Visual Arts and Film

Course details
Combining still and moving images, advanced academic study and practical skills development, this BA is a degree like no other. It draws on staff research spanning historical periods from classical Rome to the present, and is global in its geographical reach. There is an emphasis not only on Western art, film and visual culture, but also those of the Middle East, Russophone Eurasia and East Asia.

The concepts of the ‘visual’ and the ‘image’ you will explore on this course are fundamentally shaped by this transnational perspective. With this scope in mind, the degree offers extensive language-learning opportunities, as part of the School of Modern Languages and Cultures. You will have the opportunity to draw on the outstanding collections of the University’s internationally renowned Oriental Museum, its distinguished Western Art collections, and the curatorial expertise of its staff. No previous study of art is required, just a desire to explore the exciting world of visual art and film.

As such, alongside the language-learning opportunities, you can also apply to add a placement year or a year abroad to your degree, increasing the course from three years to four. There is a practical and professional focus too. Depending on your own module choices, field trips, placement opportunities and skills-based modules will give you insights into how art is made, exhibited, bought and sold.

Why Durham University?
Our highly skilled academics share their expertise in languages, as well as in literature, cultural history, cinema and visual culture, and translation. Many of our language academics are native speakers, while others have lived experience of the culture and language of the country.
You will have the opportunity to draw on the outstanding collections of the University’s internationally renowned Oriental Museum, its distinguished Western Art collections, and the curatorial expertise of its staff. No previous study of art is required, just a desire to explore the exciting world of visual art and film.
All of our language degrees include a year abroad, a valuable experience that will broaden your horizons, boost your skills and give you the confidence to adapt to different environments.

Facilities
Learning facilities include language laboratories, computer classrooms and a large study area. There are satellite and recording facilities for viewing programmes in all the major taught languages.

Careers Opportunities
A degree in Languages and Cultures will provide you with an impressive portfolio of cultural knowledge, transferable skills and real-world experiences that is valued by employers worldwide.
With the UK as a whole producing fewer linguists, proficiency in languages coupled with the intellectual rigour and cultural understanding acquired during your degree will make you highly employable in a wide range of careers both in the UK and internationally.
These include occupations such as interpreting, translation and teaching, media and the arts but also working across wider industry in research, administration, human resources, sales and business development, and the financial services.

Course Modules

Durham Education 2027

The University is committed to continuous improvement and is currently undertaking a review to enhance our courses. As we make updates, some details of courses advertised for 2027 entry may change. These enhancements are being developed in consultation with students and in response to student feedback. We will not be making changes to degree subjects, academic standards or the broad concepts that will be taught, but to how courses are organised. In some cases this may mean that the balance of compulsory and optional modules may change. Any updates will be communicated transparently and by the end of summer 2026, ensuring applicants know exactly what to expect from their chosen degree.

For current module information please visit our course page.

https://www.durham.ac.uk/study/courses/visual-arts-and-film-va01/september-2027/

Modules are varied in their assessment methods, and include essays, commentaries, portfolios, fieldwork reviews, projects, film production, examinations, and a dissertation.