History of Art
Visual literacy and analysis have never been more important and our degrees equip our graduates to thrive in the modern workplace. You will gain desirable transferable skills studying a subject you love, including visual and critical analysis; planning, organisation and problem-solving; oral and written communication.
Why Study History Of Art At Warwick?
History of Art at Warwick offers students a wideranging course emphasising scholarship, creativity and curiosity.
This is the only art history programme in the UK to offer a full term based in Venice. The Renaissance stream includes a term there at the University’s dedicated research and teaching centre, the Palazzo Pesaro Papafava.
Students on the Modern Stream take a dedicated Special Subject focused on an area of modern or contemporary art, or curate and mount an exhibition in conjunction with a local art gallery.
You will study with scholars of international standing who regularly curate major exhibitions and produce important publications: 70% of our research was rated as “world leading” or “internationally excellent” in the most recent Research Assessment Exercise, and our teaching was considered excellent. Working with those who create the knowledge in the field means you will be kept up-to-date with, and given opportunities to participate in, the latest research.
Direct study of works of art and architecture is central to our approach, notably through the Venice term, but also through other site visits in the UK and to arts centres in Europe.
Student Profile: Jonathan Horrocks,
3rd year, History of Art
'Studying History of Art at Warwick is unique in the sense that in the third year you can specialise in contemporary art, or spend the autumn term resident in Venice. I was attracted to Warwick as the Department offered a wide range of modules which allowed me to tailor my degree to my own interests.
The History of Art Department has a diverse and vibrant group of staff with a wide range of specialist interests, which has proven particularly useful when researching for assessed essays and my dissertation. Most importantly, studying History of Art has facilitated my decision to work with contemporary art, and has provided me with a solid grounding for postgraduate level education, as well as the skills that I require for employment in the arts sector'.
The History of Art degree is designed to become progressively more focused, and allows students to specialise in Modern Art or the Italian Renaissance, although students can select modules from either stream to suit their own interests.
The final-year dissertation offers the opportunity to work closely with an individual member of staff researching in detail an area of art history that particularly interests you.
Our teaching is research-led to a significant degree and final year Special Subjects often focus on current research in the field, allowing students to work at the cutting-edge of exciting and original scholarship.
The Department has established strengths in British, Italian, French and German art.
How Will I Be Taught?
Modules are taught either through weekly lectures combined with seminars, or through small-group seminars alone. You will discuss marked essays and prepare your dissertation through one-to-one tutorials. The fundamental importance of the direct experience of works of art is emphasised at every stage of the degree. Seminars in galleries and museums, or site visits to key monuments and buildings are integrated into modules at all stages of the course. There is also the opportunity to study a studio-based Practical Art module in the second year of the course.
How Will I Be Assessed?
A variety of assessment methods is used throughout the degree programme, including assessed essays, examinations, a researchbased dissertation and (for the Practical Art and the exhibitionbased modules) a portfolio of work responding to a specific practical task.
What Opportunites Are There To Study Abroad?
In the third year, students on the Renaissance stream spend the autumn term in Venice, where they study the city’s art and culture at first hand with our team of Renaissance specialists. There are also opportunities to study with our ERASMUS partners in Berlin or Pisa for a period of time ranging from one term to one year.
What Careers Can A Warwick History of Art Degree Lead To?
History of Art is a necessary training for careers across the art world and heritage sector. Many of our graduates go on to work in galleries, museums, the art market, or the auction trade. Several have set up their own art- elated businesses, others have become journalists, lawyers, or literary agents, while some have pursued further study at postgraduate level.
DEGREES
History of Art and French Studies RV13 BA/HiFr
History of Art with Italian V3R3 BA/HAwIt
Italian and History of Art RV33 BA/ItalHA (see Italian)
FURTHER INFORMATION
Gap Year: Applications for deferred entry are welcome.
Interviews: We interview only exceptionally.
Open Days: All applicants in receipt of an offer are invited to a Departmental Open Day, which run in addition to the University Open Days and provide opportunities to meet teaching staff and current students. Four Departmental Open Days are held during the spring term.
Admissions: +44 (0)24 7652 3723
Email: ugadmissions@warwick.ac.uk
