BA (Hons) History and History of Art with a Year Abroad
Key Details
- Award
- Degree of Bachelor of Arts
- UCAS Course Code
- VV1A
- Typical Offer
- AAB
- Contextual Offer
- BBB
- Course Length
- 4 years
- Course Start Date
- September 2027
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90%
Of final year History of Art students at University of East Anglia were satisfied with the course
National Student Survey 2024Course Overview
Why BA History and History of Art with a Year Abroad at UEA?
Explore the story of humanity through written evidence and visual culture with UEA History and History of Art degree. From the Roman Empire to 1980s Britain, you’ll study diverse cultural artefacts that shed light on past mentalities.
Why choose UEA?
- Global art collections: Explore art and material culture from Europe, Africa, Asia, Oceania and the Americas in the Sainsbury Centre
- Expert history: Learn directly from our world-leading historians. Join the conversations that advance our collective understanding of the past
- Global learning: You’ll spend your third year studying at one of our partner universities overseas
What is BA History and History of Art with a Year Abroad?
You’ll learn directly from historians and art historians whose research is renowned. You’ll join a community of experts in British, European and global history and visual culture.
You’ll examine political, social and cultural developments, and investigate how visual evidence shapes our understanding of the past. You’ll study texts, images and artefacts, working in museums to connect historical research with practical visual analysis.
Vibrant Norwich will be the heritage-rich backdrop to your studies. The urban landscape and surrounding region will inspire you and provide historical and art historical subjects for investigation and comparative analysis.
Year Abroad
You’ll spend a year studying at one of our prestigious partner universities overseas in Europe, the US, Canada, Australia or New Zealand. Studying abroad is a wonderfully enriching life experience – you’ll develop confidence and resilience, while learning about another culture.
For further details, visit the Study Abroad section of our website.
Careers
Career Pathways
With a BA History and History of Art with a Placement Year degree, you could launch a career in:
- Museums and galleries: Develop exhibitions, manage collections and support public engagement across diverse cultural institutions
- Archives and records management: Catalogue, preserve and interpret historical documents and visual materials for future research
- Heritage and conservation: Contribute to the care, interpretation and presentation of historic sites and cultural environments
- Publishing and communications: Apply research and writing skills to editorial work, arts journalism, or cultural communications
- Education and outreach: Teach, design learning resources, or lead community programmes in schools, museums, or cultural organisations
Career Support
We realise that thinking about life after university can be daunting. You’ll therefore be supported throughout your degree to develop transferable skills that employers value. We’ll encourage you to weigh up different career paths and to understand what you need to do to pursue them. You’ll have access to personalised career support, campus careers events, alumni networking opportunities, paid internships and career-planning and CV workshops.
Discover more on our Careers webpages.
After the Course
Our graduates have the world at their fingertips. You’ll gain subject-specific knowledge in both History and Art History, but you’ll also develop transferable skills and qualities that employers value. You’ll learn to communicate clearly, construct narratives and think analytically; you’ll gain experience working alone, and as a team member. And you’ll become adept at analysing artefacts and images, and at gathering, verifying, interpreting and collating both obscure and digitised information. Such skills open doors to a variety of careers.
Study and Modules
Structure
You’ll begin your degree by studying art, artists and the process of creating. You’ll engage directly with artworks, exploring different techniques and visual effects and deepening your appreciation of their functions and meanings. At the same time, you’ll get to know art history as a discipline and to one key period of history: medieval, early modern, or modern.
In the second semester, you’ll engage with some of the most significant topics in art history, beginning with an exploration of the role of portraiture in shaping our identities. You’ll study periods of tension and conflict in history which have in turn provoked controversies in historical debate.
Compulsory Modules
Optional A Modules
(Credits: 20)Optional B Modules
(Credits: 20)Whilst the University will make every effort to offer the modules listed, changes may sometimes be made arising from the annual monitoring, review and update of modules. Where this activity leads to significant (but not minor) changes to programmes and their constituent modules, the University will endeavour to consult with students and others. It is also possible that the University may not be able to offer a module for reasons outside of its control, such as the illness of a member of staff. In some cases optional modules can have limited places available and so you may be asked to make additional module choices in the event you do not gain a place on your first choice. Where this is the case, the University will inform students.
Structure
In year two, you’ll be able to choose from a wide range of history and art history modules and tailor your studies to your own developing interests. These modules will allow you to develop specialist knowledge of specific historical issues and periods. In the spring semester, you’ll be invited to consider how your historical studies relate to contemporary debates about art and explore the role of galleries and museums.
Compulsory Modules
Optional A Modules
(Credits: 40)Optional B Modules
(Credits: 40)Whilst the University will make every effort to offer the modules listed, changes may sometimes be made arising from the annual monitoring, review and update of modules. Where this activity leads to significant (but not minor) changes to programmes and their constituent modules, the University will endeavour to consult with students and others. It is also possible that the University may not be able to offer a module for reasons outside of its control, such as the illness of a member of staff. In some cases optional modules can have limited places available and so you may be asked to make additional module choices in the event you do not gain a place on your first choice. Where this is the case, the University will inform students.
Structure
On this course, you'll spend your third year studying abroad at one of our many partner institutions across the globe. This is a brilliant opportunity to experience living in another country, see how your subject and others are studied there, develop greater confidence and enhanced communication skills and gain experiences that will help your CV stand out to employers.
Check out our Study Abroad pages to learn more.
Compulsory Modules
Whilst the University will make every effort to offer the modules listed, changes may sometimes be made arising from the annual monitoring, review and update of modules. Where this activity leads to significant (but not minor) changes to programmes and their constituent modules, the University will endeavour to consult with students and others. It is also possible that the University may not be able to offer a module for reasons outside of its control, such as the illness of a member of staff. In some cases optional modules can have limited places available and so you may be asked to make additional module choices in the event you do not gain a place on your first choice. Where this is the case, the University will inform students.
Structure
In your final year, you’ll choose three modules that engage with advanced topics in history and art history. Current art history modules address topics such as identity, psychology, memory, materiality, decolonisation, social inequality and injustice, ecology, climate change and sustainability from a broad range of historical and global perspectives, while history modules include the revolutions in France and Russia, the First World War and death in the Middle Ages.
Compulsory Modules
Optional A Modules
(Credits: 60)Optional B Modules
(Credits: 30)Whilst the University will make every effort to offer the modules listed, changes may sometimes be made arising from the annual monitoring, review and update of modules. Where this activity leads to significant (but not minor) changes to programmes and their constituent modules, the University will endeavour to consult with students and others. It is also possible that the University may not be able to offer a module for reasons outside of its control, such as the illness of a member of staff. In some cases optional modules can have limited places available and so you may be asked to make additional module choices in the event you do not gain a place on your first choice. Where this is the case, the University will inform students.
Teaching and Learning, and Assessment
Teaching and Learning
You'll learn through lectures, seminars, tutorials and independent study supported by our expert historians and art historians. You’ll learn to note and dissect texts, scrutinise images and study objects. You’ll gain academic skills and understand research methods.
In year one, you’ll gain foundational training in historical analysis and visual interpretation. Teaching introduces key methods through lectures, seminars and guided preparation.
During year two, you’ll study specialised topics that reflect research by our historians and art historians. You’ll work with diverse sources, techniques and critical approaches, and learn to think independently.
You’ll broaden your academic and cultural perspective by spending your third year studying abroad at one of our global partner institutions.
In your final year, you’ll further develop your independent learning through your dissertation project. Specialist modules support advanced study of historical and art-historical topics.
Assessment
You’ll be assessed through a diverse range of assessments rather than traditional written examinations. Completing assessments will equip you with the skills and confidence to flourish after graduation. You’ll be helped with assessments throughout your studies, receiving regular written and verbal feedback to help you improve. You’ll have the chance to do a practice assignment for each graded assignment.
In year one, assignments focus on developing close analysis and critical thinking. You'll practise writing skills through essays, reviews and object‑based tasks.
During year two, you'll gain more autonomy in shaping responses to assessment briefs, devising essay topics and refining historical and art-historical perspectives.
In your third year, you’ll have the opportunity to study abroad at one of our partner universities worldwide, exploring a new culture, learning how your subject is taught overseas, and building skills that boost your confidence and your CV.
Check out Study Abroad to learn more.
In your final year, you’ll explore specialist topics in depth through extended written work. Your dissertation forms the final assessment, supported by an academic supervisor.
Entry Requirements
- This course is open to
UK and International fee-paying students. Choose UK or International above to see relevant information. The entry point is in September each year.
We welcome and value a wide range of qualifications, and we recognise that some students might take a mixture of different qualifications. We have listed typical examples that we accept for entry.
You should hold or be working towards the specified English and Mathematics requirements and one of the examples of typical entry qualifications listed below. If your qualifications aren’t listed, or if you are taking a combination of qualifications that isn’t specified, please contact Admissions.
- English and Mathematics
All applicants must hold or be working towards GCSEs in English Language and Mathematics at minimum grade 4 or grade C.
In place of Mathematics GCSE we can also consider Functional Skills Level 2 Mathematics.
We accept a wide range of English Language qualifications, please see our English Language equivalencies(opens in a new window) page.
- Contextual Offers
UEA are committed to ensuring that Higher Education is accessible to all, regardless of their background or experiences. One of the ways we do this is through our contextual admissions schemes(opens in a new window).
- Typical UK Entry Requirements
A levels
AAB
Contextual offer: BBB
BTEC
Level 3 Extended Diploma: DDD
Contextual offer: DDM
Access to HE Diploma
Access to Humanities and Social Sciences Pathway. Pass Access to HE Diploma with Distinction in 36 credits at Level 3 and Merit in 9 credits at Level 3
Contextual Offer: Access to Humanities and Social Sciences Pathway. Pass the Access to HE Diploma with Merit in 30 credits at Level 3 and Pass in 15 credits at Level 3
T levels
Obtain an overall Distinction.
- Further Examples of Typical Entry Requirements
International Baccalaureate
33 points overall
Irish Leaving Certificate
4 subjects at H2, 2 subjects at H3
Scottish Highers
AAAAA
Scottish Advanced Highers
BBC. A combination of Advanced Highers and Highers may be acceptable
- Deferred Entry
We welcome applications from students who have already taken or intend to take a gap year. We believe that a year between school and university can be of substantial benefit. You are advised to indicate your reason for wishing to defer entry on your UCAS application.
- Admissions Policy
Our Admissions Policy applies to the admissions of all undergraduate applicants.
- Progression
All Courses: Once enrolled onto a course at UEA, your progression and continuation (which may include eligibility for study abroad, overseas experience, placement or year in industry opportunities) is contingent on meeting the assessment requirements which are relevant to the course on which you are enrolled.
- This course is open to
UK and International fee-paying students. Choose UK or International above to see relevant information. The entry point is in September each year.
We welcome and value a wide range of qualifications, and we recognise that some students might take a mixture of different qualifications. We have listed typical examples that we accept for entry.
You should hold or be working towards the specified English and Mathematics requirements and one of the examples of typical entry qualifications listed below. If your qualifications aren’t listed, or if you are taking a combination of qualifications that isn’t specified, please contact Admissions.
- English and Mathematics
All applicants must hold or be working towards GCSEs in English Language and Mathematics at minimum grade 4 or grade C.
In place of Mathematics GCSE we can also consider Functional Skills Level 2 Mathematics.
We accept a wide range of English Language qualifications, please see our English Language equivalencies(opens in a new window) page.
- Typical International Entry Requirements
A levels
AAB
We accept many international qualifications for entry to this course. For specific details about your country, view our information for International Students(opens in a new window).
- UEA International Study Centre
If you do not meet the academic and/or English language requirements for direct entry our partner, UEA International Study Centre(opens in a new window) offers progression on to this undergraduate degree upon successful completion of a preparation programme.
- English Foreign Language
Applications from students whose first language is not English are welcome. We require evidence of proficiency in English (including writing, speaking, listening and reading):
IELTS: 6.0 overall (minimum 5.5 in all components)
We also accept a number of other English language tests. Review our English Language Equivalencies(opens in a new window) for a list of example qualifications that we may accept to meet this requirement.
Test dates should be within two years of the course start date.
If you do not yet meet the English language requirements for this course, UEA International Study Centre offer a variety of English language programmes which are designed to help you develop the English skills necessary for successful undergraduate study:
- Deferred Entry
We welcome applications from students who have already taken or intend to take a gap year. We believe that a year between school and university can be of substantial benefit. You are advised to indicate your reason for wishing to defer entry on your UCAS application.
- Admissions Policy
Our Admissions Policy applies to the admissions of all undergraduate applicants.
- Progression
All Courses: Once enrolled onto a course at UEA, your progression and continuation (which may include eligibility for study abroad, overseas experience, placement or year in industry opportunities) is contingent on meeting the assessment requirements which are relevant to the course on which you are enrolled.
)
Fees and Funding
Tuition fees for the Academic Year 2027/28 are:
-
UK Students: £10,050
-
International Students: £24,250
We estimate living expenses at £1,171 per month.
Further Information on tuition fees can be found here(opens in a new window).
Scholarships and Bursaries
We are committed to ensuring that costs do not act as a barrier to those aspiring to come to a world leading university and have developed a funding package to reward those with excellent qualifications and assist those from lower income backgrounds. View our range of Scholarships(opens in a new window) for eligibility, details of how to apply and closing dates.
Course Related Costs
You may need to pay some additional costs for optional field trips, which are subsidised by the department.
Please see Additional Course Fees for details of other course-related costs.
How to Apply
UCAS Hub is a secure online application system that allows you to apply for full-time undergraduate courses at universities and colleges in the United Kingdom.
Your application does not have to be completed all at once. Register or sign in to UCAS to get started.
Once you submit your completed application, UCAS will process it and send it to your chosen universities and colleges.
The Institution code for the University of East Anglia is E14.
View our guide to applying through UCAS for useful tips, key dates and further information: