Program Overview

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.

We make a point of getting out of the classroom:

Watch some of our students reflect on the recent Lakeside exhibition "Breaking the Mould: Sculpture by Women since 1945".

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.

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.

You don't need to have studied Art or History of Art to apply and succeed on the course.

Find out more about what it’s like to study in the Department of Cultural, Media and Visual Studies and check out Nottingham History of Art on Instagram.

“I looked at the modules and thought they seemed really interesting and applicable to loads of future careers as well. You don’t have to work in a museum when you come out the other end.”

Hannah McCurrie, History of Art BA