Program Overview

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Introduction to the History of Art Program

The History of Art program at Oxford University is designed to provide students with a comprehensive understanding of the historical interpretation of art in its cultural contexts. The program aims to educate students in the critical analysis of objects through the cultivation of visual literacy, as well as encourage students to analyze critically related texts and documents.

Course Overview

The History of Art program is a three-year course that leads to a BA degree. The program is structured to provide students with a broad range of knowledge and skills in the history of art, from ancient to modern times. The course includes a combination of lectures, tutorials, and seminars, as well as visits to museums, galleries, and historical buildings.

Academic Requirements

To be eligible for the History of Art program, applicants must have taken an essay-based subject to A-level, Advanced Higher, Higher Level in the IB, or any other equivalent. The program requires students to have a strong foundation in essay writing and critical thinking.

Subject Requirements

The program requires students to have taken a subject involving essay writing, such as History of Art, Fine Art, History, English, or a foreign language. While these subjects are not essential, they can be helpful in completing the course.

Other Course Requirements

There are no compulsory costs for this course beyond the fees shown above and living costs. However, students may need to pay for additional materials, such as books and equipment, and may need to budget for travel and accommodation costs for field trips.

Admissions Statistics

The program has a highly competitive admissions process, with an interview rate of 45% and a success rate of 13%. The intake for the program is typically 14 students per year.

Careers

The History of Art program prepares students for a wide range of careers, including roles in museums, galleries, and auction houses, as well as in publishing, advertising, marketing, film, television, and web-based media. The program also provides students with skills that are transferable to other professions, such as law, finance, and the civil service.

Fees and Funding

The program fees for Home students are Ł9,790 per year, while Overseas students pay Ł43,600 per year. The university offers a range of scholarships and bursaries to support students, including the Oxford Bursary and the Crankstart Scholarship.

Living Costs

The estimated living costs for students at Oxford are between Ł1,405 and Ł2,105 per month, depending on lifestyle and accommodation choices.

Financial Support

The university offers a range of financial support options, including tuition fee loans, living cost support, and scholarships. Home students are eligible for a tuition fee loan to cover the full cost of their fees, while Overseas students may be eligible for scholarships and other forms of support.

Course Structure

The program is structured into three years, with a combination of core courses, optional courses, and a dissertation. The core courses include Introduction to the History of Art, Art, Design, Architecture: Meaning and Interpretation, and Challenging Antiquities. Optional courses may include Anglo-Saxon Archaeology, The Carolingian Renaissance, and Culture and Society in Early Renaissance Italy.

Teaching and Learning

The program is taught through a combination of lectures, tutorials, and seminars, as well as visits to museums, galleries, and historical buildings. Tutorials are typically led by academic tutors who are experts in their field and provide students with personalized feedback and support.

Assessment

The program is assessed through a combination of written exams, essays, and a dissertation. Students are also required to complete a range of coursework, including essays, presentations, and group projects.

Research Areas

The program covers a wide range of research areas, including ancient, medieval, and modern art, as well as the art of non-Western cultures. Students have the opportunity to work with a range of academic staff who are experts in their field and have published widely on their research areas.

Student Life

The program provides students with a range of opportunities to engage with the academic community, including seminars, conferences, and workshops. Students also have access to a range of resources, including libraries, museums, and galleries.

Conclusion

The History of Art program at Oxford University is a highly competitive and prestigious program that provides students with a comprehensive understanding of the historical interpretation of art in its cultural contexts. The program is structured to provide students with a broad range of knowledge and skills, and prepares them for a wide range of careers in the arts and beyond.