Visual Cultures: The University of Manchester

Course description

BA (Hons) Visual Cultures allows for both unusually broad choice of subject areas and for in-depth study and research. The teaching team has particular strengths in Classical, Medieval, Renaissance, Post-Renaissance, Modern and Contemporary Art as well as certain areas of non-western art.

They pride themselves on the quality of the student experience on their courses. You will have close contact with staff at all stages of your university career and will be taught wherever possible in small groups and through a variety of methods. The University has its own art gallery, museum and special library collections and much is made of the rich cultural heritage of Manchester and the North-West.

BA (Hons) Visual Cultures not only introduces you to a fascinating range of visual art but also enables you to gain skills of analysis, presentation, teamwork, initiative and research which are of vital importance in later life. Another important aspect of the degree is its friendly, tight-knit community feel. Students gain a lot from their fieldwork and are encouraged to become involved in the running of the Art History Society and to participate in departmental committees.

Course aims

The programme aims to:

• provide a broad-based knowledge and understanding of visual culture
• develop students' understanding of the production, circulation and interpretation of visual culture in specific historical contexts
• promote awareness of the role of  visual culture within different societies and at different periods, including their own
• acquaint students with a wide range of visual media, raising their awareness of qualities specific to each medium particularly through fieldwork
• explore the overlapping relation between visual culture and art history
• introduce students to a range of methods and ways of relating visual experience and phenomena to their social meanings and contexts
• develop students' intellectual and academic skills so that they are able to undertake independent research
• produce graduates who are ready to embark on a range of career paths, or continue on to postgraduate study

Career opportunities

AHVS graduates have a good record of obtaining jobs, not just in the museum and gallery worlds, but in marketing, advertising and a wide range of other professions. They encourage students to take up opportunities for voluntary and vacation work in relevant areas (museums, commercial galleries, etc.) and they have good links with the excellent University Careers Service.

BA (Hons) Visual Cultures not only introduces you to a fascinating range of visual art but also enables you to gain skills of analysis, presentation, teamwork, initiative and research which are of vital importance in later life.

Entry requirements

• English language:
  Minimum IELTS score of 7.0 or equivalent; eg. NCUK EAP minimum Grade of A with range of 70-79
  TOEFL: PBT score of 600; CBT score of 250; TWE score of 5.5; IBT score of 100
• A level: Grades ABB-BBB not incl Gen Studs. Two AS-levels may be accepted in place of one A-level.
• Unit grade information: The University of Manchester welcomes the provision of unit grade information which, like all other available information, will inform the consideration of applications.  Unit grades will not normally form part of offer conditions, except for Mathematics programmes.
• GCSE: Minimum grade C in English
• Key Skills qualification: The University warmly welcomes applications from students studying the Key Skills qualification. However, as the opportunities to take these modules are not open to all applicants, currently this is not an essential requirement of the University.
• International Baccalaureate: 33-32 points overall, including 6, 6, 5 at Higher level