Art History Aberystwyth University

Overview

Why study Art History at Aberystwyth? The School of Art at Aberystwyth University is renowned for its exceptional curriculum and facilities, making it one of the top-ranked art departments in the UK. With access to an extensive collection of over 20,000 artworks, including prints, photographs, and ceramics, students engage directly with original pieces, enhancing their understanding and appreciation of art history. The School operates as a government-accredited museum, providing a unique opportunity for hands-on learning in a gallery setting. This immersive environment allows students to curate exhibitions, gaining practical experience that complements their academic studies.

Our dedicated staff comprises practising artists, curators, and published researchers who bring their expertise into the classroom. Their ongoing research informs the curriculum, ensuring that students receive a contemporary and relevant education. The School of Art's facilities include a MAC suite, studios, and various learning spaces, all designed to support students in their artistic and academic pursuits. Additionally, the proximity of the National Library of Wales, one of the UK's five copyright libraries, offers students access to an extensive repository of books, manuscripts, and artworks, further enriching their studies.

Tuition Fee Breakdown

The tuition fees for the BA in Art History at Aberystwyth University are as follows:

• National Students: £9,535 per year
• International Students: £19,190 per year

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

Syllabus

The BA in Art History is structured over three years, with a mix of core and optional modules designed to build a comprehensive understanding of art history:

• Looking into Landscape: Reading, Researching, Responding
• Pleasure, Power, and Profit: Art in the Long Eighteenth Century
• Representing the Body
• Revolutions & Modernities: Art in the Nineteenth Century
• Exploring the School of Art Collections: Research and Museums
• Photography Begins
• Dissertation Preparation and Professional Practice for Students of Art History
• Modernisms: Art in the Early Twentieth Century
• Postmodernism and Contemporary Art
• Art in Wales
• Documentary Photography
• Drawn to Order: British Illustration since 1800
• Enlightenment and Empire: Museums, Knowledge, and Meaning
• Rethinking Impressionism

Careers with Art History

Graduates of the BA in Art History programme often find themselves in various professional roles within the arts sector. Many alumni have secured positions as art historians, curators, and educators, working with esteemed organisations such as the Arts Council, BBC, and Tate Gallery. Others have become art gallery managers, museum curators, and art directors within publishing. The programme not only prepares students for immediate employment but also provides a strong foundation for further studies, with many graduates pursuing Master’s degrees to enhance their career prospects.

The skills developed throughout the course are highly transferable, equipping students with the ability to research, communicate effectively, and think critically. These competencies are increasingly valued in today’s job market, ensuring that graduates are well-prepared for the challenges of their chosen careers.