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Enthralled by the silent stories told through brush strokes and chisel marks? Fascinated by how art mirrors society’s evolution?
Embarking on a course in the History of Art could be your passport to time travel, exploring humanity’s creative journey.
The University of Art History course is an interesting and relevant choice for students looking to learn more about art and its history. This course provides students with an in-depth look at the development of art from ancient times to the present day.
It covers a variety of topics, such as the influence of religion, politics, and culture on art, the development of styles, and the impact of art on society. Students will also gain an understanding of the various mediums used to create art, from painting and sculpture to photography and digital art.
Through this course, students will gain a greater appreciation for the history and beauty of art, as well as the importance of art in our lives.
👍 When writing a personal statement: Highlight your passion for the course, demonstrating your understanding of it. Use relevant personal experiences, coursework, or work history to showcase how these have fostered your interest and readiness for the course.
Career Opportunities
A degree in the history of art can lead to a variety of careers and professions.
1. Art Historian: An art historian is an expert in the history of art, and may work in a museum, gallery, or other institution. They may be responsible for researching and cataloging artworks, as well as writing and delivering lectures and presentations.
2. Art Conservator: Art conservators are responsible for preserving and restoring artworks. They may work in a museum, gallery, or private practice, and must possess a deep knowledge of art history and techniques in order to properly care for artworks.
3. Art Curator: An art curator is responsible for selecting and displaying artworks in a museum or gallery. They must possess a deep knowledge of art history and techniques in order to properly curate a collection.
4. Art Dealer: Art dealers buy and sell artworks, and must possess a deep knowledge of art history and techniques in order to properly assess the value and condition of artworks.
5. Art Critic: Art critics are responsible for writing and publishing reviews of artworks and exhibitions. They must possess a deep knowledge of art history and techniques in order to properly assess the quality of artworks.
6. Art Teacher: Art teachers are responsible for teaching art history and techniques to students. They may work in a school, college, or university, and must possess a deep knowledge of art history and techniques in
UK Admission Requirements
In order to be accepted into the University of Kent’s History of Art course, applicants must have achieved a minimum of five GCSEs at grade C or above, including English and Maths. Additionally, applicants must have achieved a minimum of two A-Levels at grade C or above, or equivalent qualifications such as the International Baccalaureate or BTEC Level 3 Extended Diploma.
This entry criteria is similar to other universities offering History of Art courses, as most require a minimum of five GCSEs at grade C or above, and two A-Levels at grade C or above. However, some universities may require a higher grade for A-Levels, such as a B or higher. Additionally, some universities may require applicants to have achieved a certain grade in a specific subject, such as History or Art.
UK Earnings Potential For History of Arts
The average earnings for someone with a degree in history of art can vary greatly depending on the job they pursue. According to PayScale, the median salary for an art historian is $51,000 per year. However, those who pursue higher-level positions such as museum curators or art directors can make significantly more. The job market for art historians is expected to grow at a rate of 4% over the next decade, which is slightly slower than the national average.
Similar Courses in UK
Other university courses related to the History of Art include Art History, Visual Culture, and Museum Studies.
- Art History focuses on the study of art in its historical, social, and cultural contexts. It covers the history of art from the Renaissance to the present day, exploring the development of art movements, the influence of patronage, and the changing roles of artists.
- Visual Culture is a more contemporary approach to the study of art. It examines the ways in which visual images, objects, and media shape our understanding of the world. It looks at the ways in which visual culture is produced and consumed, and how it influences our lives.
- Museum Studies is a course that focuses on the management and curation of art collections, as well as the history and theory of museum studies. It examines the role of museums in society, exploring the ways in which museums can be used to educate, inform, and entertain.
The key difference between these courses is that Art History looks at the history of art, Visual Culture looks at the contemporary production and consumption of visual culture, and Museum Studies looks at the management and curation of art collections.
UK Curriculum
The key topics and modules covered in a History of Art course typically include the following:
- Art history from the ancient world to the modern era, including the study of different art movements, styles, and techniques.
- Art criticism and analysis, including the study of how to interpret and evaluate works of art.
- Art history in the context of its cultural, political, and social contexts.
- The history of architecture, sculpture, painting, and other forms of art.
- An introduction to the major art periods, including the Renaissance, Baroque, Romanticism, and Modernism.
- An exploration of the relationship between art and society.
- An examination of the influence of technology and media on art.
- An exploration of the role of art in the development of culture.
- An exploration of the impact of art on social and political issues.
In addition to these topics, many History of Art courses also offer hands-on experience and practical work. This may include the opportunity to visit museums and galleries, to work with art historians, curators, and conservators, to study works of art in their original locations, and to create art projects.
Alumni Network
One notable alumni from the History of Art course is the artist and curator, Yinka Shonibare MBE. Shonibare is a British-Nigerian artist whose work explores issues of race and identity through a variety of mediums, such as painting, sculpture, photography, and film.
He is best known for his use of fabric in his works, often using brightly colored African fabrics to create a visual language that speaks to his own identity and experiences. Shonibare has exhibited his work in numerous galleries and museums around the world, including the Tate Modern and the Smithsonian Institute.