History of Art, BA (Hons)

History of Art at Cambridge

History of Art at Cambridge explores art and architecture from around the globe and many different time periods. You'll have the opportunity to study ancient, medieval, Renaissance and modern art.

We believe that there’s no substitute for looking at the real objects. Because of this, you’ll have regular classes and lectures in museums. You'll also take trips to different exhibitions and notable buildings.

Teaching and facilities

Teaching

You’ll be taught by experts in their fields, including:

• curators from the University museums
• scholars in the department

Facilities

You will have access to a wide range of museums and collections, including:

• the Fitzwilliam Museum and its conservation departments
• Kettle’s Yard, which has recently had its galleries expanded
• architecture and art collections of the Colleges, like The Women's Art Collection at Murray Edwards College and the Heong Gallery at Downing College

Seminars often take place on-site in museum galleries.

The department’s comprehensive library contains a large collection of books that you can use. You will also have access to the Fitzwilliam Museum’s reference library.

You'll also have access to our impressive Cambridge University Library, one of the world’s oldest university libraries.

Course costs

When you go to university, you’ll need to consider two main costs – your tuition fees and your living costs (sometimes referred to as maintenance costs).

Your living costs will include costs related to your studies that are not covered by your tuition fees. There are some general study costs that will apply for all students – you can find details of these costs here.

Other additional course costs for History of Art are detailed below. If you have any queries about these costs, please contact the Department.

Trips and site visits

• A range of compulsory trips and site visits within the UK are offered on core and option papers. Examples include visits to London to the National Gallery, V&A, Tate, and others. Transport is either provided (e.g. via hired bus) or else students travel by public transport and are reimbursed by the Department.

Your future career

As a History of Art graduate, you will be well-equipped for many different careers.

Some of our recent graduates have gone into careers in:

• museums and galleries
• the care and conservation of monuments and heritage management
• fine art dealing
• publishing
• advertising
• written and broadcast journalism and teaching

Some prominent graduates of History of Art at Cambridge include:

• artists Sir Antony Gormley and Marc Quinn
• model and actress Lily Cole
• television presenter Claudia Winkleman
• Hon James Stourton, former Chairman of Sotheby’s UK
• Frances Morris, Director of Tate Modern
• Sir Charles Saumarez Smith, former Director of the National Portrait Gallery and the National Gallery and former Chief Executive of the Royal Academy
• Sir Nicholas Serota, former Director of the Tate Gallery and now Chairman of the Arts Council.

Minimum offer level

A level: A*AA

IB: 41-42 points, with 776 at Higher Level

Other qualifications: Check which other qualifications we accept

Subject requirements

While we don't ask for any specific subjects to apply to ASNC, we recommend certain subjects for a strong application:

• English (language or literature)
• History
• Languages (ancient or modern)

You can find more information about the subjects our typical entrants have studied below.

Admission assessment

There is no admission assessment for this course.

Submitting written work

Applicants to all Colleges are required to submit 2 pieces of written work prior to interview.

Offers above the minimum requirement

The minimum offer level and subject requirements outline the minimum you'll usually need to achieve to get an offer from Cambridge.

In some cases, you'll get a higher or more challenging offer. Colleges set higher offer requirements for a range of reasons. If you'd like to find out more about why we do this, check the information about offers above the minimum requirement on the entry requirements page.

IB offers

Some Colleges usually make offers above the minimum offer level. Find out more on our qualifications page.

All undergraduate admissions decisions are the responsibility of the Cambridge Colleges. Please contact the relevant College admissions office if you have any queries.