Hi, we all study History of Art, and we’d like to tell you why it’s such a great subject
to study at University.
In an increasingly global visual culture, a History of Art degree not only provides
you with a sharp eye for detail but it also gives you; a valuable insight into the past,
an appreciation and awareness for other cultures and the ability to see the world around you
in a new light.
Students can choose to study a variety of different media, methodologies and debates,
as our staff have a wide range of specialities, from; painting and sculpture in the Renaissance
period, to Impressionism and Post-Impressionism, to Contemporary and Global Art – there really
is something to suit all artistic interests.
Your first year gives you an invaluable grounding in the subject, whatever your A Level background,
and from there you’ll be able to shape your degree as your interests develop.
But it isn’t all about delving into the past; Birmingham’s real-world curatorial
focus is much harder to obtain elsewhere.
Teaching regularly takes place in our working gallery on campus: The Barber Institute of
Fine Arts, which is home to not only a dedicated Fine Art Library, but also some of the highest
standards of artwork outside of London, including works by many famous artists.
Seminars and events regularly take place here, right in front of works of art, and this really
helps to deepen your understanding of the works being discussed.
You’ll also be able to explore how the Barber’s different departments work together as part
of your degree, and draw on the gallery staff’s own expertise.
This hands-on approach to studying History of Art will expand your knowledge of the museum
and heritage sector.
History of Art degrees get you jobs!
As the cultural industries remain a key part of our economic future, it’s no surprise
that a high percentage of History of Art students are in exciting graduate-level positons just
six months after finishing their degree.
Throughout their degree, History of Art students are spoilt for choice when it comes to gaining
experience from volunteering and work placements - as they are based in one of Britain’s
fastest growing cultural hotspots with great transport links to galleries, museums and
exhibitions throughout the UK.
Whether your passions lie in traditional art, contemporary art, or somewhere in between;
the degree programme provides valuable opportunities to expand your working gallery and museum
knowledge on campus, in a variety local institutions and abroad.
In the summer between her second and third year, Emily was granted the opportunity to
fly out from the UK and spend 6 weeks in Australia working for Museum Victoria in Melbourne as
part of the Global Challenge Award.
Here, she assisted in the preparation for their Centenary of World War I exhibition,
where she discovered interesting links between Birmingham and Australia during the war effort.
There are a number of travel opportunities when studying History of Art either on its
own or with another subject.
This is because it is important for all History of Art students to explore artworks in situ
and to cultivate a sophisticated cultural awareness.
Gallery study trips are not only organised in the West Midlands and London – but also
further afield during a week-long University-funded trip to a major European Centre of artistic
importance.
This is a unique opportunity to examine works of art and architecture in the flesh, and
a great way to get to know fellow students and lecturers.
Feeling more adventurous?
Students can also opt to study abroad for one year or one semester during their degree,
taking History of Art-related subjects which can be taught in English.
Our exchange universities include; Melbourne University in Australia, Lund University in
Sweden and Leiden University in the Netherlands.
As a History of Art graduate, you are also eligible to apply for one of the University’s
paid internships with the Barber Institute of Fine Arts, or with the Birmingham Museum
and Art Gallery, through the Cultural Intern Scheme – so you can join the 40% of the
University’s former students who stay in Birmingham after their studies.
When I graduate, I’m hoping to go into Public Relations.
I know graduates here from my course in Birmingham who have gone on to work for so many amazing
companies, such as; Cath Kidston, The Victoria and Albert Museum and the Bodleian Library,
and in a multitude fields from curating, research, and auction houses, to costume, events, and
teaching, to name just a few.
I hope this film has shown you just how many opportunities studying History of Art at University
can give you, from transferable real-world skills, a chance to travel and an unparalleled
curatorial experience.
For more information about the topics that we’ve talked about, you can visit our website.