BA (Hons) Curating and Art History (with a year abroad)

Program Overview

This innovative art history degree from the University of York combines a strong foundation in art history with practical curatorial skills, preparing students for careers in museums, galleries, and other cultural institutions. Through internships, placements, and hands-on experience with artworks, students develop critical thinking, research, and communication skills essential for success in the art world.

Program Outline

Degree Overview:

Objectives:

• Develop a deep understanding of art history and its diverse movements, periods, and contexts.
• Master curatorial skills, including exhibition planning, object analysis, and interpretation.
• Gain practical experience through internships and placements with renowned art institutions.
• Develop critical thinking, research, and communication skills essential for success in the art world.
• Prepare for a range of career paths in museums, galleries, the art market, and beyond.

Description:

• The program is four years long, with the third year spent studying and working abroad at one of the university's partner institutions.
• Students will study a range of modules covering art history, curatorial practice, and theoretical frameworks.
• They will also participate in seminars, workshops, and field trips to museums and galleries.
• In the final year, students will complete a research dissertation on a topic related to art history or curatorial practice.
• The program benefits from the expertise of staff who are actively involved in the field, including curators, artists, and academics.

Outline:

Year 1:

• Introduction to Art History
• The Practice of Curating
• Materials of Art and Architecture
• Objects in Focus (Curating)
• Option module: Choose from a variety of options, including specialist language courses for art historians.

Year 2:

• Curatorial Internship (placement with an arts institution)
• Group Exhibition Project (planning and developing an exhibition using the University Art Collection)
• Option modules: Choose from a range of modules focusing on specific time periods, art movements, or theoretical approaches.

Year 3:

• Study abroad at one of the University of York's partner institutions, taking modules related to art history and curating.

Year 4:

• Dissertation (7,000-8,000 words) on a topic related to art history or curatorial practice.
• Option modules: Choose from a range of modules focusing on specific time periods, art movements, or theoretical approaches.

Modules:

The program offers a wide range of modules, covering diverse topics such as:

• Medieval Art
• Renaissance Art
• Modern and Contemporary Art
• Curatorial Studies
• Museum Studies
• Art History and Theory
• Art and the City
• Collecting and Display
• Art and Technology
• Art and Politics
• Art and Gender
However, the general topics covered by each module are listed above.

Assessment:

The program uses a variety of assessment methods, including:

• Essays
• Presentations
• Exams
• Group projects
• Internships
• Dissertations

Assessment criteria are based on the learning outcomes of each module and may include:

• Depth of knowledge and understanding
• Critical thinking and analysis
• Research skills
• Communication skills
• Originality and creativity

Teaching:

Teaching methods include:

• Lectures
• Seminars
• Workshops
• Field trips
• One-on-one supervision

Unique approaches:

• The program emphasizes practical learning through internships, placements, and group projects.
• Students have access to the University Art Collection, which provides opportunities for hands-on experience with artworks.
• The program offers a range of specialist language courses for art historians, allowing students to deepen their understanding of art from different cultures and periods.

Careers:

Graduates of the program are well-prepared for careers in a variety of fields, including:

• Museums
• Galleries
• Auction houses
• Art market
• Conservation
• Journalism
• Art education
• Cultural heritage management

Recent graduates have gone on to work for organizations such as:

• National Museum of Wales
• Museums Sheffield
• Sotheby's
• Christie's
• BBC

Other:

• The program is offered by the University of York's Department of History of Art, one of the leading art history departments in the UK.
• The department has strong links with major museums and galleries, providing students with access to unique learning opportunities.
• The program emphasizes the importance of critical thinking, research, and communication skills, which are essential for success in any career path.
• The program is designed to be flexible, allowing students to tailor their studies to their individual interests and career goals.

Tuition Fees and Payment Information:

UK (home) fees: £9,250 per year International and EU fees: £23,700 per year UK (home) or international fees? The level of fee that you will be asked to pay depends on whether you're classed as a UK (home) or international student. Check your fee status. Fees for subsequent years UK (home) fees may increase within the government fee cap in subsequent academic years. We will notify you of any increase as soon as we can. International fees are subject to increase in subsequent years in line with the prevailing Consumer Price Index (CPI) inflation rate (up to a maximum of 10%). Additional costs Many of the modules you can choose from will have associated field trips to allow you to visit the art and architecture. Field trips can be local, national or international. We'll cover the cost of any major air/sea/rail travel and accommodation, but you'll be expected to pay for local transportation, food and entrance costs. Your third year will be spent abroad with one of our partner institutions and you will pay a reduced fee to York for that year of study.