History of Art, BA

Course content

Year 1 will equip you with the fundamental skills and knowledge for art historical analysis. Core modules will teach you to 'read' rather than 'look at' an image in different contexts and you'll be introduced to key themes and interpretative methods in the subject.

You'll examine different cultures and materials and consider the intentions and identities of artists. A choice of optional modules will allow you to study topics like cultural or media history, or country house or museum studies, or to develop your own artistic work in our studios.

You'll build on this knowledge in Year 2, when further core modules will deepen your understanding of the complex relationship between art and society. Through exploring a variety of approaches, these modules encourage you to think critically and analytically about works of art.

In addition, you'll shape your studies to suit your interests when you choose from a wider range of optional modules, which cover art historical topics from African art to the New York School as well as museum studies, critical theory and the contemporary art market.

By your final year, you'll be able to apply your research and critical skills to an independently researched dissertation on a topic of your choice. To complement and support your research, you'll select additional modules from the diverse options on offer. If you choose, you can take one fewer optional module and go into greater depth on an extended dissertation.

Course structure

These are typical modules/components studied and may change from time to time. Read more in our Terms and conditions.

Year 1

Compulsory modules

• Entry requirements, fees and applying

  Entry requirements

  A-level: AAB not including General Studies or Critical Thinking.

  • Career opportunities

    A high percentage of graduates from this course go on to postgraduate study. However, others have pursued careers in curating, arts education in organisations such as galleries, colleges and universities, journalism, arts administration, image researching, PR and auctioneering.

    Graduates from our School have gone on to work at the Guggenheim Museum in Venice, the Tate Britain, Tate Modern, The Saatchi Gallery, The Henry Moore Institute, National Trust, Bonham's, Leeds City Museums, The Hepworth Gallery, The Geffrye Museum London, The Heritage Lottery Fund and the Rydale Folk Museum.

    Some examples of roles they have gone on to have include Head of House and Collections at Harewood House, Events Manager at the National Portrait Gallery, PR Officer at Christie's (London and New York), Lecturer at the University of Leeds and Chief Curator at the Museum of Modern Art, New York.

    Careers support

    We encourage you to prepare for your career from day one. That's one of the reasons Leeds graduates are so sought after by employers.

    Leeds for Life is our unique approach to helping you make the most of University by supporting your academic and personal development. Find out more at the Leeds for Life website.

    The Careers Centre and staff in your faculty provide a range of help and advice to help you plan your career and make well-informed decisions along the way, even after you graduate. Find out more at the Careers website.

  • Study abroad and work placements

    Study abroad

    On this course you have the opportunity to apply to spend time abroad, usually as an extra academic year. The University has partnerships with more than 400 universities worldwide and popular destinations for our students include Europe, the USA, Canada, Australia, New Zealand, Singapore, Hong Kong, South Africa and Latin America. 

    Find out more at the Study Abroad website.

    Work placements

    Practical work experience can help you decide on your career and improve your employability. On this course you have the option to apply to take a placement year module with organisations across the public, private and voluntary sectors in the UK, or overseas.

    Find out more about work experience on the Careers website.