History of Art
Examine and explore the ways in which meanings and values have been placed on art objects.
About the programme
UCAS Code: BA Combined Honours (Y001)
History of Art offers you the opportunity to engage with artworks as the primary objects of your study.
You'll develop valuable skills of critical analysis, so you can examine and explore the ways in which meanings and values have been placed on art objects.
During your studies, you'll be challenged to consider aspects of:
- artistic production
- exhibition
- reception
This is so you can begin to analyse what the object reveals about its historical or contemporary context.
Your modules enable you to study art from the Renaissance to the contemporary. From Stage 2, you can select modules to allow you to develop your own individual interests.
History of Art is offered by the School of Arts and Cultures.
Pre-requisites
While there are no pre-requisites to study history of art as part of your Combined Honours degree, A-Levels in art, art history, history, English or a language are desirable.
In preparation, we do advise you visit local museums and galleries, and national collections. This experience will help you develop your visual knowledge.
Complement this by reading from appropriate literature (books, catalogues, periodicals) to enhance your understanding of the historical, critical and theoretical dimensions of art history.
Stage 1
Both Stage 1 modules are capped at 90.
Select the module code for specific module information including the module summary and aims, knowledge and skills you'll gain, and the module leader.
All students must take the following two compulsory modules:
| Module Code | Module Title | Credit Value | Semester |
|---|---|---|---|
| FIN1013 | Art Histories I (Capped at 90) | 20 | 1 |
| FIN1014 | Art Histories II (Pre-requisite FIN1013) (Capped at 90) | 20 | 2 |
Candidates may take the following optional History of Art module:
| Module Code | Module Title | Credit Value | Semester |
|---|---|---|---|
| FIN1020 | Cultures and Histories of Display | 20 | 2 |
Stage 2
All Stage 2 modules capped at 30.
FIN1013 and FIN1014 are pre-requisites for all Stage 2 modules.
Select the module code for specific module information including the module summary and aims, knowledge and skills you'll gain, and the module leader.
| Module Code | Module Title | Credit Value | Semester |
|---|---|---|---|
| FIN2017 | Art Since 45: Postwar to Pluralism |
20 | 1 |
| FIN2019 | Feminist and Queer Approaches to Modern and Contemporary Art | 20 | 2 |
| FIN2037 | Contemporary Art and Globalisation | 20 | 2 |
| FIN2038 | Histories of Photography | 20 | 2 |
| FIN2042 | Fleshful Things: The Body and Visual Art |
20 | 1 |
| FIN2045 | Art in the Creative City | 20 | 1 |
Stage 3
All Stage 3 modules capped at 10 except for FIN3097 which has no cap.
You cannot take Stage 3 versions of Stage 2 modules already completed.
Select the module code for specific module information including the module summary and aims, knowledge and skills you'll gain, and the module leader.
| Module Code | Module Title | Credit Value | Semester |
|---|---|---|---|
| FIN3019 | Feminist and Queer Approaches to Modern and Contemporary Art (Note: same module as FIN2019) | 20 | 2 |
| FIN3027 | Art Since 45: Postwar to Pluralism (Note: same module as FIN2017) | 20 | 1 |
| FIN3037 | Contemporary Art and Globalisation (Note: same module as FIN2037) | 20 | 2 |
| FIN3038 | Histories of Photography (Note: same module as FIN2038) | 20 | 2 |
| FIN3042 | Fleshful Things: The Body and Visual Art (Note: same module as FIN2042) | 20 | 1 |
| FIN3045 | Art in the Creative City | 20 | 1 |
| FIN3097 | Art History Dissertation | 40 | 1&2 |
Get in touch
If you have any questions about choosing this subject as part of your Combined Honours degree, contact us and we'll be more than happy to help.
Subject advisers
Dr Ed Juler, School of Arts and Cultures