BA History of Art

Investigate modern and contemporary art, art theory, and visual culture from around the world with a fresh perspective. This degree encourages you to develop an independent critical engagement with artworks and visual culture, examining changing historical conceptions of art and the artist within their broader cultural and political contexts. You will explore visual culture in all its forms, extending beyond traditional museum and gallery objects to include architecture, cityscapes, advertising, media, and street style. The course focuses on key areas of debate rather than strict chronology, offering a unique viewpoint within one of the world's top universities for art and design.

Curriculum

The BA History of Art programme is structured over three years, with a progressive deepening of study. Each year consists of compulsory and optional modules, allowing for specialization in areas of interest. The curriculum is organized around thematic pathways including Art and Ideas, Space and Place, The Curatorial, Sound and Image, and Embodiment.

1. Year 1 (Credit Level 4)
   • Modernities
   • Seeing and Showing
   • Space and Time
   • Beyond Boundaries
2. Year 2 (Credit Level 5)
   • Contemporaneities
   • The Goldsmiths Elective
   • Situated Knowledges in Visual Cultures
3. Year 3 (Credit Level 6)
   • Expanded Practices in Visual Cultures

Careers

Graduates are well-prepared for careers in curating, exhibition management, art writing, and various roles within the creative industries. The programme's focus on critical thinking and practical experience equips students for diverse professional paths.

• Curator
• Exhibition Manager
• Art Writer
• Journalist
• Marketing Professional