BIRKBECK COLLEGE, UNIVERSITY OF LONDON · UNITED KINGDOM
History of Art
Master's · Taught in en
At a glance
12 mo
Duration
6.5
IELTS
€20k
Tuition / yr
en
Language
Master's
Level
- Top 4 UK university for Art and Design research (REF 2021)Research Excellence
- Optional 10-week work placement in leading London museums/galleries (e.g., Tate, British Museum)Practical Experience
- Access to unparalleled London resources: British Library, Courtauld Institute, V&A, National GalleryAccess to Resources
- Vibrant postgraduate community and extensive research centres (e.g., Vasari Research Centre for digital art history)Community & Research
- Evening classes, accommodating working professionalsFlexible Study
The MA History of Art at Birkbeck, University of London, provides advanced training in the study, analysis, and research of art and its historical contexts. This program immerses you in key art historical methodologies, enabling you to explore specific periods and areas, from medieval to contemporary art, in depth. You will develop sharp visual analytical skills, engage in critical discussions, and build robust research capabilities. Located in Central London, the course leverages the city's rich art collections and cultural institutions to enhance your learning experience.
Curriculum
The MA History of Art program is designed to deepen your understanding of visual arts and the built environment within their cultural, political, and societal contexts. You will gain mastery in using a wide range of methods and sources, from archives and collections to historical texts and diverse artistic media. The curriculum includes core modules and a broad selection of optional modules covering painting, sculpture, architecture, digital art, photography, and performance.
- Year 1 (Full-time)
- Year 1 & 2 (Part-time)
Careers
Graduates of the MA History of Art program develop highly desirable analytical, argumentation, and communication skills. These advanced competencies prepare you for a range of careers within the arts, culture, and heritage sectors, as well as broader fields that value critical thinking and visual literacy.
- Curator
- Museum Educator
- Archivist
- Gallery Manager
- Arts Administrator
- Researcher
- Arts Journalist
- Heritage Consultant
Frequently asked questions
- What are the entry requirements for the MA History of Art program?
- You need a second-class honours degree (2:2) or above in a relevant subject, or equivalent professional experience. If your degree is not in art history, you can complete Birkbeck's Graduate Certificate with Merit for guaranteed entry. Applicants must also meet English language proficiency, typically with an IELTS score of 6.5 overall and no less than 6.0 in each sub-test.
- How much does the MA History of Art program cost for international students?
- The annual tuition fee for international students is £17,200. Estimated annual living costs in London are approximately £16,000. Birkbeck offers flexible payment plans.
- What is the duration of the MA History of Art program?
- The program can be studied full-time over one year or part-time over two years. International students requiring a Student visa must enroll in full-time courses.
- What are the career prospects after completing this MA?
- Graduates develop strong analytical and communication skills, preparing them for roles such as Curator, Museum Educator, Archivist, Gallery Manager, Arts Administrator, Researcher, Arts Journalist, and Heritage Consultant within the arts, culture, and heritage sectors.
- Are there any scholarships or funding available for MA History of Art students?
- Birkbeck offers Postgraduate Bursaries for Master's students, and funds are available for MA Coursework Research Expenses. Details and application procedures can be found on the Birkbeck website's financial support pages.
- How is the MA History of Art program taught?
- Classes are delivered in the evenings, typically two to three nights a week for full-time students. Teaching methods include lectures, seminars, and small-group discussions, with optional visits to museums and galleries.
Entry requirements
Undergraduate DegreeA second-class honours degree (2:2) or above in a relevant subject, or equivalent professional experience.
Graduate Certificate in History of Art and ArchitectureStudents with a degree in a non-art history subject may complete Birkbeck's one-year part-time Graduate Certificate with Merit to be guaranteed a place.
IELTS Academic Test6.5 overall, with no less than 6.0 in each sub-test.
Cambridge Certificate in Advanced English (CAE)176 overall, with 169 in each sub-test.
Cambridge Certificate of Proficiency in English (CPE)176 overall, with 169 in each sub-test.
Pearson Test of English Academic (PTE Academic)62 overall, with 60 in each sub-test.
TOEFL iBTTotal Score 4.5 (from Jan 2026), with Reading 4, Listening 4, Speaking 4, Writing 4.5.
Birkbeck actively supports applications from mature learners and reviews professional qualifications and relevant work experience positively. If English is not your first language or you haven't studied in English before, pre-sessional English courses are available. Degrees from majority English-speaking countries (e.g., UK, USA, Canada, Australia, Ireland) awarded within the last three years (on 1 June for October starts) are also accepted as proof of English proficiency.
Fees
Tuition (international)£17,200 for international students (per year)
Tuition (home)£9,900 for home/domestic students (per year)
LivingEstimated annual living costs are approximately £16,000 for London.
Tuition fees are subject to change. Birkbeck offers flexible payment plans. International students on a Student visa must enroll in full-time courses; part-time courses generally do not qualify for Student visa sponsorship.
How to apply
1. Find your courseIdentify the specific MA History of Art program (full-time or part-time) and note the start date (e.g., October 2026).
2. Prepare your applicationGather all necessary documents, including academic transcripts, proof of English language proficiency, and details of any relevant work experience. You will need to list all qualifications you have achieved or expect to achieve.
3. Submit your online applicationComplete the online application form through the Birkbeck website. You do not need to have completed your current qualification to start your application.
4. Await a decisionBirkbeck's admissions team will review your application. You may be contacted if further information is required.
5. Accept your offerIf successful, you will receive an offer of admission. Follow the instructions to formally accept your place.
6. Prepare for visa (if applicable)International students requiring a Student visa should ensure they have accepted a full-time course offer as only these qualify for visa sponsorship. Check specific visa requirements for your country on the Birkbeck International section.
7. Enroll as a studentComplete the final enrollment steps, including any fee payments or setting up a payment plan. You will receive guidance on opening a UK bank account if needed.
Scholarships
Birkbeck Postgraduate BursariesVaries
MA Coursework Research ExpensesVaries
Accreditation
University of London
Frequently asked questions
What are the entry requirements for the MA History of Art program?
+
You need a second-class honours degree (2:2) or above in a relevant subject, or equivalent professional experience. If your degree is not in art history, you can complete Birkbeck's Graduate Certificate with Merit for guaranteed entry. Applicants must also meet English language proficiency, typically with an IELTS score of 6.5 overall and no less than 6.0 in each sub-test.
How much does the MA History of Art program cost for international students?
+
The annual tuition fee for international students is £17,200. Estimated annual living costs in London are approximately £16,000. Birkbeck offers flexible payment plans.
What is the duration of the MA History of Art program?
+
The program can be studied full-time over one year or part-time over two years. International students requiring a Student visa must enroll in full-time courses.
What are the career prospects after completing this MA?
+
Graduates develop strong analytical and communication skills, preparing them for roles such as Curator, Museum Educator, Archivist, Gallery Manager, Arts Administrator, Researcher, Arts Journalist, and Heritage Consultant within the arts, culture, and heritage sectors.
Are there any scholarships or funding available for MA History of Art students?
+
Birkbeck offers Postgraduate Bursaries for Master's students, and funds are available for MA Coursework Research Expenses. Details and application procedures can be found on the Birkbeck website's financial support pages.
How is the MA History of Art program taught?
+
Classes are delivered in the evenings, typically two to three nights a week for full-time students. Teaching methods include lectures, seminars, and small-group discussions, with optional visits to museums and galleries.