Art History and Visual Cultures (W72)

This diploma will equip you with the knowledge and critical skills to understand the part that art, architecture and design have played in everyday life. You'll discover the ways that images, environments and artefacts communicate meaning and value through being looked at and handled in both past and present. You will also explore the power of images to influence debates, both historically and in the present day, and develop transferable skills in visual literacy, critical thinking and communication.

Key features of the course

• Explore images, artefacts and architecture from a broad range of periods and places.

• Become aware of different approaches to studying art, design and material culture.

• Gain skills in visual literacy, criticism, analysis and communication that will make you highly employable.

• Reflect on your own learning with the support of a tutor.

Course Modules

This art history and visual cultures diploma has two stages, each comprising 120 credits.

In Stage 1 you'll encounter a variety of different times and places and engage with some fascinating people, art works, ideas and stories. As an art history student, this broad foundation will help you develop the skills and a confident, open approach needed to tackle more specialist art history modules at Stage 2.

Stage 2 engages you thematically with the central questions of art history and visual cultures from prehistory to the present day. You'll develop visual literacy skills through a cutting-edge exploration of different ways of looking and by analysing visual, spatial and material examples from a diverse range of cultural contexts. Each module introduces art and visual cultures in the broadest sense, and in everyday settings, including the transfer of art historical concepts and knowledge to wider public, curatorial, commercial and industrial contexts.