History of Art MA

The course covers an extensive range of artists, movements and historical periods. You’ll explore the breadth of art history, taught by renowned academics who teach in exciting and innovative ways to make sure your studies are engaging and transformative.

Gain practical skills and pitch your own arts sector business ideas on our optional Enterprising Culture module, exploring how arts organisations operate commercially.

The course runs over 12 months full-time. You can also study this programme on a part-time basis over 24 months.

• Our study options include a British Art pathway plus a wide range of optional modules.
• Become part of a thriving postgraduate community. Contribute to the department’s official blog, The Golovine, and attend regular research seminars.
• Our alumni work for renowned organisations such as the National Portrait Gallery, the National Trust, the Royal Academy, Imperial War Museum and the V&A.
• 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.

Explore the British Art Pathway

This optional pathway examines how art has shaped national identities. You’ll explore British art from the eighteenth century to the present day, considering postcolonial and decolonial perspectives. You’ll also uncover the rich art history here in Birmingham and the West Midlands, discovering the effect of international trends on local works of art. You’ll benefit from the Department’s connections with regional and national galleries, including Birmingham Museum and Art Gallery with a vast collection of Pre-Raphaelite art, and Wolverhampton Art Gallery with their BLK Art Group collection.

Equally, you’ll benefit from the Department’s close relationship with national institutions concentrating on British Art. Colleagues from The Paul Mellon Centre for Studies in British Art, part of Yale University based in London, have delivered guest seminars as part of the course since 2021. Departmental Research Seminars will introduce you to cutting-edge research from across the country.

• 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.

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:

MA History of Art (British Art) Pathway:

If students wish to undertake the British Art pathway, the following modules must be taken alongside the above compulsory modules:

MA History of Art:

Students must take 4 x 20 credit optional modules chosen from a list of Special Subjects and other options provided by the department each year. Students studying under the British Art Pathway will need to select 2x20 credit options.

The following is an indicative list. Availability of particular modules varies from year to year and is subject to timetabling constraints.

You must pick at least one of these modules:

Additional Special Subject Optional Modules:

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.