to start your application.

When to apply
We encourage you to complete your application as early as possible, even if you are completing your undergraduate programme of study. In this case you will be offered a place that is conditional on successfully completing a specified qualification and English language qualification if applicable.

If you would like your application to be considered for a Richmond bursary, an early application is strongly recommended.