History of Art Birkbeck, University of London

Overview

Why History of Art at Birkbeck, University of London?

Birkbeck’s History of Art programme is renowned for its research excellence, having been ranked among the top four universities in the UK for Art and Design research according to the 2021 Research Excellence Framework. The university fosters a vibrant interdisciplinary community, encouraging collaboration with museums, galleries, and heritage organisations. Students benefit from the proximity to significant national libraries and archives, enhancing their research capabilities. The Gordon Square building, historically linked to the Bloomsbury Group, houses the Jo Spence Archive and the Peltz Gallery, which hosts a variety of exhibitions and events that enrich the academic experience. Birkbeck's research centres, such as the Centre for Museum Cultures and the Murray Centre for History of Art, Architecture and Photography, play a pivotal role in advancing knowledge in the field. The university's commitment to providing a supportive research environment is evident through its regular seminars, training sessions, and access to advanced technical facilities.

Tuition Fee Breakdown

The tuition fees for the History of Art MPhil/PhD programme are as follows:

• Full-time international students: £15,570 per year
• Part-time international students: £7,870 per year
• Full-time home students: £5,006 per year
• Part-time home students: £2,656 per year

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

Syllabus

The History of Art MPhil/PhD programme encompasses a variety of research topics and methodologies. Students are encouraged to explore diverse areas, including but not limited to:

• Canadian surrealism
• Imperial exhibitions from 1922 to 1936
• Sixteenth-century Venetian art
• Gender and race in late nineteenth-century British art
• Art and law
• Modernism in the 1960s
• Popularising high culture

This breadth of topics allows students to engage with critical issues and develop their own research interests within the field.

Careers with History of Art

Graduates of the History of Art programme find themselves well-prepared for a variety of career paths. Alumni have pursued roles in academia, museums, galleries, and cultural institutions. Specific job roles include curators, art historians, and educators, while graduates often work in sectors related to visual culture and heritage management. The skills acquired during the programme equip students to contribute meaningfully to the arts and cultural sectors, fostering a deep understanding of the historical and contemporary contexts of art.