Course outline
Art History provides a first-class rounded education and excellent intellectual training. While the primary focus is on the visual arts, the subject also touches on many other traditional humanities disciplines such as literature, history, religion, languages, classics, psychology and philosophy, with which it provides natural subject combinations. Students acquire skills of critical and historical analysis and the ability to evaluate evidence and present arguments fluently, both orally and in writing.
The English Literature minor complements the critical and interpretive approaches in art history through the analysis and assessment of selected topics in the subject. The study of literature engages with aspects of cultural context, style, expression and formal values comparable to those with which art history is concerned, and literary sources inform, influence and often inspire the visual imagination. At the same time, the visual arts have exerted influences on writers, and in both literature and the fine arts critical values and writing are often closely related. Ideas in art and literature share comparable sources and complementary values which inform understanding and interpretation, and valuable comparisons can be made between different vehicles and media of communication.
Buckingham’s 4-term year means that you can complete a normal 3-year BA honours degree in 2 years or combine with an MA or MBA in 3 years. Art History students can opt to start either in September or January. September entrants have the unique opportunity of studying Italian art for one term at the British Institute in Florence (for which there is an additional fee of £765).
Special features
- Hands-on study of art with frequent study visits
- A unique partnership with the British Institute in Florence providing an introduction to art history in Italy exclusively for Buckingham students (September entry only)
- Unique combination of History of Art and Heritage Management
- Close links with museums (including the Wallace Collection), heritage organisations and the art market
- Varied range of subjects including design and decorative arts, art markets, museums and country houses
- Opportunities for practical project work and academic research
- Excellent record of graduate employment
- Competitive fees
- Generous scholarships/bursaries
Teaching methods
Art History modules introduce students to the materials and methods, providing an historical overview of western art and architecture from Greece and Rome to the modern and contemporary world. Students also study the art market, decorative arts and the English country house. Students benefit from small group teaching and higher than average teaching hours.
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