History of Art

Students of History of Art and other approved subjects, who have accumulated 240 credits at another recognised Higher Education institution, can transfer their credits to The University of Buckingham and graduate with a BA in History of Art. Full-time students join the BA in September and complete their studies in July. They study two modules in their first term, and in their final two terms study a further four modules whilst also writing their dissertation. Part-time students spread their course over two years, taking one module per term during the first four terms, followed by one taught module in each of the final two terms and a dissertation, completing their studies in July of their second year at Buckingham. Teaching is arranged over three terms (Autumn, Winter, Spring), and classes for each taught module are scheduled on one day. Therefore, a full-time student will have classes on two days each week and a part-time student will have classes on one day each week.

For more information, please download the brochure

Numerous class trips in and outside the UK

There are numerous study trips in and outside London, including visits to the National Gallery, the Victoria and Albert Museum, and Tate Modern.

Postgraduate study

Buckingham's 4-term year means that you can complete a normal 3-year BA honours degree in 2 years or combine with an MA or MBA in 3 years.

Special features

• Hands-on study of art with frequent study visits
• A unique combination of History of Art and Heritage Management
• Close links with museums (including the Wallace Collection), heritage organisations and the art market
• Varied range of subjects including design and decorative arts, art markets, museums and country houses
• Opportunities for practical project work and academic research

Academic staff

Click here for a full list of staff in the Department.

More:

• Ideal Applicants
• Bursaries and scholarships
• About the Department
• MA in Decorative Arts and Historic Interiors
• MA in the Art Market and the History of Collecting

Quality teaching

We offer high quality, traditional Oxbridge-style teaching, which leads to our degrees being recognised around the world. The standards of degrees and awards are safeguarded by distinguished external examiners - senior academic staff from other universities in the UK - who approve and moderate assessed work.

High calibre staff

Most of our academic staff teach for three terms out of four, with the remaining term used for research. Because of this, we have no difficulty in attracting high calibre, highly respected lecturers, many of whom also have a background in business or industry and can offer networking opportunities for students.

Teaching methods

Teaching is carried out through a combination of lectures supported by seminars and tutorials. A key feature of the Buckingham teaching method is the use of small tutorial groups which provide the most effective means of ensuring that the students benefit from the academic expertise at their disposal. It is also the philosophy of the University's faculty to be available to students outside the scheduled tutorial times and to encourage good working relationships between staff and students.

Art History modules introduce students to the materials and methods, providing an historical overview of western art and architecture from Greece and Rome to the modern and contemporary world. Students also study the art market, decorative arts and the English country house.

Term in Florence

A unique feature of Buckingham's Art History programme is the opportunity to start your degree with an inspiring introductory term in Florence. If you choose to start your BA in September, after an initial week of orientation and preparation at Buckingham you will spend your first term studying the University's own modules which are taught in English at the British Institute of Florence, situated beside the River Arno in part of a Renaissance palace in the heart of the historic centre of the city. More information and video.

Assessment methods

The assessment of individual modules within each course varies according to the subject. Assessment is usually by examination, assessed coursework, or a combination of the two. Please check module information for more details.

Preparation for work

All our degree courses combine academic challenge with the transferable skills that will stand you in good stead for future employment. Many of our more vocationally-focused degrees offer the opportunity of work placements and experience in industry.

Graduate employment

Our graduates have gone on to further study at most of the world's leading universities, including Harvard, London, Oxford and Cambridge and secured jobs in senior positions around the world. Among our alumni we have a graduate who became the head of his country's civil service and one who became a leading Formula One motor-racing driver. Another secured a position as the Minister of Sabah and one female law graduate became the first British lawyer to become a French Advocate.

Pathways to a career

As well as the wide variety of professional or management careers for which an arts and humanities degree is a useful preparation, art history and heritage can prepare graduates for employment or further academic study or graduate training in areas related to the subjects studied, which can include the art market, curating, museums and heritage organisations, specialist media and publishing, and to areas for which visual understanding is an asset such as in advertising. A knowledge of art history is also useful for conservation training in fine and decorative art and architecture.

Read about the careers of our MA students.

We welcome applications in two different ways - directly via our online application form or through UCAS.

If you're interested in transferring to Buckingham from another university then please get in touch to talk through your options.