COURSE CURRICULUM

The BA in Art History, Museums and Galleries is a dynamic and immersive course that offers students a comprehensive understanding of visual culture and the institutions that preserve, interpret, and exhibit art. In the first year, students are introduced to key themes in art history and museum studies through hands-on learning with artworks and objects. Modules such as Learning on Site at the Sainsbury Centre encourage close visual analysis and critical thinking, while others explore the ethical and political dimensions of museums and their collections. The second year builds on this foundation by introducing interdisciplinary approaches that connect art history with archaeology, anthropology and material culture studies. Students examine how objects carry meaning across time and space, and how contemporary artists challenge and reshape the roles of museums and galleries. As part of this, they consider how art functions within today’s world and the ways in which it influences identity, memory and public discourse. The final year offers the chance to specialise further through a dissertation project, alongside a module on museum practice that explores everything from exhibition design to public engagement. Throughout the degree, students are encouraged to question traditional narratives and consider new, inclusive ways of thinking about art and curation. The course is enhanced by its close relationship with the Sainsbury Centre for Visual Arts, allowing for direct engagement with world-class collections and exhibitions. Students graduate with a strong combination of academic knowledge and practical experience, preparing them for a wide range of careers in the arts, culture and heritage sectors, as well as further study. This degree not only cultivates a deep appreciation of art’s global and historical contexts, but also empowers students to play an active and critical role in shaping the future of museums and galleries.