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Course overview
Do you want to pursue your love of art history, ready for a career in the arts and curating sectors? Conduct original research into art objects and discover how to curate historical and contemporary art.
You’ll also establish important professional networks and gain vital practical skills, invaluable to museum and commercial sectors.
We also offer a distance learning programme over 18 months. Find out more about the PGCert Art History and Curating by distance learning.
The course runs over 12 months full-time. You can also study this programme on a part-time basis over 24 months.
Autumn term
Autumn term
September - December (11 weeks)
Full-time students take four modules in the autumn term.
You will have two 2-hour seminars or workshops and one 1-hour lecture or workshop each week. You will have an additional 2-hour seminar on alternate weeks.
You are also expected to attend additional meetings related to your curatorial project.
One-third of your degree is your dissertation. You begin planning and submit a proposal for your dissertation during term one.
First Year Part-time students take three modules in the autumn term.
You will have one 2-hour seminar/workshop and one 1-hour lecture or workshop each week; you will have an additional 2-hour seminar on alternate weeks.
Second Year Part-time students take one optional module in the autumn term (2 hours seminars per week).
Spring term
Spring term
January - April (12 weeks)
Full-time students take four modules in the spring term. You will have two 2-hour seminars or workshops and one 1-hour lecture or workshop each week; you will have an additional 2-hour seminar on alternate weeks.
You are assigned a supervisor for your dissertation and carry out research for your chosen topic.
First Year Part-time students take three modules in the spring term.
You will have one 2-hour seminar/workshop and one 1-hour lecture or workshop each week. You will have an additional 2-hour seminar on alternate weeks.
Second Year Part-time students take one optional module in the spring term (2 hours seminars per week).
Summer term
Summer term
May – August
There are no taught modules during term three. If you're studying full-time, you'll continue your research and writing ready to submit your dissertation at the end of August.
Course highlights
You’ll complete a curatorial project working with our academic staff and museum professionals from our partner organisations.
Recent partners include The Barber Institute of Fine Arts in a unique partnership with the V&A, and Grand Union, an Arts Council England portfolio organisation. Take a look at the exhibitions students have worked on in previous years.
- Expand your understanding of different areas of museum and art gallery practice, such as art interpretation; modes of display; marketing; access and learning; and administration and finance.
- Contribute to the department’s official blog, ‘The Golovine’, and attend our regular research seminars.
- Prepare for your future by gaining practical skills by working on a curatorial project and pitching your own business ideas in our Enterprising Culture module.
- Study in the 8th Art History department in the UK in the Research Excellence Framework exercise 2021 based on Grade Point Average, according to Times Higher Education.
- We're one of the Top 100 universities for Arts and Humanities in the world (QS World University Rankings 2025).
The Department of Art History, Curating and Visual Studies is based in the internationally renowned on-campus art gallery, the Barber Institute of Fine Arts, home to masterpieces by Monet, Picasso, Kollwitz, and Van Gogh. Additionally, the University of Birmingham and the city have extensive art collections and institutions, including painting, sculpture, posters, photography, and manuscripts.
The galleries of the Barber Institute are currently closed due to essential building works. Teaching will recommence in the galleries from autumn 2027. Until then, we will maintain the object-focused learning that sits at the heart of our programmes by immersing students in the rich collections elsewhere in the university and across the city.
Work on an exciting curatorial project.
Be inspired by our campus art collections, the world-class collections cared for by Birmingham Museums Trust, and the city’s vibrant art scene.
Expand your knowledge in areas such as art interpretation and modes of display.
Industry connections at your fingertips
On the Curating programme, you'll work with one of our industry partners to develop a curatorial project. You'll also have the opportunity to learn about commercial practices and contexts in the UK arts sector by taking the optional module ‘Enterprising Culture’, which is delivered in partnership with a Birmingham-based arts organisation. Further professional experience and skills can be gained by undertaking an extra-curricular placement with an arts organisation in the region (subject to availability).
We expect to offer you educational opportunities with our current external museum and gallery partners as part of this programme. However, we review our partnerships regularly and the opportunities available may change before your programme begins, or during your programme. If you have any questions about this, please contact the Programme Lead.
Talk to our students
Hear more about studying at Birmingham. Chat to one of our friendly postgraduate students to get their thoughts on our courses, stunning campus and life in a vibrant and cultural city.
Course delivery
At Birmingham, research and teaching go hand-in-hand. Lecturers and professors continue to research in their field, offering valuable expertise in History of Art.
- Taught modules - each 20-credit module represents a total of 200 hours of study time, including preparatory reading, homework and assignment preparation.
- Seminars – modules are mainly taught by small group teaching.
- Dissertation – you'll undertake a 15,000-word dissertation in an area that interests you.
Module information
The programme comprises 120 credits of taught modules and a 60-credit dissertation. Each module involves a one- or two-hours weekly seminar which you’ll need to attend.
The modules listed below are an indication only and may be subject to change. Occasionally, it may be necessary to make changes to modules, for example, to ensure they remain current and relevant.
As a research-intensive University, our teaching is informed by the latest academic thinking and expertise of our staff. For more information on the circumstances in which the University may need to make changes to modules, please refer to the Terms and Conditions for applicants.
2026/27 Session
The following must be taken:
Students must take 2 x 20 credit optional modules chosen from a list provided by the department each year.
Availability of particular modules varies from year to year and is subject to timetabling constraints.
The following is an indicative list:
| Module Title | Credits |
|---|---|
| LM Aesthetics and the Philosophy of Art | 20 |
| LM Enterprising Culture | 20 |
| LM Exhibition Cultures | 20 |
| LM Made in Birmingham. Art and Urban Space | 20 |
| LM What is British Art? | 20 |
Entry requirements
To gain a place at Birmingham you will need to meet our general entry requirements, as well as those specific to your course. Your application will be reviewed by the course’s Admissions Tutor, who will decide whether your application should receive an offer.
- 2.1 Honours degree
in History of Art
You should have, or expect to get, a 2:1 Honours degree in History of Art. We will also consider a different Humanities or Arts subject, provided you can demonstrate your interest in History of Art. This might be through relevant work experience or studying relevant modules during your Honours degree.
If your Honours degree is a high 2:2 (57% or above, or equivalent GPA) and you have extensive professional experience, or you can document mitigating circumstances that affected your undergraduate studies, you should contact the Programme Lead before making an application.
We recommend using the personal statement to outline your interest in History of Art and any previous or current experience you have in this area.
If you’ve been out of education for several years, we will consider professional references in place of the standard two academic references.
Please be aware: places on this programme are limited as we can only accommodate a limited number of students on our curatorial projects.
Due to the competitive nature of the programme, we strongly advise you apply early.
Applications received before January 2026 will get first priority. Applications will then be reviewed again in March 2026 and May 2026.
English language requirements
If you are an international student, you will need to demonstrate you have a suitable level of English proficiency, usually through the form of an IELTS or equivalent qualification or a Presessional English course.
For this course we require IELTS 6.5 with no less than 6.0 in any band, which is equivalent to:
- TOEFL: 88 overall with no less than 21 in Reading, 20 Listening, 22 Speaking and 21 in Writing
- Pearson Test of English (PTE): Academic 67 with no less than 64 in all four skills
- Cambridge English: C1 Advanced - minimum overall score of 176, with no less than 169 in any component
- LanguageCert ESOL SELT (UKVI): B2 'Communicator' with no less than 33 in each skill
English presessional programmes
If you have a conditional offer for Birmingham where English is a requirement, you can take a Presessional English course as an alternative to retaking IELTS or a similar qualification. We offer on-campus courses all year round starting from September including additional online courses in the summer term. Teaching takes place in small classes with no more than 18 students to maximise class participation.
Fees and scholarships
The University tuition fee covers the cost of your tuition, supervision, assessment and includes membership to the Guild of Students.
- £11,250
Full-time
- £5,625
Part-time
We charge an annual tuition fee. Fees for 2026 entry are above.
The fees quoted are for one year only. For those studying courses that are longer than one year, tuition fees will also be payable in subsequent years of your programme.
Paying your tuition fees
Tuition fees can either be paid in full or by instalments. You can check whether you are eligible for UK or international fees with our admissions team.
Learn more about postgraduate tuition fees and funding.
Tuition fee deposits for international students
International students undertaking a postgraduate taught degree are required to pay a tuition fee deposit before an electronic Confirmation of Acceptance for Studies (CAS) can be issued.
Postgraduate Masters loan
To help with the cost of studies, this loan is available to all UK students. You can use this loan towards fees, maintenance or other costs at your own discretion. It’s available for all full-time, part-time and distance learning Masters programmes, as long as you don’t already have a Masters qualification (or equivalent).If you’re a student from Wales, Scotland or Northern Ireland, you can apply for Masters loans from your country’s government.
Scholarships
To help you afford your studies, we’ve put more than £33 million into student support and scholarships. We also offer a range of advice on searching for funding and managing your finances.
Birmingham Masters scholarships
We want to welcome the brightest talent to our postgraduate community. That’s why our Birmingham Masters Scholarships award £3,000 to more than 300 students each year.
Application process
To apply for a postgraduate programme, you will need to submit your application and supporting documents online.
- 28 August 2026
Application deadline for UK and non visa requiring applicants. We will close applications as soon as the programme is full. Early applications are encouraged.
How to apply to our taught courses
Find out how to apply to our postgraduate taught programmes. Please read this information carefully before completing your application.
Frequently Asked Questions
If you have a question about our admissions process, including how to apply, your offer and how to track your application, please visit our admissions portal.
Career opportunities
By studying a postgraduate degree in Art History, Curating and Visual Studies at Birmingham, you’ll develop transferable skills suited to a range of career paths. These skills include the ability to research and analyse information, write to tight deadlines, and strong verbal and written communication skills.
Our Art History, Curating and Visual Studies postgraduate students have gone on to work in careers such as 'Curator', 'Gallery Assistant' and 'Collections Manager' in organisations such as Ikon Gallery, National Trust and the Victoria & Albert Museum.
The University has commissioned Cturtle as our data partner for tracking our alumni destinations. The data above is a subset from 43,666 alumni who completed their course up to 31 July 2024.
The University is the top choice for the UK's major employers searching for graduate recruits.
The Graduate Market in 2024 and 2025 High Fliers reports.
Receive one-to-one careers advice, including guidance on your job applications, writing your CV and improving your interview technique.
Meet employers face-to-face at on-campus recruitment fairs and employer presentations.
Careers Network
Get ready for tomorrow, with advice, guidance and opportunities at every step of your studies. From developing new skills to preparing for a PhD, our Careers Network can help you gain an advantage in the job market or advance in your field.
Whatever you plan to do after your degree, the Careers Network offers a range of events and support services including networking opportunities, career coaching, one-to-one guidance, careers fairs and links with leading graduate recruiters. We also offer subject-specific careers consultants and a dedicated careers website for international students.
We're first choice for graduate employers... again!
We are the most targeted UK university by top graduate employers (High Fliers report, The Graduate Market 2025). Our graduate stories highlight the achievements of Birmingham alumni and the way their university experience shaped their journey.
Upcoming events
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Student experience
At Birmingham, your university experience isn’t just about studying. You will have the opportunity to discover new experiences, develop different skills and make friends for life.
Our bustling campus with its beautiful grounds, friendly community and excellent facilities will quickly make you feel at home. We offer you a huge variety of accommodation options in the UK’s second city, exciting activities to get involved in outside your studies, as well as all the support and advice you need.
Accommodation
Coming to Birmingham to study might be your first time living away from home. Our student accommodation will allow you to enjoy your independence in safe, welcoming and sociable surroundings.
Living in Birmingham
As one of the original pioneering cities, Birmingham is a melting pot for shopping, food and drink, nightlife, sport, culture, and industry. It’s no wonder our students fall in love with the city.
Student support
Whoever you are and wherever you come from, we are committed to providing the best possible support to all of our students so that you can get the most out of your university experience.
Campus life
Our green and spacious campus is the place where our community comes together to learn, relax and socialise. Like a town of its own, just minutes from the hustle and bustle of the UK’s second city.
Take a virtual tour
Explore our beautiful campus from wherever you are. Get a feel for the wide range of historic and modern spaces and state-of-the-art facilities.