Overview

The Renaissance Studies programme at the University of California, Santa Barbara provides students with a unique opportunity to explore the profound cultural and political shifts of Western Europe. This interdisciplinary major examines the era when the foundations of modern art, religion, and literature were established.

Scholars within this field investigate the period spanning from the late fifteenth century to the mid-seventeenth century, a time defined by mind-altering changes in global understanding. The curriculum highlights the influence of iconic figures such as Shakespeare, Michelangelo, and Machiavelli, while also addressing the significant impact of the age of discovery and European encounters with the New World.

Why Renaissance Studies at the University of California, Santa Barbara?

The University of California, Santa Barbara offers a distinctive learning environment where students receive personalised guidance from an advisory committee and the programme chair. This collaborative approach ensures that each individual's programme of study is carefully curated from the beginning of their junior year to meet their academic goals.

A significant feature of the department is the encouragement of international perspectives through the Education Abroad Programme. Students have the opportunity to spend a year of their undergraduate degree at a European university, immersing themselves in the historical sites and cultural contexts that define the Renaissance era.

The interdisciplinary nature of the faculty allows students to access expertise across multiple departments, including English, Art History, and Music. This breadth of institutional strength ensures that graduates develop a multifaceted understanding of how political life and creative expression intersected during one of history's most exciting periods.

Tuition Fee Breakdown

International fee: USD 14934 per year
National fee: USD 14934 per year
Local fee: USD 14934 per year

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

Syllabus

Modules may include:

English
European Literatures
History
Art History
Music
Renaissance Studies

Careers with Renaissance Studies

Graduates of this programme develop advanced analytical and research skills that are highly valued across various professional sectors. The deep understanding of historical structures and cultural change prepares students for diverse roles in education, archival work, and the heritage industry, as well as positions within international organisations.

The ability to synthesise complex information from different disciplines makes alumni well-suited for careers in publishing, arts administration, and cultural consultancy. Many students also use the rigorous academic foundation provided by the university to pursue further specialised postgraduate research or professional degrees in law and public policy.

Programme Structure

Courses offered in this program include:

Literature of the Renaissance
Art of the Renaissance
History
Music
Religion

Key information

Duration

Full-time
- 48 months

Start dates & application deadlines

Starting 2027-09-23 00:00:00
- Apply before 2026-12-01 00:00:00

Language

English

Duolingo English Test

115

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IELTS

6.5

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Credits

120 SCH

Delivered

On Campus

Campus Location

Santa Barbara, United States

Disciplines

History View 1565 other Bachelors in History 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

Schedule TOEFL®

IELTS

6.5

Prepare for Your English Test

Cathoven AI IELTS Preparation

Learn your IELTS Score

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

Trusted by 300k learners
98 accuracy using real exam data
4.9/5 student rating

Other requirements

General requirements

The University of California sets slightly different criteria for applicants who are not California residents. If you are an out-of-state applicant, you must meet the same admission requirements as a California resident student.

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

14934 USD / year

≈ 14934 USD / year
Out-of-State

14934 USD / year

≈ 14934 USD / year
Domestic

Applies to you

In-State

14934 USD / year

≈ 14934 USD / year

Living costs

Santa Barbara

United States

1640 - 2480 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 Renaissance Studies.

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 Barbara

Funding

Need help with your student visa?

Scholarships Information

Available Scholarships

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