BA (Hons) History of Art with a Placement Year
Key Details
- Award
- Degree of Bachelor of Arts
- UCAS Course Code
- V35P
- Typical Offer
- ABB
- Contextual Offer
- BBC
- Course Length
- 4 years
- Course Start Date
- September 2027
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Course Overview
Why BA History of Art with a Placement Year at UEA?
Study global art history in a world‑renowned museum that brings objects and ideas to life. The UEA Art History course gives you unrivalled direct access to collections, expertise and opportunities.
Why choose UEA
- Museum‑based learning: Study inside the Sainsbury Centre and immerse yourself in internationally significant art and architecture
- Global perspectives: Explore art from across the world through objects, exhibitions and expert teaching
- Professional insight: Gain experience through our partnerships with local and regional museums, galleries, heritage sites and cultural organisations
What is BA History of Art with a Placement Year?
You’ll develop strong visual analysis skills by exploring how art was created, displayed and interpreted. You'll study artworks and objects from many different global artistic traditions and contexts.
You’ll also examine how exhibitions shape art’s meanings today. You'll gain real-world insights from museum professionals into their collections and exhibition practices.
You’ll benefit from Norwich’s artistic heritage and creative hubs. And you can make invaluable career connections through our wider international network dedicated to researching and exhibiting world arts.
Placement Year
This degree gives you the opportunity to enhance your employability by undertaking a 9–12-month placement in the third year. You'll secure your own work Placement with support from UEA's CareerCentral Service and your school. Find out more on our Placement Years in Arts and Humanities page.
Careers
Career Pathways
With a BA History of Art degree, you could launch a career in:
- Museums and galleries: Work with collections, exhibitions and interpretation across public and private institutions
- Heritage sector: Contribute to preservation, curation and engagement within cultural and historical organisations
- Art market: Support auction houses, commercial galleries, and dealers with research, writing and client services
- Publishing and journalism: Write, edit, or research for arts‑focused print, digital and broadcast media
- Education: Teach, lecture, or support learning within schools, universities and community arts programmes
Career Support
You’ll receive tailored career guidance throughout your degree. Our careers service will help you build a strong CV and apply for positions. They organise campus internships, workshops and employer events. You’ll meet alumni who can provide insights into art‑related professions.
Discover more on our Careers webpages.
After the Course
You’ll graduate equipped for careers across the art world, heritage sector and wider creative industries. Your museum‑based learning will provide invaluable professional experience. You’ll also develop transferable skills in writing, research and communication. Many graduates continue to postgraduate study.
Study and Modules
Structure
You’ll begin your degree by studying art, artists and the process of making artwork. You’ll engage directly with objects, deepen your appreciation of their functions and meanings and explore different techniques and visual effects. You’ll consider what makes art history a distinct discipline. And probe significant art historical themes, beginning with the role of portraiture in shaping our identities. You’ll explore the Sainsbury Centre’s collections and learn to critically engage with different kinds of art.
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
You’ll examine how artworks in museums accumulate layered histories. How, over time, artworks are moved, conserved and restored, reinterpreted and contested. You’ll therefore learn to research object biographies by drawing from the methods of art history, anthropology and archaeology.
In the spring semester, you’ll study contemporary museum practice, appraising how historical collections respond to present-day demands for value, ethics, community and representation. You’ll also choose from a range of optional modules, which will enable you to develop more specialist knowledge of specific problems and periods.
You’ll become more intellectually independent. You’ll engage with complex debates. You’ll work with new types of sources. And you’ll develop your own academic voice.
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
Your third year will be spent on your placement, providing you with the opportunity to experience the world of work while applying some of the skills and knowledge you’ve developed during your first two years of study.
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 of study, you’ll take three advanced topics shaped by current art historical research that will refine your own perspectives.
Our optional modules address topics such as identity, psychology, memory, materiality, decolonisation, social inequality and injustice, ecology, climate change and sustainability. You’ll adopt diverse cultural and historical lenses.
You’ll also write a dissertation with support from a dedicated supervisor. You’ll design and execute an independent research project on a topic that has captured your imagination. You’ll have the chance to apply your knowledge and demonstrate your skills as a developing art historian. Your dissertation will be your crowning achievement in the degree.
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 a combination of lectures, seminars, tutorials and independent study. Your learning will be underpinned by guided discussion and close analysis of artworks and texts. You’ll talk with expert art historians and specialists invited to deliver lectures and research seminars. You’ll develop confidence through regular engagement with objects, ideas and academic skills.
In year one, you’ll build core skills in visual analysis, research and academic writing. You’ll engage with varied presentation formats, including catalogue entries and exhibition reviews.
During year two, you’ll deepen your understanding of global art practices, methods and cultural traditions. You’ll develop independent study habits, and you’ll explore specialist topics that reflect research by our expert art historians.
In your third year, you’ll put your course learning into practice by applying your skills in a professional placement.
In your final year, you’ll focus on advanced, self‑directed learning as you develop specialist knowledge. You’ll research and write your dissertation, refining your approach to art‑historical scholarship.
Assessment
Assessment is coursework‑based, so you won’t sit any examinations. You’ll complete essays, presentations, critiques, creative tasks and research tasks. Our assessments will strengthen your analytical and communication skills. Through completing assessments, you’ll develop into a confident and independent thinker.
In year one, assessment develops foundational skills in analysis, interpretation and critical thinking using diverse written and visual formats.
During year two, you’ll design your own essay topics and refine your academic voice, building greater independence and confidence.
Your third year is spent on placement, giving you hands‑on experience that sets you apart from the competition.
Your final assessment is a dissertation, allowing sustained independent research on a topic of your choice.
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
ABB
Contextual offer: BBC
BTEC
Level 3 Extended Diploma: DDM
Contextual offer: DMM
Public Services, Uniformed Services and Business Administration are not accepted
Access to HE Diploma
Access to Humanities and Social Sciences Pathway. Pass Access to HE Diploma with Distinction in 30 credits at Level 3 and Merit in 15 credits at Level 3.
Contextual offer: Access to Humanities & 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 Merit- Further Examples of Typical Entry Requirements
International Baccalaureate
32 points overall
Irish Leaving Certificate
3 subjects at H2, 3 subjects at H3
Scottish Highers
AAABB
Scottish Advanced Highers
BCC. 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
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
ABB
International Baccalaureate
32 points overall
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. Depending on your interests, and your qualifications you can take a variety of routes to this degree.
- 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
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
Please see Additional Course Fees for details of other course-related costs.
How to Apply
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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: