BA (Hons) History of Art
Course options
Key Details
- Attendance
- Full Time
- Award
- Degree of Bachelor of Arts
- UCAS Course Code
- V350
- Entry Requirements
- AAB
- Course Length
- 3 years
- Course Start Date
- September 2023
Course Overview
This course is distinctive in its study of art as a global phenomenon. Through close engagement with artworks and small group teaching, you’ll gain detailed knowledge and understanding of the many ways people have created, displayed, and interpreted art from prehistory to the present day. Central to your learning is the opportunity to study at first hand the extraordinary collection of the Sainsbury Centre, a celebrated icon of modern museum architecture.
Our BA History of Art is ranked in the top 20 for History of Art by 'The Guardian University Guide 2023'.
On this degree programme, you’ll encounter engaging and thought-provoking artworks from around the world. Alongside significant aspects of European art history, our modules will also present you with the opportunity to explore the work of artists from Africa, Asia, Oceania, and the Americas. From drawing to photography, painting to video, sculpture to performance, our inclusive and interdisciplinary approach to teaching will enable you to learn about how art has been made, collected, and exhibited across many different time periods.
In your first year, you’ll establish firm foundations for the study of artworks and artefacts from diverse artistic and cultural traditions. Through the close study of artworks in a dynamic gallery environment, you will be introduced to a variety of critical ideas and methods that will enable you to cultivate key intellectual and professional skills.
In your second and third years, you have the choice to develop your own individual interests by selecting study preferences from a diverse catalogue of optional modules. In addition to modules that address specific topics and themes in art history, the interdisciplinary character of our teaching staff enables us to regularly offer options that facilitate alternative approaches to the study of art and material culture, such as archaeological and anthropological perspectives.
This course is delivered by UEA’s world-leading department of Art History and World Art Studies. Our main areas of research are the history of art and architecture in Europe and North America; the arts of Africa, Asia, Oceania, and South America; the archaeology and anthropology of art; and museum studies and cultural heritage. Staff specialisms include the art and archaeology of the climate crisis, postcolonial discourse, medieval visual cultures, artists’ photography and film, heritage studies, visual art and poetry, and contemporary art and exhibition making.
We are part of a close network of internationally renowned centres for the study and display of art: the Sainsbury Centre, the Sainsbury Research Unit for the Arts of Africa, Oceania and the Americas, and the Sainsbury Institute for the Study of Japanese Arts and Cultures. Students benefit from these networks as well as our links with local and national museums and galleries in Norwich, London and further afield.
Placement Year and Study Abroad
You’ll have the opportunity to apply to spend the second semester of your second year studying abroad. Previous students have studied in Japan, Australia, Germany, France, Italy, and the United States. Your time abroad will be an invaluable academic and cultural experience, one that most students consider to be the highlight of their time at university. Current opportunities are listed on the University’s Study Abroad page.
Entry Requirements
- A Levels
- AAB
- T Levels
- Not accepted
- BTEC
- DDD excluding BTEC Public Services, Uniformed Services and Business Administration
- Scottish Highers
- AAAAA
- Scottish Advanced Highers
- BBC
- Irish Leaving Certificate
- 4 subjects at H2, 2 subjects at H3
- Access to HE Diploma
- Access to Humanities & Social Sciences pathway. Pass the Access to HE Diploma with Distinction in 36 credits at Level 3 and Merit in 9 credits at Level 3
- International Baccalaureate
- 33 points
- GCSE
- You are required to have Mathematics and English Language at a minimum of Grade C or Grade 4 or above at GCSE.
- 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):
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IELTS: 6.0 overall (minimum 5.5 in all components) for year 1 entry
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IELTS: 6.5 overall (minimum 6.0 in all components) for year 2 entry
We also accept a number of other English language tests. Review our English Language Equivalencies for a list of example qualifications that we may accept to meet this requirement.
If you do not yet meet the English language requirements for this course, INTO UEA offer a variety of English language programmes which are designed to help you develop the English skills necessary for successful undergraduate study:
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- Interviews
- Most applicants will not be called for an interview and a decision will be made via UCAS Track. However, for some applicants an interview will be requested. Where an interview is required the Admissions Service will contact you directly to arrange a time.
- 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.
- Intakes
- This course is open to UK and International applicants. The annual intake is in September each year.
Additional Information or Requirements
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.
We welcome and value a wide range of alternative qualifications. If you have a qualification which is not listed here, please contact us via Admissions Enquiries.
If you do not meet the academic requirements for direct entry, you may be interested in one of our Foundation Year programmes
Important note
Once enrolled onto your course at UEA, your progression and continuation (which may include your 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.
International Requirements
We accept many international qualifications for entry to this course. View our International Students pages for specific information about your country.
INTO University of East Anglia
If you do not meet the academic and/or English language requirements for direct entry our partner, INTO UEA 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:
International Foundation in Business, Economics, Society and Culture (for Year 1 entry to UEA)
International Foundation in Humanities and Law (for Year 1 entry to UEA)
Fees and Funding
Tuition Fees
View our information for Tuition Fees.
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 for eligibility, details of how to apply and closing dates.
Course Related Costs
You may need to pay some small additional costs for optional field trips, which are subsidised by the department. You will also need to pay some costs for the field trip to Venice in the second year if you choose that option.
View our information about Additional Course Fees.
How to Apply
Apply for this course through the Universities and Colleges Admissions Services (UCAS), using UCAS Hub.
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:
Employability
After the Course
You’ll graduate ready for a wide range of careers in the art world, the heritage industry, academia, art publishing, teaching, and business. You’ll be equipped with sought-after skills such as independent and critical thinking, time management, teamwork, organisation and research skills, public speaking and more. Your experience of studying in a world-famous art museum will give you an edge in the sector. You will also be well placed to study for a postgraduate degree either here at UEA or at another university. Our Careers Service is here to support you by advising with writing CVs and internships. In the department we work closely with the Careers Service to provide workshops and seminars with successful alumni.
Careers
A degree at UEA will prepare you for a wide variety of careers. We've been ranked 1st for Job Prospects by StudentCrowd in 2022.
Recent graduates have entered a number of fields, including:
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Museums and art galleries
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Commercial art galleries
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The heritage sector
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Publishing
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Journalism
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Teaching/lecturing