Aberystwyth University United Kingdom

BA Art History

Integrated Masters with deeper specialization and research focus
Taught in English
Duration 3 Years
Mode On Campus
Level Undergraduate
Degree Bachelors Degree
Closing soon September 2026

Course Overview

The BA Art History at Aberystwyth University offers you a unique opportunity to explore the vast world of visual culture, from its historical roots to its contemporary manifestations. This undergraduate degree is ideal for students passionate about understanding how images, objects, and architecture shape our perceptions of the world and human experience. You will engage with diverse periods and styles, developing critical analytical skills in areas such as landscape, portraiture, and the impact of industrialisation on artistic production. This program provides a robust academic framework for those seeking to delve deeply into the study of art and its societal significance.

This full-time, on-campus degree is structured over three years, guiding you through essential methodologies and professional practice for art historians. You will explore core modules covering periods from the eighteenth century to postmodernism, alongside options in photography, museum studies, and printmaking. A distinctive feature of the BA Art History is the opportunity to engage directly with Aberystwyth University's internationally renowned art collection, culminating in the chance to curate your own exhibition. You will graduate with a comprehensive understanding of art history and practical curatorial experience, preparing you for careers in museums, galleries, heritage, and the wider creative industries.

Course Curriculum & Details

Detailed information for serious evaluators

Program Overview

This BA Art History program offers a comprehensive exploration of art across various periods and themes. Students will engage with foundational concepts in art history, delve into specific historical eras like the eighteenth and nineteenth centuries, and examine the representation of the body and the evolution of modern and contemporary art. The curriculum also includes modules on research methodologies, museum studies, and specialized topics such as photography and printmaking, culminating in a dissertation.

1 YEAR 1

Looking into landscape: reading, researching, responding Core
Pleasure, power, and profit: art in the long eighteenth century Core
Representing the body Core
Revolutions & modernities: art in the nineteenth century Core
Exploring the school of art collections: research and museums Option
Photography begins Option

2 YAER 2

Dissertation preparation and professional practice for students of art history Core
Methods and materials for art historians Core
Modernisms: art in the early twentieth century Core
Postmodernism and contemporary art Core
Adaptation: versions, revisions and cultural renewal Option
Documentary photography Option
Enlightenment and empire: museums, knowledge, and meaning Option
The image multiplied: European printmaking since 1400 Option
The pre-Raphaelites Option

3 YEAR 3

Dissertation Core
Methods and materials for art historians Core
Adaptation: versions, revisions and cultural renewal Option
Curating an exhibition: researching, interpreting and displaying Option
Documentary photography Option
Enlightenment and empire: museums, knowledge, and meaning Option
The image multiplied: European printmaking since 1400 Option
The pre-Raphaelites Option

Cost & Affordability

A clear picture of what this course will cost you

Program Costs

10% off
First Year Fee Tuition fee
USD 23,256.00 USD 25,939.00
Second Year Fee Tuition fee
USD 25,939.00
Third Year Fee Tuition fee
USD 25,939.00
Total Program Cost Estimated total tuition
USD 75,134.00 USD 77,817.00

Currency note: Program costs shown in USD based on the available tuition breakdown.

Living Costs

Accommodation
USD 689.00 - USD 1,322.00
Food & Groceries USD 2,417.00 - USD 4,028.00
Transport USD 645.00 - USD 1,289.00
Utilities & Bills USD 1,128.00 - USD 1,934.00
Estimated Total USD 4,190.00 - USD 7,251.00

Living cost estimates are based on Penglais campus.

Outcomes & Employability

What happens after you graduate

96%
Graduate Employment Rate Within 6 to 12 months of graduation

Common Graduate Roles

Adult & Continuing EducationAdvertising & Media SalesAgribusiness Inputs (Seeds, Fertilizers & Machinery)Agricultural Research & DevelopmentAgricultural Technology & Precision FarmingAmusement & Recreation ServicesEvent Promotion & ManagementLivestock & Animal HusbandryMusic & Performing ArtsSports & Athletics

Top Employers Hiring for this course

British Broadcasting Corporation (BBC)

ITV

National Museum Cardiff

National Trust

Why Study BA Art History at Aberystwyth University

What makes this program stand out

September 2026 Closing soon

Next intake is in September 2026

Life at Aberystwyth University in United Kingdom

What daily life looks like for international students

Language

English

Primary language everywhere

Climate

Mild & Rainy

10-20°C average, pack layers

Safety (Numbeo Safety Index)

Very Safe

Exeter is one of UK's safest cities

Frequently Asked Questions

Common questions about BA Art History at Aberystwyth University

Can I work while studying?

International students on degree courses can work up to 20 hours per week during term time and full-time during breaks. No separate work permit is needed for this.

What English language score do I need for this course?

To meet English proficiency requirements, TOEFL scores must include a minimum overall score of 93, IELTS scores require a minimum overall score of 6.5, and PTE scores should be at least 59. Make sure to achieve these scores to meet admission criteria.

What jobs can I get after studying this course?

Graduates can pursue careers as art historians, museum curators, gallery managers, conservationists, or art educators.

What will I actually study in this course?

Studying Art History at Aberystwyth offers access to an extensive collection of 20,000 art pieces and a hands-on experience in a government-accredited art museum. You can engage creatively by curating exhibitions while learning from expert faculty in a top-ranking art department.

When can I start — what are the intake months?

The BA Art History program at Aberystwyth starts in September. Make sure to apply early to secure your spot!
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