The History of Art course at Cambridge offers a comprehensive exploration of art and architecture worldwide, spanning from ancient times to the modern and contemporary eras. The primary goal is to nurture a profound understanding of art and architecture, fostering visual literacy, critical thinking, and analytical skills.
The Department’s extensive library and access to other reference libraries further enhance research opportunities. Additionally, students should explore works of art and architecture independently, although the department funds trips to museums and galleries.
Preparation for the course involves visiting museums, exhibitions, and architecturally significant buildings, taking notes, and creating sketches.
Course Costs
Regarding course costs, details of tuition fees are on the university’s tuition fees page. Additional charges include purchasing a computer or laptop before starting, with an estimated cost of £600-£900.
Throughout the course, students should budget for stationery, printing, photocopying, and scanning, with estimated costs of £5-£10 per week each year. For any resource-related queries, students can contact the Department for further information.
Cambridge History of Art Course Overview
| UCAS Code | V350 |
| Minimum Entrance Requirements | A-levels – A*AAIB – 40-42 points, with 776 at Higher Level |
| Subject Requirements – History of Art at Cambridge | All colleges that offer the course ask students to sit an admissions assessment. The assessment asks students to write a structured comparison of images, lasting approximately 60 minutes. For more information, please see the History of Art Admissions Assessment Specification. |
| Admissions Test Requirements – History of Art at Cambridge | Non-specific, however, some useful preparation are History, History of Art, English (language or literature), a language Please note that subjects such as Art and Design are accepted but Colleges normally require A*/7 in an essay-based subject. |
| Extras things Cambridge History of Art tutors look for | Applicants are not typically asked to submit examples of written work. Some colleges may ask students to do some reading in advance of their interview, but if this is required the College will provide full details in the letter inviting the student to interview. |
| Duration | 3 years – BA (Hons) |
| Admissions Statistics | Applications per place: 5 Number accepted: 20 |
| What is History of Artat Cambridge? | The History of Art course at Cambridge offers students a comprehensive exploration of art and architecture. This spans from antiquity to modern and contemporary periods worldwide. This programme aims to develop students’ visual literacy, critical thinking, and analytical skills. It provides them with a deep understanding of the subject matter. Cambridge leverages its outstanding resources, including the Fitzwilliam Museum and its conservation departments. This in turn provides students with real-world exposure to artworks. Additionally, the department encourages students to visit museums, exhibitions, and significant architectural sites. The aim is to enhance their appreciation and analysis of art. The course further helps students build a strong foundation in art history, preparing them for careers in the arts and related fields. |
| Cambridge Colleges that offer History of Art | Available at all Colleges except Girton, Robinson and St Catharine’s |
| Structure of the History of Art at Cambridge | Year 1 (Part I) During the year you take a series of five compulsory papers. The first includes an examination on the Making and Meaning of Art and Architecture. There is also a paper on Objects, which is assessed by a portfolio of coursework. You will also complete a short dissertation of 5,000 words on a work of art or architecture in or around Cambridge. Year 2 (Part IIA) In Part IIA, you take one compulsory paper along with two pairs of papers on Special Subjects: Approaches to the History of Art and Architecture Special Subjects Year 3 (Part IIB) In Part IIB, you take one compulsory paper. There are also two further pairs of Special Subjects papers. You must also submit a dissertation: The Display of Art Special Subjects |
| Common Careers after History of Artat Cambridge | Graduates of History of Art at Cambridge also secure opportunities in: Museums and galleries The care and conservation of monuments Heritage management Fine art dealing Publishing Advertising Written and broadcast journalism Teaching |
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