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Introduction
Introduction
Why choose this course?
In year 1, we’ll introduce you to the key theories and history you need to know to succeed in the course. If you’ve studied art history before, we’ll introduce you to new concepts and advanced ideas that you won’t have come across. And if you haven’t, we’ll make sure you’re comfortable with the basics before you move on.
You’ll start to study museums and curating in your first year, and this will be a theme throughout the course as we invite curators in to talk about their work. By the end, you’ll have practical experience curating exhibitions.
In your second year, you’ll have the chance to spend a week in a European city, usually Paris. You’ll enjoy a busy schedule of tours and visits.
Back at Oxford Brookes, you’ll be studying specific periods from the 15th to 20th centuries. And you’ll look at wider thematic ideas, for example thinking about how technology changed European culture.
In your final year, you’ll study advanced subjects in small groups and discuss and debate new ideas each week. You’ll also complete an independent project with support from an expert supervisor.
Learning and teaching
You will learn through a mixture of:
 lectures
 seminars
 tutorials.
First-hand experience of art works and buildings is important, so most modules feature a guided visit. We teach the fieldwork module entirely on site.
Many of the modules, in particular the final year advanced seminars, are closely based on staff research interests. You can find out more about our individual research and expertise on our staff pages.
Overview
The moving sun creates shadows that dance over a building by Sir Christopher Wren. You’ll watch the spectacle. Pause and really take it in. Then back in the classroom we’ll talk about the historical and theoretical context that makes the moment even more significant.
At Oxford Brookes, we give you the chance to get out in front of actual art and buildings. Hunt through the riches of the Ashmolean Museum, handling some of the rare objects contained there. You could explore the fascinating tombs of Warwick’s Beauchamp Chapel. You’ll even get to take in a continental European city, perhaps wandering through the Louvre in Paris before heading back to a historic townhouse to discuss what you’ve seen with friends.
We focus on art and architecture from the Renaissance to the 20th century. In addition – in your own projects you can explore any area that interests you. Our team has world class research expertise. Whatever you’re interested in, you’ll find an expert who can support and encourage your specialism.
Modules
Year 1
Compulsory modules
Art in Oxford
In this module, you’ll gain the core skills you need to succeed in your Art History degree. You’ll develop visual analysis skills, as you look at special art collections in Oxfordand the Oxford area. You’ll consider:
 the training and status of artists in society
 the conditions they worked in
 The uses of art
 The market for art
 The materials and techniques used in art
You’ll also investigate how people received art in different times and places. You’ll consider both western and non-western art. You’ll analyse artworks first-hand, giving you an expert understanding of them; developing your skills at working in the field. You’ll also develop strong research skills, increasing your chances of success in your degree, as you learn how to find and apply relevant resources.
Museums and Society
How and why do we present works of art to the public? In this module, you’ll explore the role of museums, art galleries and exhibitions in shaping how people produced, displayed and received works of art from the mid eighteenth century to today. You’ll understand how museums and galleries create contact between artworks and the public who view them. You’ll consider how these spaces are affected by historical factors. And you’ll come to see them as much more than neutral containers for artworks.
Making and Meaning in Architecture
In this module, you’ll gain an understanding of architectural history by examining buildings. You’ll gain the basic tools and terms needed for the historical analysis of buildings, via in-class sessions and visits to buildings in Oxford. You’ll focus on the styles, materials and functions of the buildings themselves. You’ll also explore the social and political contexts which produced them.
This module complements Making and Meaning in Western Art and Art in Oxford by offering an introduction to art historical study. It will also help you to build the skills essential for future modules, in particular those with an architectural component.
Reading Art History
In this module, you’ll develop your ability to be a reflective and critical reader of the kinds of writings you’ll encounter during your History of Art degree. You’ll dig into the key concepts and approaches in writing about art, from the sixteenth century to today. You’ll gain core evaluative skills as you look at texts which are shaped by these approaches. You’ll also gain valuable skills and knowledge of how to read critically and how to recognise differences of methods in art history writing.
Making and Meaning in Western Art
In this module, you’ll gain the tools you need to analyse art and its history. You’ll explore a fascinating range of paintings and sculptures, from the Renaissance to the nineteenth century. You’ll gain key skills as you examine these works of art and use them to investigate core themes and issues in art history.
Optional modules
The Faiths of the West
How have religious groups shaped the West, from the ancient to the modern world? How do different religious groups interact with each other? In this module, you’ll explore:
 different religious groups and doctrines
 religious art
 religion in everyday life
We’ll mainly focus on Christianity, but also on the role of other faiths, such as Judaism and Islam.
Modern British Art
In this module, you’ll dive into art and artists through the century. You’ll explore the Camden Town Group of painters. You’ll examine the abstract sculptures of Barbara Hepworth. And you’ll analyse the collages of Pop artists like Peter Blake. You’ll scrutinise paintings, sculptures and films. You’ll discuss how British artists tried to create modern forms of expression. And you’ll investigate the ways they promoted their work, like:
 exhibitions
 manifestos
 books
 little magazines
You’ll participate in on-site visits, where you’ll examine works of art firsthand. You’ll also attend exciting lectures and seminars where you’ll explore your ideas and enrich your understanding of modern British art.
Art and the Environment
You'll gain understanding of the intersections and interactions between art and the environment. You will investigate examples from across the centuries and around the globe.
You will become adept and familiar with approaches to representing the environment. The use of the natural world as material for artistic expression. And the role of art and architecture in improving and promoting environmental care. You will develop a critical appreciation of the art as an aspect of politico-social change.
Year 2
Compulsory modules
Themes in European Art 1450-1700: Renaissance Bodies - Transformed, Constructed, Desired
How do we see the body in Michaelangelo's iconic marbles, or Titian’s bright canvases? In this module you’ll examine how Renaissance Europeans viewed the world - and the people in it. You’ll explore ideas about travel, science, the Church and colonialism that emerged during this extraordinary period. You’ll consider how Europeans saw themselves, and others, via their art. You’ll consider how art may have created or enforced social stereotypes. And you’ll be immersed in the charged debates of the time - on issues like race, sexuality and gender.
This module option is part of our compulsory Themes in European Art 1450-1700 module. This particular module option is subject to availability in any given year.
Themes in 18th and 19th Century European Art: European Art (1700-1840)
In this module you’ll examine European Art during a period of transformative change. You’ll consider the sweeping political and social movements of the time - and their impact on art. You’ll explore the British Empire, the French Revolution and the drive for European political reform. You’ll learn about the rise of artistic exhibitions and the beginnings of the print trade. You’ll consider the emergence of a ‘public’ for art and the birth of art criticism. And you’ll examine a range of genres, from portraiture and tomb sculpture to comic art.
This module option is part of our compulsory Themes in 18th and 19th Century European Art. This particular module option is subject to availability in any given year.
Themes in Modern Art: Art and the Modern World (1914-1939)
How did the First World War transform European culture? How did artists, architects and designers embrace new technologies, materials and new ways of thinking? And how did changing views on gender and sexuality influence art and architecture? In this module you’ll examine how emerging modernist culture was expressed. You’ll look at forms like paintings, buildings, magazines, film and exhibitions. And you’ll study artists like Charlotte Perriand, Varvara Setpanova, Wells Coates and Marcel Breuer.
This module option is part of our compulsory Themes in Modern Art module. This particular module option is subject to availability in any given year.
Field Work in Art History: Paris
In this module, you’ll be spending a week in Paris, one of the world’s most famous cities for art. You’ll gain core analytical skills and fresh insights for your History of Art degree. You’ll explore the city’s rich range of architecture, and its renowned galleries, museums and temporary exhibitions. You’ll benefit from the input of expert staff on guided visits, while having the freedom to explore sites and galleries independently, absorbing the city’s extraordinary paintings, sculptures and buildings.
This field work trip ordinarily runs in Paris. It is possible that circumstances may arise in any given year that could change the destination of the field work trip.
Optional modules
Oxford Buildings
In this module, you’ll explore Oxford’s famous buildings first-hand. You’ll gain valuable analytical skills for studying the History of Art, as you explore the buildings in their social, environmental and architectural contexts. You’ll benefit from studying buildings directly, and visiting their sites. You’ll visit a diverse range of buildings in Oxford, from the renowned Oxford colleges to the Bodleian Library and the Sheldonian Theatre.
Independent Study in History of Art
This module gives you the chance to do independent study on a topic that fascinates you. You’ll have the support of our expert History of Art staff, while having the freedom to design your own topic alone or in a small group. Whether you’re responding to a current art exhibition, or a pressing issue in art history and criticism, you’ll shape your project around your passions and gain key research skills for your future career.
Year 3
Compulsory modules
History of Art Dissertation
In this module, you’ll have the chance to do independent research on a topic that fascinates you. You’ll have the support of our expert academics who guide you as you carry out research on your chosen topic. You’ll gain key skills for your chosen career, as you gain expertise in your topic and express the knowledge you’ve gained throughout your degree.
History of Art Synoptic
In this module, you’ll identify and harness all of the skills and knowledge you’ve gained throughout your course. Through weekly discussions and debates, you’ll unlock your potential for a groundbreaking career. You’ll gain a strong and advanced understanding of your History of Art course content. You’ll make new connections between the ideas and content you’ve encountered in all your modules, giving you critical knowledge of your course and supporting your academic success.
Optional modules
Curatorial Practice
Do you dream of curating your own exhibition? Do you want to explore career options you didn’t know existed? In this module, you’ll gain direct and expert experience in curating displays and exhibitions of historic and contemporary art. You’ll learn the core issues in curating exhibitions, and explore themes such as:
 theories of curating
 curating contemporary art
 curating historic exhibitions.
You’ll also look at the practical side of curation, including:
 proposals
 loans
 funding
 displays
 lighting
 layout
 catalogues
 interpretation.
Advanced Independent Study in History of Art
This module gives you the opportunity to conduct an advanced level exploration of a subject not directly covered by the History of Art syllabus. In doing so, you’ll develop skills in independent research and analysis.
You might choose to explore a response to a current exhibition, or investigate an issue in the field of art history or criticism. Alternatively, you might select a specialist topic related to another module, or connected to ongoing staff research. The topic will be a substantial one and you will design and carry out your study under the guidance and supervision of one or more members of the History of Art staff.
Advanced Seminar 1: Continuity and Change in Venetian Painting
What does Bellini’s intensive, meditative art have in common with Titian’s dramatic, emotive paintings? How are they part of the same tradition of Renaissance Venetian painting? In this module, you’ll explore Venice’s unique history and culture. You’ll consider Venetian material culture - from the perspective of residents and visitors. You’ll scrutinise ‘Venetian-ness.’ And you’ll examine how Venetian painters pushed boundaries in a traditional culture.
This module is subject to availability in any given year.
Advanced Seminar 1: The Art of Death
How is art involved in death? What is art’s role in rites of passage like mourning, burial and commemoration? In this module, you’ll explore the changing practices, beliefs and attitudes toward death - across cultures and centuries. You’ll investigate the Roman way of death. You’ll examine death in the Middle Ages, including the sumptuous Medieval chantry chapels. And you’ll learn how the Reformation drove sweeping changes in attitudes toward death across Europe. You’ll also consider specialist topics like commemoration, and the art of anatomy in the eighteenth and nineteenth centuries.
This module is subject to availability in any given year.
Advanced Seminar 2: Dutch Seventeenth Century Painting
How is art involved in death? What is art’s role in rites of passage like mourning, burial and commemoration? In this module, you’ll explore the changing practices, beliefs and attitudes toward death - across cultures and centuries. You’ll investigate the Roman way of death. You’ll examine death in the Middle Ages, including the sumptuous Medieval chantry chapels. And you’ll learn how the Reformation drove sweeping changes in attitudes toward death across Europe. You’ll also consider specialist topics like commemoration, and the art of anatomy in the eighteenth and nineteenth centuries.
This module is subject to availability in any given year.
Advanced Seminar 2: Culture and Modernity in 1920s and 1930s England
Explore the explosion of creativity surrounding art and ways of life in the 1920s and 30s. This visionary period saw the emergence of artists like Barbara Hepworth, Elizabeth Denby and Sadie Speight. And it produced groups like Unit One and the MARS Group. You’ll examine cultural artifacts of the time - from paintings and periodicals to film and furniture. You’ll explore debates about nationhood. And you’ll examine how these ideas impacted all areas of British culture.
This module is subject to availability in any given year.
Entry Criteria
ENTRY REQUIRED DOCUMENTS
Home Office Share Code
For EU students only.
IF no Qualification
Please provide CV with at least 2 years of work experience, and employee reference letter.
Specific entry requirements
Our standard entry requirement is three A-levels or equivalent qualifications. In some cases, courses have specific required subjects and additional GCSE requirements. In addition to A-levels, we accept a wide range of other qualifications including:
 the Welsh Baccalaureate
 the Access to Higher Education Diploma
 a BTEC National Certificate, Diploma or Extended Diploma at a good standard and in a relevant subject
 the International Baccalaureate Diploma
 the European Baccalaureate Diploma
 Scottish qualifications – five subjects in SCE with two at Higher level or one at Advanced Higher level, or three subjects in Scottish Highers or two at Advanced Higher level
 a recognised foundation course
 T-levels*.
 * T-levels are a relatively new qualification but are already included in the UCAS tariff. We welcome prospective students who are taking this qualification to apply. For some programmes with specific required subjects, particular subject areas or occupational specialisms may be required.
English language requirements
If English is not your first language then you will need to show that your English language skills are at a high enough level to succeed in your studies.
The entry requirement for your course will be expressed as an IELTS level and refers to the IELTS Academic version of this test. We are now also accepting the IELTS Indicator test, you can find out more about the test on the IELTS Indication site. The University however does accept a wide range of additional English language qualifications, which can be found below.
The university’s English language requirements in IELTS levels are as follows:
Course IELTS level
All other undergraduate courses 6.0 overall with 6.0 in reading and writing, 5.5 in listening and speaking
Law, Architecture, Interior Architecture, English Literature (including combined honours), English Literature and Creative Writing 6.5 overall with 6.0 in reading and writing, 5.5 in listening and speaking
Health and Social Care courses 6.5 or 7.0 overall with 6.5 or 7.0 in all components (see individual entries for course details)
Nutrition BSc (Hons) 6.5 overall with a minimum of 6.0 in each component
Built Environment Foundation,
Computing Foundation,
Engineering Foundation 6.0 with 6.0 in reading and writing, 5.5 in listening and speaking
International Foundation Business and Technology,
International Foundation Arts, Humanities and Law 5.5 overall with 5.5 in all skills
International Foundation Diploma 5.0 overall with 5.0 in all skills
If you need a student visa you must take an IELTS for UKVI test.
International Foundation Diploma (Extended pathway) 4.5 overall with 4.5 in all skills
If you need a student visa you must take an IELTS for UKVI test.
Assessment
ASSESSMENT METHODS
1. INTERNAL ENGLISH TEST if you don't have an English accredited certificate
2. Academic Interview
Wherever possible we make our conditional offers using the UCAS Tariff. The combination of A-level grades listed here would be just one way of achieving the UCAS Tariff points for this course.
Standard offer
UCAS Tariff Points: 104
A Level: BCC
IB Points: 29
BTEC: DMM
Contextual offer
UCAS Tariff Points: 88
A Level: CCD
IB Points: 27
BTEC: MMM
Further offer details
For combined honours, normally the offer will lie between the offers quoted for each subject.
Applications are also welcomed for consideration from applicants with European qualifications, international qualifications or recognised foundation courses.
Assessment
Assessment is by coursework and examination.
Coursework includes:
 essays
 group projects
 individual seminar presentations
 research projects.
Some modules involve an element of examination at the end of the semester, but others are assessed solely on the basis of your work during the semester.
Assessed work for the honours dissertation takes the form of a 10,000 word piece of work.
Career Opportunities
Past students of the course have gone on to a broad range of careers. They’re working in:
 museums
 galleries
 auction houses
 heritage organisations
 education
 journalism.
Employers include Sotheby’s, the National Portrait Gallery, and the Oxford Museum of Natural History.
In your final year, you’ll develop practical experience of managing exhibitions and curating displays, ideal for a career in museums or galleries. But you’ll also develop lots of other key skills valued by many employers, in areas like administration, communications, public relations or retail.
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