History of Art: The University of Manchester

Course description

BA (Hons) History of Art is a wide-ranging and in-depth degree which explores Art History and Visual Culture from Antiquity to the present. While the main emphasis is on western art and architecture, there are plenty of opportunities to study the art of other regions, including South America, the Middle East and South Asia.

As you progress to Years 2 and 3, you select pathways of study that suit your individual interests. There is emphasis on flexibility and choice within the degree.

Course aims

The aims of the course are:

• to provide a broad-based knowledge and understanding of art and its histories
• to develop the student's understanding of the production, circulation, and interpretation of visual culture in specific historical contexts
• to promote awareness of the role of the visual arts within different cultures and societies, including our own
• to foster awareness of the role of museums and galleries in the production and reproduction of cultural values
• to enable students to choose pathways of learning that reflect their own interests
• to develop students' intellectual and academic skills so that they are able to undertake independent research
• to produce graduates who are ready to embark on a range of career paths, or continue on to postgraduate study.

Career opportunities

A History of Art degree can provide the basis for a career in a range of areas associated with the arts, including museums, galleries and auction houses. It also acts as a general Humanities degree for broader career prospects such as writing, journalism, teaching and consultancy work.

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.