University of Bristol United Kingdom

BA History of Art and Italian

Integrated Masters with deeper specialization and research focus
Taught in English
Duration 4 Years
Mode On Campus
Level Undergraduate
Degree Bachelors Degree
Closing soon September 2026

Course Overview

Embark on a rich academic journey with the BA History of Art and Italian at the University of Bristol, a four-year undergraduate degree designed for students passionate about the visual arts and the enduring cultural influence of Italy. This course provides a unique opportunity to explore periods ranging from Medieval and Renaissance Italy to contemporary global visual culture, alongside mastering the Italian language from beginner or advanced levels. You will delve into the study of art history, developing critical analytical skills, while simultaneously immersing yourself in Italian language, literature, and cinema, preparing you for a globally connected world.

This full-time, on-campus programme spans four years, including an immersive third year spent abroad in Italy to deepen your language proficiency and cultural understanding. Throughout your studies, you will engage with diverse learning methods including lectures, seminars, and workshops, culminating in a significant independent dissertation. You will graduate with a comprehensive understanding of art history and Italian culture, equipped with transferable skills for careers in heritage, education, international relations, and the creative industries.

Course Curriculum & Details

Detailed information for serious evaluators

Program Overview

This BA program offers a comprehensive exploration of art history and Italian language and culture. Students will engage with global visual cultures, delve into medieval and Renaissance Italy, and examine modern Italian society. The curriculum also covers various art historical periods and themes, from sculpture and painting to modern European art and art in the context of empire. Advanced study includes Italian language proficiency and specialized topics in art history and cultural studies, culminating in a dissertation.

1 Year 1 (2025/26 entry cohort)

Italian Language and Cultures 1b Optional
Episodes in Global Visual Culture 1 Mandatory
Italian Language and Cultures 1a Mandatory
Time and the Image Optional
Medieval and Renaissance Italy Mandatory
Approaching the Object Optional
Episodes in Global Visual Culture 2 Mandatory
Making and Materials: Textiles and Fibre Art Optional
Making and Materiality: Painting Optional
Making and Materiality: Photography Optional
Modern Italy Mandatory

2 Year 2 (2025/26 entry cohort)

Italian Language 2 Mandatory
Theorising the Object Mandatory
Destination Italy: Cultural Responses to Migration Optional
Italian Fascism Optional
Dante's Inferno Optional
Art in Britain (Level I Lecture Response Unit) Optional
Modern European Art Optional
Art and Empire Optional
Sculpture and the Body (Level I Lecture Response Unit) Optional
World Cinemas: from national to transnational Optional
Woman and Nation Optional
Destination Italy: Cultural Responses to Migration Optional
Dante's Inferno Optional
Italian Fascism Optional
Curating the Object Optional
General Linguistics Optional
Introduction to teaching Modern Languages as Foreign Languages Optional
Beginners Portuguese Optional
Migrations of Culture Optional
Catalan Language (Elementary) Optional
Czech Language (Elementary) Optional
Renaissance Italy Optional
Race and Place Optional
Queering the Early Modern Optional

3 Year 3 (2025/26 entry cohort)

Year Abroad TB-1 Mandatory
Year Abroad TB-2 Mandatory

4 Year 4 (2025/26 entry cohort)

Modernism and the 'Black Atlantic' Optional
Art in Russia and the Soviet Union (Lecture Response Unit) Optional
Art of the Northern Renaissance (Level H Lecture Response Unit) Optional
Art and Fashion Optional
Italian Language 3 Mandatory
Screening the Past: Representing History in Contemporary Italian Cinema Optional
Institutions and Anti-Institutions in Italy in the 1960s and 1970s (TB2) Optional
Dante: Purgatorio and Paradiso Optional
German Expressionism Optional
Artistic Exchange in the Mediterranean Optional
The Illustrated Press Optional
Translating in a Professional Context Optional
Catalan Language (follow-on) Optional
Czech Language (follow-on) Optional
Follow-on Portuguese Optional
Liaison Interpreting Optional
Institutions and Anti-Institutions in Italy in the 1960s and 1970s (TB2) Optional
Approaches to the Artist (Reflective Art History Unit) Optional
Religious Art (Reflective Art History Unit) Optional
Prints Optional
Theoretical Approaches to Language Teaching Optional
Studying and Making Early Printed Books Optional
Transnational Narrative in pre-modern cultures Optional
Communism in Europe Optional
Sociolinguistics: Language Variation and Change Optional
Gender, Sexuality and Cinema Optional
Independent Study 1 Optional
Dissertation Mandatory

Cost & Affordability

A clear picture of what this course will cost you

Program Costs

First Year Fee Tuition fee
USD 38,117.00
Second Year Fee Tuition fee
USD 38,117.00
Third Year Fee Tuition fee
USD 38,117.00
Fourth Year Fee Tuition fee
USD 38,117.00
Total Program Cost Estimated total tuition
USD 152,471.00

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

Living Costs

Accommodation
USD 1,285.00 - USD 2,164.00
Food & Groceries USD 1,048.00 - USD 1,402.00
Transport USD 355.00 - USD 693.00
Utilities & Bills USD 10,471.00 - USD 13,967.00
Estimated Total USD 11,874.00 - USD 16,062.00

Living cost estimates are based on Clifton campus.

Outcomes & Employability

What happens after you graduate

95%
Graduate Employment Rate Within 6 to 12 months of graduation

Common Graduate Roles

Adult & Continuing EducationArtificial Intelligence & Machine LearningCloud Computing & InfrastructureCreative & ContentCurriculum & Instructional DesignHome Health & Long‑Term CareNetworking & Internet ServicesResidential ConstructionStreaming & Digital ContentTheme Parks & Leisure

Top Employers Hiring for this course

Epigram

European commission

Meta

National Trust

United Nations

University of Exeter

University of Oxford

sony interactive entertainment

Why Study BA History of Art and Italian at University of Bristol

What makes this program stand out

September 2026 Closing soon

Next intake is in September 2026

Life at University of Bristol 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 History of Art and Italian at University of Bristol

Can I work while studying?

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

What English language score do I need for this course?

For English language requirements, TOEFL scores must include an overall score of 95, while IELTS requires an overall score of 7. PTE also has similar expectations with a minimum overall score of 71.

What jobs can I get after studying this course?

Graduates can pursue careers as Art Historians, Museum Curators, Cultural Consultants, or Art Dealers.

What will I actually study in this course?

This degree offers a blend of art history with Italian language, culture, and literature. Students will also have the opportunity to spend a year abroad in Italy to enhance their language skills.

When can I start — what are the intake months?

The intake month for the BA History of Art and Italian program is September. Make sure to apply in advance to secure your spot.
ℹ️️
ℹ️️
ℹ️️
Account
  • New student?

Search for universities & courses

ℹ️️
ℹ️️
ℹ️️
ℹ️️