A unique feature of Buckingham’s Art History programme is the opportunity to start your degree with an inspiring introductory term in Florence (for which there is an additional fee of £765). If you choose to start your BA in September, after an initial week of orientation and preparation at Buckingham you will spend your first term studying the University’s own modules which are taught in English at the British Institute of Florence, situated beside the River Arno in part of a Renaissance palace in the heart of the historic centre of the city.
Florence modules are taught in classes which focus around studying original works of art and buildings, including excursions to Pisa and Siena as well as weekly visits to the city’s great museums, galleries and architectural masterpieces.
The British Institute of Florence provides excellent student support and library facilities (including wireless access and IT), arranges accommodation (normally in shared flats, or with an Italian family if preferred), and you can take part in its own cultural events. If you want to study Italian (either as a beginner or more experienced linguist), or practise your English if you are an overseas student, you can take the Institute’s own short courses (for which there is an additional fee).
The Institute also has links with Charles Cecil Studios where students can take a life class course of drawing from the model in the tradition of the Renaissance art academies later ateliers in Florence’s oldest continuously working teaching studio, housed since the nineteenth century in a building it shares with an historic sculpture workshop.
After a term in Florence (September-December) you continue your studies at Buckingham. Depending which pathway you choose from your September start you will follow a programme that leads to graduation after 8 or 9 terms, either at the end of your second summer term or the following December.
Modules available in Florence:
- Introduction to Art History
- Italian Art 1300-1600
- Making and Remaking Renaissance Art
Full details of the Art History in Florence term are available here in PDF format.
The term in Florence is also open to associate students. The following options are available:
- 2 modules as an auditing student (i.e. with no assessment): £2,000
- 3 modules as an auditing student: £2,700
- 2 modules for credit on an approved programme which accepts transferable credits: £2,335
- 3 modules for credit on an approved programme which accepts transferable credits: £3,000
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