Frequently asked questions – Undergraduate studies
Below is a list of questions we are frequently asked by prospective undergraduate students. We hope you will find them useful. If you have other queries, please don't hesitate to contact us.
Art history courses
Click on the relevant question to reveal the answer below.
What undergraduate courses does the Department offer?
At the University of Nottingham, art history can be studied either alone (single honours) or in combination with other disciplines (joint honours), including: Classical Civilisation, English studies, Archaeology, and History. Find out more about our undergraduate courses.
What can I do with a degree in art history?
Art History graduates enter a diverse range of employment; from careers in museums and galleries to arts administration, marketing, heritage management, or teaching.
Skills acquired in the course of study range from developing competence in formal analysis and evaluation to gaining historical understanding. Students are encouraged to look closely and productively at paintings and other works of art as material objects, and these objects are then studied as carriers of meaning and other values. Other skills a successful student will be expected to develop include the ability to take responsibility for their own learning, and to develop communication skills which are of use for a variety of careers. The nature of the discipline calls for teamwork, and the ability to master basic computing skills and the use of the world-wide web.
These skills are applicable to a variety of career paths. Each year, the Department of Art History hosts a number of events (e.g. a CV Workshop) specifically aimed at helping Art History students with their careers choices.
How much does it cost to study at Nottingham?
The amount you pay each year for your tuition depends on whether you study full- or part-time and are classed as an international (also referred to as overseas) or UK/EU student for the purpose of fees. Check up-to-date information on tuition fees.
Costs, other than tuition fees, you are likely to face during your time at university fall into two categories: costs related to study and costs related to living costs. You can use the University's personal cost estimator to get an overview of those expenses and bursaries you may be eligible for.
Applying for a course
Click on the relevant question to reveal the answer below.
How do I apply?
All full-time applicants need to go through the
Universities and Colleges Admissions Service (UCAS) website. Part-time students apply directly to the Department of Art History.
Equal consideration is given to every application reaching UCAS before the deadline. This commitment means, unfortunately, that we have to defer many decisions until the majority of the forms have arrived in the Department, so that we can apply consistent standards when making our selection. As a result, some candidates are bound to be left waiting until February before we can reach a decision. Check the UCAS key dates for undergraduate admission.
Do you interview applicants?
Offers to school leavers are normally made without an interview, but successful candidates will be invited to the UCAS visit days early in the new year.
What do you base your decision on?
The primary criterion is whether you have the ability to complete the course successfully. Your academic record and school (or other) reference play a crucial role in this, but we are not just looking for academic ability. Your motivation and commitment, your ability to organise your time and effort effectively and to work independently are all important.
Do you I need to have studies specific subjects?
Some of our joint honours courses require A level in specific subjects and minimum grades in specific GCSE subjects. Please check very carefully the entry requirements of the course you wish to study before you make your application. Otherwise, there is no restriction on the subjects you take at A level.
Do you accept A or AS levels in subjects like art, music, or theatre studies?
Generally yes if the A or AS level syllabus includes a clear academic element. In the case of joint honours degrees this depends on the agreement of the partner department. If you are in doubt, please contact the Department of Art History.
Do you accept other qualifications as an alternative to A levels?
Yes. We accept the International Baccalaureate (IB), the European Baccalaureate and the normal Scottish, Irish and USA qualifications. Please contact the Department if you need further details about whether other particular qualification are accepted and what level of offer is normally made.
Do you accept two AS levels as an alternative to an A level?
Not normally. However, if there is a good reason why you have not been able to take A levels, we would consider your position sympathetically. Please contact the Department of Art History to talk about this.
What is your standard offer?
For typical A Level and AS Level offers please look at our admissions information webpage.
Will your decision be based on my performance in AS levels I have already taken?
We look at your AS level performance, but it is only one of a range of indicators which we consider.
Deferred entry, part-time study, and other circumstances
Click on the relevant question to reveal the answer below.
Is it possible to change my application to a different course?
Yes, provided that any partner departments involved agree. You must ensure that you will be able to meet any specific requirements for entry to the course you wish to change to, and you must send a request to us or the
Admissions Office. It is the policy of the Department to agree to such changes whenever we can.
Is it possible to change course after I have received an offer?
Yes, provided that the Department or departments agree and you will be able to meet any specific entry requirements for the course you wish to change to. It is the policy of the Department to agree to such changes whenever possible, but subjects in very heavy demand (such as English Studies or Music) are likely to be reluctant to do so. If you wish to change your course you should contact the
Admissions Office as soon as possible.
If I have applied for entry in the next September, can I subsequently defer entry?
Yes, subject to the agreement of the department(s) concerned. The Department of Art History is normally happy to agree to such changes. You should make your request to the
Admissions Office as soon as possible.
If I have applied for deferred entry, will that count for or against me?
Neither; we try to treat each application on its merits, although it is sometimes necessary to restrict offers (or make them at a slightly higher level) if there is a risk that a disproportionate number of places for the following year will already be taken by candidates who have deferred entry.
If I have applied for deferred entry, can I subsequently bring entry forward to the next September?
This would require the agreement of the
Admissions Office. Much is likely to depend on how soon you make the request and what reasons you give.
Do you accept Access candidates?
Yes, we welcome applications from Access candidates and treat them purely on their merits.
Can I study part-time?
Yes. The exact arrangements depend on individual circumstances but part-time degree courses normally last five to seven years. Find out more about part-time study in the Department.
Do you welcome applications from mature students?
Yes; experience shows us that mature students make a great contribution to the Department. Read more about mature students at the University.
Can I get exemptions if I already have a degree?
Yes, you can be exempted for up to a quarter of the course. The exact arrangements vary according to individual circumstances. Please contact the Department for further information and advice.
Can I transfer to Nottingham from another University?
This depends on what stage of your degree course you have reached, what you have studied, how well you have done in it, and why you want to move to Nottingham. Sometimes you have to withdraw from your current university and reapply through UCAS. Please contact the Department as early as possible and provide as much information as you can. We will then be able to advise you on the best way to proceed.