History of Art and Architecture Birkbeck, University of London

Overview

The History of Art and Architecture programme at Birkbeck, University of London is designed to immerse students in the rich study of art history, focusing on the visual, material, and cultural dimensions of art across various media and historical contexts. With a commitment to fostering intellectual independence, the course is delivered by esteemed scholars in the field, ensuring that students receive both support and rigorous academic challenge.

Why History of Art and Architecture at Birkbeck?

Birkbeck stands out as one of the top four universities in the UK for Art and Design research, as highlighted by the 2021 Research Excellence Framework. The university boasts a rich legacy in art history education, with facilities such as the Jo Spence Archive and Peltz Gallery. Students benefit from access to leading research centres, including the Centre for Museum Cultures and the Murray Centre for History of Art, Architecture and Photography, which are pivotal in generating and sharing new knowledge. Additionally, Birkbeck offers regular gallery and museum visits, alongside an annual study trip abroad, enhancing the learning experience.

Tuition Fee Breakdown

The tuition fees for the History of Art and Architecture programme are as follows:

• Part-time home students: £3,780 per year
• Full-time home students: £7,560 per year
• Part-time international students: £6,950 per year
• Full-time international students: £13,900 per year

Visit the Fees and Funding section for a breakdown in your local currency.

Syllabus

The curriculum for the Graduate Certificate and Diploma includes a core module and various option modules, allowing for a tailored educational experience. Students will complete:

• Core Module: Art History: Skills and Approaches
• Indicative Option Modules:
  • Art and Architecture in Rome c 1500 - 1527
  • Art Nouveau Across Europe at the Fin-de-Siecle
  • Curating the Contemporary
  • From Private Piety to Princely Pomp: The Art of Northern Renaissance
  • Impressionist Paris: Modernity and Difference
  • Medieval Sicily: Cosmopolitan Culture
  • Photography Between Art and Document, 1839 to Now
  • Portraiture in England in the Long Eighteenth Century
  • The Gothic Cathedral
  • Women, Art and Photography in the 20th Century

Note that module availability may vary each academic year.

Careers with History of Art and Architecture

Graduates of the History of Art and Architecture programme acquire vital transferable skills, including advanced critical thinking, visual analysis, and effective communication. Alumni have pursued successful careers across various sectors, including:

• Museums and Heritage
• Arts Management
• Conservation and Policy
• Arts Publishing and Media
• Research and Academia

Notable positions held by graduates include roles such as Head of Learning at the Design Museum, Curator at Tate Modern, and Director of the Foundling Museum. Birkbeck provides a robust careers service to support students in navigating their professional journeys.