Course overview
This is a wide-ranging and varied course with a particular focus on the visual and material culture of the classical world and its legacy to the visual arts in later Western culture. Optional modules in both subjects are extensive, allowing you to tailor the degree to suit your interests. Study of Greek or Latin is not required, but is warmly encouraged.
Your modules might include: Introduction to Art History; Studying the Roman World; Swearing and Cursing in Ancient Greece; American Realist Art; Visual Mythologies; and Matisse, Picasso, Duchamp.
Year one
Year one is a qualifying year, which means that you must pass it, but the results do not count towards your final degree. You gain familiarity with the practices of working at degree level and an understanding of the different ways in which historical material can be used. Core modules are offered by both departments. Beginners' language modules in classics are optional.
Year two
The second year of the degree (also referred to as Part I) is weighted at 40% of the final assessment. You will demonstrate a greater assurance of working at degree level and direct aspects of your study with some measure of independence. You can opt to take a range of modules in both departments, including an extended study in classical civilisation to prepare for third-year dissertation work.
Year three
The final year of the degree (also referred to as Part II) is weighted at 60% of the overall assessment. At the end of year three, you will be expected to demonstrate an efficient use of scholarly apparatus, to take the initiative in your work and have some independence of judgement. You will have the option of undertaking a dissertation in either subject.
More information
See also the
Department of Classics.
Entry requirements
A levels: ABB-AAC
English language requirements
IELTS 7.0 (no less than 6.0 in any element)
TOEFL iBT 100 (no less than 21 in listening and writing, 22 in reading and 23 in speaking)
Alternative qualifications
For more details, please see alternative qualifications page
Modules
The modules we offer are inspired by the research interests of our staff and as a result, may change from year to year. The following list is therefore subject to change but should give you a flavour of the modules we offer.
Typical year-one modules
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Introduction to Art History I
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Studying the Greek World
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Studying the Roman World
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Introduction to Art History II
Typical year-two modules
Please contact the Department of Art History for more information.
Year three
Please contact the Department of Art History for more information.
Typical optional modules
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Interpreting Ancient Art
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Interpreting Ancient History
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Interpreting Ancient Literature
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Latin Texts: 1
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Greek Texts: 1
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Painting America: 1700-1900
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The Courts of Northern Italy
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Sex, Lies and Violence: Battles of the Athenian Lawcourts
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The Roman Empire in the East
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Women in the Italian Renaissance: Art and History
Skills and careers
You will have an enhanced knowledge and understanding of the role of the visual in past and contemporary societies and cultures, in Europe and North America, from the Renaissance to modern times. You will have accessed specialised forms of knowledge in both disciplines and developed intellectual skills as an art historian and classical scholar. Your key transferable skills will include communication skills and the ability to produce a logical argument through essays and research projects. Furthermore, essay-writing and the dissertation are crucial for improving research skills and critical thinking.
Average starting salary
The average starting salary for 2009/10 full-time graduates of the Department of Art History was £16,297.31 and for the graduates of the Department of Classics it was £16,950.*
*Average starting salary from known destinations of first-degree leavers who studied full-time, 2009/10.