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Study History of Art, Architecture & Design, why & how to study

A History of Art, Architecture & Design degree is typically a challenging, engaging and creative experience undertaken by students with a range of backgrounds and interests.

Fresco in St. Charles's Church in Vienna

CONTENTS

  1. What’s History of Art, Architecture & Design?

  2. What History of Art, Architecture & Design degrees can you study?

  3. What do you need to get onto a History of Art, Architecture & Design degree?

  4. What topics does a History of Art, Architecture & Design degree cover?

  5. How will you be assessed?

  6. Why study History of Art, Architecture & Design?

  7. What do History of Art, Architecture & Design graduates earn?

  8. What jobs can you get as a History of Art, Architecture & Design graduate?

  9. What are the postgraduate opportunities?

  10. Similar subjects to History of Art, Architecture & Design

  11. Have any questions?

What’s History of Art, Architecture & Design?

The History of Art, Architecture & Design emerged as an intellectual discipline that involved – and continues to involve – the close analysis of art and its interpretation as a telling product of human societies.

As it became more widely studied during the 20th century, it became the diverse and dynamic discipline it is today, drawing on psychology, psychoanalysis, sociology and anthropology (among other disciplines).

Since the 1980s, at least, there has been a growing awareness of the need to find adequate ways of understanding art, architecture and design and their consumption beyond the previously accepted 'canon' of high art.

For example, the works of female artists and other social groups previously overlooked within the area, or artefacts produced in the world beyond Western Europe and North America.

What History of Art, Architecture & Design degrees can you study?

Undergraduate degrees in this subject area may offer combinations with a language, handy for any trips abroad to visit artworks in situ. Examples include:

  • Archaeology, Anthropology and Art History BA
  • Architectural History and Heritage MA
  • Film Studies and Art History BA
  • French and History of Art BA
  • History of Art and Literature BA
  • History of Art, Materials and Technology BA

Options may include an integrated foundation year, professional placement or study abroad.

What do you need to get onto a History of Art, Architecture & Design degree?

Most undergraduate History of Art, Architecture & Design courses ask for 96–165 UCAS points. Not every university will base their offer on UCAS points and some courses may have lower or higher requirements.

  • A Levels: A*AA–CCC
  • BTECs: D*D*D*–DDD
  • Scottish Highers: AAAAA–BBBB (Advanced Highers: AAB–B)
  • International Baccalaureate: 42–26

Good subjects to have studied include:

  • At least one essay-based subject at A Level or equivalent, such as history or English literature
  • General studies A Level may be excluded from offers

Experience that would look good on your application:

  • Work experience or shadowing in an auction house, museum or gallery, or within a university art history department
  • Involvement with an art history society
  • Entering an art history essay competition
  • Visiting galleries, museums and/or architectural sites of interest and reflecting on your experience and learning
  • If eligible, taking an Art History Link-Up course, or you could find online courses, MOOCs or lectures given by universities
  • Reading more about art, architecture and/or design, and looking at art works on Google Arts & Culture
  • Attending a taster day or summer school, if eligible, such as UNIQ, Sutton Trust

Other requirements for this subject include:

  • Pass in the practical element of science if taken at A Level
  • Interview and entry assessments may be required by some universities

What topics does a History of Art, Architecture & Design degree cover?

Typical modules for courses in this subject include:

  • Exhibiting the contemporary
  • History of art and interpretation
  • History of European art
  • Introduction to art history: Classicism and the arts of Christianity
  • Looking into landscape: reading, researching, responding
  • Postmodernism and contemporary art
  • Representing the body

How will you be assessed?

Courses are assessed in a variety of ways, depending on the module:

  • Essays
  • Exams
  • Oral presentations, for example analysing and reflecting on particular topics or themes
  • A dissertation is usually a final year option

Why study History of Art, Architecture & Design?

During a History of Art, Architecture & Design course, you'll gain a solid understanding of the subject as a highly significant product of the broader culture or society in which it's made and consumed.

Furthermore, studying an area you’re passionate about provides an ideal academic experience that pushes you to look closer, think harder, and express your findings with greater clarity, all in the interest of achieving a more profound understanding of human history.

Career-specific skills:

  • Knowledge relating to specific periods of art, architecture or design
  • Ability to analyse and interpret works, understanding the context of their period, the associated religious, economic, and cultural factors, and the materials employed

Transferable skills:

  • Critical thinking and reasoning
  • Cultural sensitivity
  • Excellent visual memory
  • Problem solving
  • Research
  • Written and verbal communication

What do History of Art, Architecture & Design graduates earn?

History of Art, Architecture & Design graduates can expect an entry-level salary of around £18,000–£23,000.

Those making direct use of their knowledge could earn from £23,500 as a cataloguer in a major auction house, to £32,000–£43,000 for specialists in certain objects. Heads of sales can command salaries far in excess of this, but opportunities for progression to this level may be limited.

You could also take further training to become a conservator. ICON, the Institute of Conservation, recommends that an entry level salary should be £27,270. An experienced conservator might earn up to £34,500 working for a national museum.

What jobs can you get as a History of Art, Architecture & Design graduate?

History of Art, Architecture & Design graduates can enter a wide variety of careers, including law, publishing, media, education, museums, and the commercial art world.

  • Archivist
  • Art valuer
  • Arts journalist
  • Broadcaster
  • Conservator
  • Fine art publishing editor
  • HR officer
  • Lecturer
  • Management consultant
  • Marketing manager
  • Museum or gallery curator
  • PR officer
  • Specialist at an auction house
  • Teacher

What are the postgraduate opportunities?

Postgraduate study offers the chance to delve deeper into topics and specialisms. Examples of taught master’s and research degrees at postgraduate level include:

  • Architectural History PGCert/DPhil
  • Architecture and Historic Urban Environments MA
  • Art History and Visual Culture MPhil/PhD
  • Conservation of Historic Buildings MSc
  • History of Photography MLitt

Similar subjects to History of Art, Architecture & Design

If you’re interested in art and culture, you could also consider:

Have any questions?

Get in touch with our experts by emailing ask@thecompleteuniversityguide.co.uk with your question about studying History of Art, Architecture & Design. We’ll be happy to hear from you!

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