Studying a history of art degree means focusing on human history and experiences that have influenced the modern era. Art history virtually means the visual depiction of historical pieces. The subject treats works of art (such as paintings, structures, and sculptures) not just as objects but as a way of understanding the world throughout time to understand the times in which they were created.
Learn more about why you should study art history in the UK below. To begin your UK art application, arrange a free consultation today.
6 Reasons Why You Should Study History of Art in the UK
1. Exposure to Diverse Artistic Movements
Art has witnessed several waves of modernism, each known as the beginning of a new era. Students studying art history have the opportunity to delve deep into these artistic movements and get acquainted with the attitude of artists in a particular era. To be an artist, one should be quite familiar with art pieces from across eras, and a degree in art history will help you achieve that.
By learning about the evolution of artistic styles, students gain a panoramic view of humanity's creativity. This global perspective provides an enriched understanding of societies, their interconnectedness, and the universal language of art.
2. UK Universities’ Reputation
The UK is home to some of the most respected art schools in the world. From the Royal College of Art (1st) to the Courtauld Institute of Art (3rd), the country has six universities in the top 20 of the QS World University Rankings by Subject 2023: History of Art. In addition, UK universities are known for their research prowess, which is evident from their higher ranking among the world’s most research-oriented universities.
3. Varied Career Opportunities
A degree in art history can open up various career paths and opportunities for individuals passionate about the visual arts. Graduates with a history of art degree often possess a deep understanding of artistic movements, cultural contexts, and critical analysis skills. Here are some potential avenues for individuals with a history of art degree:
- Curatorship and Museum Work
- Art Conservation and Restoration
- Education and Academia
- Art Journalism and Criticism
- Gallery Management and Art Consultancy
- Cultural Heritage Management
- Auction Houses and Art Dealerships
- Art Therapy
4. A Multi-disciplinary Experience
From economics to anthropology, an art history course involves studying several other subjects to make it a multi-disciplinary approach. In addition, some programmes also include linguistic education, which helps in understanding the history of a particular region in case you are not aware of that particular language. Since many art pieces are related to philosophy, universities also involve philosophical studies in their degrees.
The history of art involves several subjects, diverse fields of study, and different topics to understand the matter properly. From getting acquainted with the museums to watching through the lens of paintings, students engage in a well-rounded approach. UK universities help you gather knowledge from diverse fields of study, including geography, science, etc.) for understanding the broad spectrum of art.
5. Connect With the Past
Studying art history allows you to live in the past and connect deeply with historical events. You will research how traditions have been innovated and how societies have accepted innovations. You will also traverse narrative art in medieval Europe and compare that to the present-day scenario to connect with the past.
6. Visual Literacy and Interpretation
Studying the history of art helps people understand pictures and what they mean. It's like learning a special language of colours, shapes, and stories told through art. This skill, called visual literacy, lets you read art like a book. So, if someone wants to look at a painting or sculpture and get what's going on, the history of art is the perfect way to become a visual expert!
When people look at art pieces from different times and places, they learn to analyse and understand stuff smartly. Figuring out why an artist did things a certain way or what a painting means builds great thinking skills.
Study History of Art in the UK
If you want to study the history of art at a UK university, arrange a free consultation with SI-UK to explore available postgraduate and undergraduate courses ahead of the upcoming intake
FAQ
Is UCL good for the history of art?
UCL’s history of art programme is highly popular among international students. It has a strong academic reputation and resources in this field.
Can I study the history of art as a part-time student?
Many universities in the UK offer part-time study options for history of art degrees, allowing students to balance education with other commitments.
Which universities in the UK have the highest acceptance rate for history of art?
Universities such as the University of Central Lancashire (UCLan) and the University of Chester have higher acceptance rates for history of art subjects.
What can I do with a history of art degree?
Graduates with a degree in history in art can pursue careers in museums, galleries, art conservation, education, publishing, and more. Some may also venture into roles related to research, curation, or arts administration.