Overview

The History of Art and Visual Culture programme at University of California, Santa Cruz provides an expansive investigation into the creation, form, and reception of visual products across history. Students examine a vast array of cultural manifestations, ranging from traditional fine arts to contemporary digital media. This academic journey encourages critical thinking about how visual expressions shape and reflect human experience.

Why History of Art and Visual Culture at University of California, Santa Cruz?

The department distinguishes itself through a global curriculum that spans Africa, the Americas, Asia, Europe, and the Pacific Islands. Students benefit from a unique interdisciplinary approach that includes the study of ritual, textiles, and data visualisations alongside traditional architecture. The university's location and partnerships, such as with the Santa Cruz Museum of Art and History, offer practical engagement with the local arts community.

Tuition Fee Breakdown

International fee: USD 37602 per year
National fee: USD 37602 per year
Local fee: USD 16785 per year

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

Syllabus

The curriculum covers a diverse range of material and media, focusing on both historical and modern contexts. Modules may include:

Art History
Visual Culture
Architecture
Photography
Film and Video Games
Textiles and Manuscripts
Landscape and Built Environment
Installation Art
Ritual and Performative Expression

Careers with History of Art and Visual Culture

Graduates are well-prepared for professional roles within the global arts sector and beyond. The analytical skills developed during the programme are highly transferable to various industries. Many alumni pursue successful careers in the following areas:

Museum Curating and Exhibition Design
Art Restoration and Historic Preservation
Gallery Management and Auction Management
Arts Administration and Art Law
Art Book Publishing and Criticism
Teaching and Academic Research
Interior Design and Architecture
Visual Resource Librarianship

The degree also serves as a robust foundation for postgraduate study in specialised fields such as museology, heritage, and advanced art history. Students often find opportunities in social services, business, and education due to their strong background in cultural analysis.

Programme Structure

Courses include:

Visual Cultures of Asia

Religion and Visual Culture in China

Southeast Asia Visual Culture

Image and Ideology in Indian Art

Museum Cultures: The Politics of Display

History of Modern Architecture

Key information

Duration

Full-time
- 48 months

Start dates & application deadlines

Starting 2027-09-23 00:00:00
- Apply before 2026-11-30 00:00:00

Language

English

Duolingo English Test

115

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TOEFL^® IBT

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IELTS

6.5

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Credits

120 SCH

Delivered

On Campus

Campus Location

Santa Cruz, United States

Disciplines

Visual Arts Film Studies Art History View 1641 other Bachelors in Visual Arts in United States

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Academic requirements

GPA

3.4

3.0 GPA For California residents

English requirements

Duolingo English Test

115

Take A Free Practice Test!

TOEFL^® IBT

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IELTS

6.5

Prepare for Your English Test

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AI-powered IELTS feedback. Clear, actionable, and tailored to boost your writing & speaking score. No credit card or upfront payment required.

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Other requirements

General requirements

You must achieve a minimum GPA of 3.00 in the "a–g" courses.

Non-residents must earn a minimum GPA of 3.40.

Take the ACT Plus Writing or the SAT with Essay

The ACT Assessment plus the ACT Writing Test or the SAT with critical reading, mathematics, and writing scores from the same sitting.

Proof of English Proficiency

Tuition Fees

Tuition fees are shown in and the most likely applicable fee is shown based on your nationality.

International Applies to you

Applies to you

Non-residents

37602 USD / year

≈ 37602 USD / year
Out-of-State

37602 USD / year

≈ 37602 USD / year
Domestic

Applies to you

In-State

16785 USD / year

≈ 16785 USD / year

Living costs

Santa Cruz

United States

1710 - 2560 USD / month

The living costs include the total expenses per month, covering accommodation, public transportation, utilities (electricity, internet), books and groceries.

Funding

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Scholarships Information

Below you will find Bachelor's scholarship opportunities for History of Art and Visual Culture.

Available Scholarships

You are eligible to apply for these scholarships but a selection process will still be applied by the provider.

About

Overview

Programme Structure

Key information

Duration

Start dates & application deadlines

Language

Prepare for Your English Test

Credits

Delivered

Campus Location

Disciplines

What students do after studying

Academic requirements

English requirements

Prepare for Your English Test

Other requirements

General requirements

Tuition Fees

International Applies to you

Domestic

Living costs

Santa Cruz

Funding

Need help with your student visa?

Scholarships Information

Available Scholarships

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