Art History with Curating Birkbeck, University of London

Overview

The Art History with Curating BA (Hons) at Birkbeck, University of London provides a unique opportunity to study visual arts while gaining professional skills in exhibition management. Students explore the social and political contexts of art from the medieval period to the contemporary era. This degree is designed to foster intellectual independence and practical acumen in the heart of London’s cultural landscape.

Why Art History with Curating at Birkbeck, University of London?

Birkbeck, University of London is internationally respected for its research and teaching in the history of art, with a legacy spanning over half a century. Students benefit from the university's Gordon Square location, which houses the Jo Spence Archive and the Peltz Gallery. The institution was ranked among the top four in the UK for Art and Design research in the Research Excellence Framework.

The programme is delivered by world-leading scholars and active researchers who are published experts in their fields. Learning is enhanced by the university's proximity to world-class monuments and collections. Students also participate in annual field trips abroad and curatorial tours of major London museums, galleries, and heritage sites to gain first-hand industry insights.

Tuition Fee Breakdown

• International fee: GBP 18500 per year
• National fee: GBP 9535 per year

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

Syllabus

The curriculum follows a structured approach to understanding art as a socially engaged object. Modules may include:

• Doing Art History
• The Artwork in History
• Visual Art: Histories, Networks and Organisations
• Curating Culture
• Research Portfolio
• Art in London
• Debates in Art History
• Art and Politics since 1900
• Curating the Contemporary

Careers with Art History with Curating

Graduates develop highly sophisticated visual, analytical, and organisational skills suitable for various roles in the cultural sector. The programme prepares students for professional paths in museum curation, arts management, and heritage conservation. Many alumni also find success in arts publishing, media, and academic research.

Former students have secured prestigious positions at renowned institutions. These include roles such as curators at Tate Modern and Tate Britain, as well as leadership positions at the Design Museum and the National Maritime Museum. Other graduates have moved into programming and campaign management at the National Gallery and the Science Museum.