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University of Birmingham
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Postgraduate study in History of Art

Deepen your knowledge of art and visual culture. You'll explore critical perspectives like social history, global art, philosophy, feminism and gender and sexuality. Immerse yourself in a thriving art scene here in Birmingham and across the West Midlands.

Choose from our taught MA or distance learning PGCert courses, or conduct your own research through an MRes, MA by Research or PhD in History of Art.

Both of our MA courses include the opportunity to undertake an extra-curricular placement with an arts organisation (subject to availability). On MA Art History and Curating you'll also create your own curatorial project while our MA History of Art students can specialise on a British Art Pathway, benefitting from the Department’s research expertise in this area. 

You'll join a thriving postgraduate community and be part of the Department's internationally recognised research culture. 

Why study Art History at Birmingham?

  • Top 2

    We’re consistently one of the top UK universities targeted by leading graduate employers

    High Fliers ‘Graduate Market in 2026’ report

  • 8th

    Art History department in the UK in the Research Excellence Framework exercise 2021 based on Grade Point Average

    Times Higher Education

  • Top 100

    in the world for Arts and Humanities

    QS World University Rankings 2025

My biggest hope for Cosimo Art is that it opens up the art world and engages new audiences with artists and their work. Using our brand and platform as a means to interest, educate and welcome people who may otherwise feel excluded from the art world is central to what we want to achieve.

John stood with arms folded in front of a table and chairs in a board room
John
BA and MA History of Art alumnus who used his knowledge of art galleries to create the platform Cosimo Art

Our postgraduate degrees

  • Postgraduate scholarships available

    The College of Arts and Law is offering a range of scholarships for our postgraduate taught and research programmes to ensure that the very best talent is nurtured and supported.

    Learn more about our scholarships

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