History of Art Birkbeck, University of London

Overview

The MA in History of Art at Birkbeck, University of London, is an advanced course that immerses students in the study of art and its multifaceted histories. This programme is structured to enhance your analytical abilities while fostering critical discussions about art across various periods, from medieval to contemporary. With a focus on both visual acuity and research skills, you will engage deeply with key art historical methodologies and themes that resonate with your personal interests.

Why History of Art at Birkbeck?

Birkbeck is renowned for its excellence in the study of art history, being ranked among the top four universities in the UK for Art and Design research according to the 2021 Research Excellence Framework. The faculty comprises internationally recognised experts who are actively engaged in innovative research across a broad spectrum of time periods. The university’s prime location in Central London provides students with unparalleled access to world-class museums, galleries, and art collections, enriching the learning experience.

Tuition Fee Breakdown

The tuition fees for the History of Art MA are as follows:

• Full-time international students: £20,850 per year
• Part-time international students: £10,425 per year
• Full-time home students: £12,000 per year
• Part-time home students: £6,000 per year

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

Syllabus

The course consists of a total of 180 credits, which includes a compulsory module and a selection of option modules. The compulsory module is:

• Frameworks: Histories and Theories of Art, Architecture, Photography

Students can choose from a variety of option modules, such as:

• Art and Devotion in Fifteenth-Century Italy
• Art Museums in a Global Age
• Curating Difficult Histories: Museums, Exhibitions, Art Activism
• Visual Cultures of Disability
• Gender, Modernity and the City
• Impressionism Now
• Transformations in the Victorian Art World 1860-1910
• Queer and Black Photography in 1980-1990s Britain
• And many more

In addition to these modules, students will engage in a research exercise and complete a 15,000-word dissertation, allowing for in-depth exploration of a chosen topic.

Careers with History of Art

Graduates of the History of Art MA are well-equipped for various career paths within the arts and cultural sectors. Alumni have secured positions in prestigious organisations such as:

• Victoria and Albert Museum
• Tate Modern
• Design Museum
• National Gallery
• Royal Institute of British Architects
• Jewish Museum

Potential job roles include higher education lecturer, museum curator, arts administrator, and auctioneer, among others. The skills gained through this programme, such as advanced visual analysis and critical thinking, are highly valued in diverse professional contexts.