Art represents power. Art reflects society. Art makes us think and feel. Studying the history of art helps us see how we got where we are today. And how the future might look.

You'll explore visual cultures across periods, media and societies. You'll also look at how art is both written and talked about. All the time you'll be questioning. Why that material? Why that subject? How did people react then? What does it mean now?

You'll be free to explore widely or follow a theme such as politics or feminism.

You don't need to have studied Art or History of Art to apply and succeed on the course.

Art in context

We make a point of getting out of the classroom:

Funded field trip to a major European city where you'll develop your own project in response to what you see and experience
On-campus galleries at Lakeside Arts are integral to our teaching
Regular visits to study sites and objects at first hand. Watch some of our students reflect on the recent Lakeside exhibition ""Breaking the Mould: Sculpture by Women since 1945"".

Art in the community:
We have close links with Nottingham's dynamic arts scene - including the award winning Nottingham Contemporary and the artist-led Primary - providing opportunities for placements and volunteering.

Research-led teaching:
The Centre for Research into Visual Culture actively encourages undergraduates to engage with its research. The recent seminar series ""Re-writing history? Monuments, iconoclasm, and social justice movements in 2020"" involved our students in the latest debates on statues and monuments - their history and links to oppression and protest.

Hollywood Internships programme:
This course is perfect for a career in the creative industries. At Nottingham, you can gain valuable experience through internships, placements, and work opportunities. No more so though than with our prestigious Hollywood Internships programme, unique to Nottingham.

Careers overview:

As a graduate, you will have an in-depth understanding of art history and visual culture. This includes how various periods of art have influenced or been influenced by other aspects of culture and society, and how the art of one nation impacts on that of another. You will be aware of issues surrounding the history of the production, reception and display of art, the development of key historical art movements, as well as knowledge of the writing of art history and art criticism.

You will be trained in visual and critical analysis, historical and theoretical study, object-based research, academic research and advanced writing. Our teaching and assessment methods require you to work collaboratively and independently, and to develop the writing, presentation, and communication skills that are highly valued in competitive work environments.

In addition to these skills, you can also develop your employability profile further by taking our year 2 Arts Placement module, the University's Nottingham Advantage Award or through any of our other work experience opportunities .