Art represents power. Art reflects society. Art makes us think and feel. Studying the history of art helps us see how we got where we are today. And how the future might look.
You'll explore visual cultures across periods, media and societies. You'll also look at how art is both written and talked about. All the time you'll be questioning. Why that material? Why that subject? How did people react then? What does it mean now?
You'll be free to explore widely or follow a theme such as politics or feminism.
Art in context
We make a point of getting out of the classroom:
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Funded field trip to a major European city where you'll develop your own project in response to what you see and experience
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On-campus galleries at Lakeside Arts are integral to our teaching
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Regular visits to study sites and objects at first hand. Watch some of our students reflect on the recent Lakeside exhibition "Breaking the Mould: Sculpture by Women since 1945".
Art in the community
We have close links with Nottingham's dynamic arts scene - including the award winning Nottingham Contemporary and the artist-led Primary - providing opportunities for placements and volunteering.
Research-led teaching
The Centre for Research into Visual Culture actively encourages undergraduates to engage with its research. The recent seminar series "Re-writing history?Monuments, iconoclasm, and social justice movements in 2020" involved our students in the latest debates on statues and monuments - their history and links to oppression and protest.
Engaged Arts
All students within the Faculty of Arts can select ‘Engaged Arts’ modules where you’ll approach real-world challenges across contemporary themes such as sustainability or equity and justice. These modules have been newly designed to help you gain the skills and analytical abilities that employers are looking for.
Why choose this course?
Top 20 in the UK for History of Art (Guardian University Guide 2025)
Engaged learning - 100% of our students agree we've made the subject interesting National Student Survey 2022
Learn with experts - Regular talks and guest lectures including artists, conservation specialists and curators
Quality teaching - 100% of students agree that staff are good at explaining things National Student Survey 2022
Range across media - Examine painting, sculpture, architecture, graphics, photography, film and more
Explore across time - We cover visual culture from the Renaissance to the present day
Practical experience - Link up with our cultural partners such as Nottingham Contemporary, New Art Exchange, Primary, Backlit and Surface
Explore real-world challenges – study across interdisciplinary themes with our ‘Engaged Arts’ course modules
Hollywood Internships programme
This course is perfect for a career in the creative industries. At Nottingham, you can gain valuable experience through internships, placements, and work opportunities. No more so though than with our prestigious Hollywood Internships programme, unique to Nottingham.
Previous internships have involved:
First-reading of incoming film and television scripts
Collecting audience data and preparing evaluation reports
Filming interviews with Hollywood veterans for the archive
Training, masterclasses, professional lectures and panels
Working front of house at special screenings and industry events
Indicative partner organisations include A24, CAA, Disney, Warner, Paramount, Sony, Lionsgate, UTA, and WME. Our partners, and the number and nature of the internships, change each year.
Vacancies are advertised in the Autumn term for students in years two and above. These are highly competitive positions, and places are not guaranteed. Terms and conditions apply.
The internships are supported through the generosity of Peter Rice, Nottingham graduate and former Chair of Disney General Entertainment Content.
The awards are competitive and open exclusively to our students.
