History of Art BA

Course overview

This History of Art course will allow you to explore how art and material culture has been produced and received by different communities across time and in different places. You’ll be able to focus on the social and historical context of human creativity and use art and material culture to understand the social histories that led to its making.

You’ll discover how the history of art is often associated with understanding visual forms of representation, the physical form of concepts and ideas and the contexts of their display. You’ll also gain an understanding of the creative and cultural economy that is growing around the globe as the interface between culture, economics and technology develops.

On this course, you’ll gain an education appreciation of a world that is increasingly dominated by images, sounds, symbols, and ideas that create new jobs, wealth, and culture. It will provide you with the critical and creative knowledge essential to understand and create meaning in this world.

Additional programme highlights

History of Art at the University of Leeds is taught as part of the School of Fine Art, History of Art and Cultural Studies.

It is the only degree in a Russell Group University where art historians study alongside fine artists. It is the second oldest art history course in the United Kingdom known for pioneering work in the social history of art, feminist art history and global art histories.

Studies in art history are complimented by our commitment to studying and understanding cultures of display and exhibition. Areas of specialism include:

• Modernism in the 20th Century
• African Art History
• Cultures of the Anglo-Saxon and Medieval worlds
• The materiality of Renaissance art
• Contemporary art and environment
• Cultures of Display

Modernism in the 20th Century is taught as a global issue, from Scandinavia through Paris and New York. The School is one of only two departments in the country where the history of African art, both contemporary and classical, is taught.

The Global reach of the School includes Japanese and Asian art studies. The University of Leeds is a global centre for research and study in the Anglo-Saxon and medieval periods. This is reflected by leading scholarship within the School - it has a close relationship with major country house and museum collections in Yorkshire and Northern England. Members of staff have worked with and taught on these great collections.

Specialist facilities

In addition to the wide range of museums and galleries in the city and beyond, the University campus features:

• The Stanley & Audrey Burton Gallery
• Treasures of the Brotherton Gallery
• Museum of the History of Science, Technology and Medicine
• Marks & Spencer Company Archive
• International Textile Collection
• Public art trail
• Project Space – a multi-purpose space in the School designed for the development of curatorial practice and visiting exhibitions.

Course details

You'll study compulsory and optional modules throughout your degree. You'll build upon your knowledge and develop as an informed, articulate, independent and intellectually astute thinker, able to process, analyse and critique art and texts from around the world.

Year 1

You'll gain the fundamental skills and knowledge for art historical analysis.

Compulsory and optional modules will introduce key themes and interpretive methods. You'll consider the intentions and identities of artists and examine the production and analysis of art in different historical, geographical and cultural contexts.

A choice of optional modules will allow you to study topics like cultural or media history or country house, or museum studies.

Year 2

You'll build on this knowledge and further pursue your individual interests. Compulsory modules will deepen your understanding of the complex relationship between art and society and encourage you to think critically and analytically about works of art.

You'll choose from a wide range of optional modules, which cover art historical topics from African art to the New York School as well as museum studies, critical theory and the contemporary art
market.

Year 3

By your final year, you'll be able to apply your research and critical skills to an independently researched dissertation on a topic of your choice.

To complement and support your research, you'll select additional modules from the options on offer. You can take one fewer optional module and go into greater depth on an extended dissertation if you choose.

View example dissertation titles.

Course structure

The list shown below represents typical modules/components studied and may change from time to time. Read more in our terms and conditions.

For more information and a full list of typical modules available on this course, please read History of Art BA in the course catalogue

Year 1 compulsory modules

Year 1 optional modules (selection of typical options shown below)

A selection of typical options shown below:

Year 2 compulsory modules

Year 2 optional modules (selection of typical options shown below)

Selection of typical options shown below:

Year 3 optional modules (selection of typical options shown below)

Selection of typical options shown below:

Discovery modules

Throughout your degree you will benefit from a range of opportunities to expand your intellectual horizons outside or within your subject area.

This course gives you the opportunity to choose from a range of discovery modules. They’re a great way to tailor your study around your interests or career aspirations and help you stand out from the crowd when you graduate. Find out more about discovery modules on our Broadening webpages.

Learning and teaching

On this course you’ll be taught by our expert academics, from lecturers through to professors. You may also be taught by industry professionals with years of experience, as well as trained postgraduate researchers, connecting you to some of the brightest minds on campus.

Assessment

Assessment is made through a number of different means. A range of essays, presentations and visual examinations are used on each module.

Entry requirements

A-level: ABB

Other course specific tests:

Where an applicant is undertaking an Extended Project Qualification (EPQ), the School may make an alternative offer of BBB including A in the EPQ.

NB: An EPQ is optional and not a requirement of application.

Alternative qualification

Read more about UK and Republic of Ireland accepted qualifications or contact the School’s Undergraduate Admissions Team.

Alternative entry

We’re committed to identifying the best possible applicants, regardless of personal circumstances or background.

Access to Leeds is an alternative admissions scheme which accepts applications from individuals who might be from low income households, in the first generation of their immediate family to apply to higher education, or have had their studies disrupted.

Find out more about Access to Leeds and alternative admissions.

Typical Access to Leeds offer: BBC at A Level and pass Access to Leeds.

Arts and Humanities with Foundation Year

If you would like to study arts, humanities, and cultures at university, but don't currently meet the typical entry requirements for direct entry to a degree, you might be eligible to apply for the Arts and Humanities with Foundation Year course.

International

We accept a range of international equivalent qualifications. Contact the Undergraduate Admissions Office for more information.

International Foundation Year

International students who do not meet the academic requirements for undergraduate study may be able to study the University of Leeds International Foundation Year. This gives you the opportunity to study on campus, be taught by University of Leeds academics and progress onto a wide range of Leeds undergraduate courses. Find out more about International Foundation Year programmes.

English language requirements

IELTS 6.0 overall, with no less than 5.5 in any component. For other English qualifications, read English language equivalent qualifications.

Improve your English
If you're an international student and you don't meet the English language requirements for this programme, you may be able to study our undergraduate pre-sessional English course, to help improve your English language level.

Fees

UK: £9,250 (per year)

International: £22,250 (per year)

Tuition fees for UK undergraduate students starting in 2023/24 and 2024/25
Tuition fees for UK full-time undergraduate students are set by the UK Government and will remain capped at £9,250 for 2023/24 and 2024/25. The fee may increase in future years of your course in line with inflation only as a consequence of future changes in Government legislation and as permitted by law.

Tuition fees for international undergraduate students starting in 2023/24 and 2024/25
Tuition fees for international students for 2023/24 and 2024/25 are available on individual course pages.

Tuition fees for a study abroad or work placement year
If you take a study abroad or work placement year, you’ll pay a reduced tuition fee during this period. For more information, see Study abroad and work placement tuition fees and loans.

Read more about paying fees and charges.

There may be additional costs related to your course or programme of study, or related to being a student at the University of Leeds. Read more about additional costs.

Scholarships and financial support

If you have the talent and drive, we want you to be able to study with us, whatever your financial circumstances. There is help for students in the form of loans and non-repayable grants from the University and from the government. Find out more in our Undergraduate funding overview.

Applying

Apply to this course through UCAS. Check the deadline for applications on the UCAS website.

Read our guidance about applying.

International students apply through UCAS in the same way as UK students. Our network of international representatives can help you with your application. If you’re unsure about the application process, contact the admissions team for help.

Read about visas, immigration and other information in International students. We recommend that international students apply as early as possible to ensure that they have time to apply for their visa.

Next steps

Due to the ongoing situation with the Covid-19 pandemic, our usual admissions procedures are currently under review and subject to changes which will make them Covid secure. Information on the revised selection procedures will be issued shortly. If you have any concerns or question in the meantime, please contact the Undergraduate Admissions Office by email finadm@leeds.ac.uk.

Admissions policy

University of Leeds Taught Admissions Policy 2024

This course is taught by

School of Fine Art, History of Art and Cultural Studies

Contact us

School of Fine Art, History of Art and Cultural Studies Undergraduate Admissions

Email: finadm@leeds.ac.uk
Telephone:

Career opportunities

The History of Art provides training in critical thinking about imagery. These are crucial skills in the modern world. Graduates of History of Art at the University of Leeds go on to enjoy a wide range of career choices.

These include employment within the national and international heritage, art gallery and museum sectors, public relations, advertising, public service administration, commercial art galleries, broadcasting and postgraduate study. Some have completed PhDs and are teaching in higher education institutions around the world.

Careers support

We encourage you to prepare for your career from day one. That’s one of the reasons Leeds graduates are so sought after by employers.

Leeds for Life is our unique approach to helping you make the most of University by supporting your academic and personal development. Find out more at the Leeds for Life website.

The Careers Centre and staff in your faculty provide a range of help and advice to help you plan your career and make well-informed decisions along the way, even after you graduate. Find out more about Careers support.

Study abroad and work placements

Study abroad

On this course you have the opportunity to apply to spend time abroad, usually as an extra academic year. We have over 300 University partners worldwide and popular destinations for our students include Europe, the USA, Canada, Australia, New Zealand, Singapore, Hong Kong, South Africa and Latin America. 

Find out more at the Study Abroad website.

Work placements

Practical work experience can help you decide on your career and improve your employability. On this course you have the option to apply to take a placement year module with organisations across the public, private and voluntary sectors in the UK, or overseas.

Find out more about work experience on the Careers website.

You are encouraged to gain work experience with suitable external partners. We have successfully partnered with several commercial galleries, public sector and not for profit NGOs and other businesses. Examples of these include Disney broadcasting, Chanel fashion and WWP advertising.

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