Art History and Curating (Distance Learning) (Online)PGCert

Get ready to take the next step in your career or change your career path towards a role in a museum or gallery. You'll discover current approaches in art history and curatorial practice, exploring historic and contemporary art in global contexts. With opportunities to analyse and critique a range of sources, methods and case studies connected to art history and curating, you'll expand your expertise in both fields. 

Course structure

The course runs over 18 months part-time from September.

Broaden your knowledge of art history and curating while developing key sector skills.  We focus on your employability and continuing professional development. You can explore areas that fit your interests in the module assessments. 

What's more, you'll gain practical experience by researching and writing a proposal for a curatorial project. This course will lay the foundations for a career in museums or gallery sectors and offer an insight into current debates if you already work in these areas. 

• Combine theoretical and practical knowledge: develop your analytical skills and apply your knowledge to art on display.
• Contribute to the Department of Art History, Curating and Visual Studies student-run blog, ‘The Golovine’.  
• Engage with our art gallery The Barber Institute of Fine Arts through their archive of online podcasts, recorded talks and digital resources.
• Access electronic resources through our library e-resources to support you studying online.

Putting knowledge into practice

Benefit from the world-class expertise in our Department of Art History, Curating and Visual Studies. Developing your analytical skills, you'll consider current debates on the relationship between art history and curating. Better still, you'll put this knowledge into practice. We encourage you to think about different museum and gallery contexts and explore the different ways people experience works of art at exhibitions.

The PGCert also provides the perfect route to further study on our MA by Research History of Art by distance learning or our campus-based MA Art History and Curating. 

• Taught modules - each module represents a total of 200 hours of study time, including preparatory reading, homework and assignment preparation.
• Resources are uploaded in advance so you can complete activities and take part in discussions whenever suits you. 
• Online discussion boards – modules are mainly taught by small group discussions responding to readings set by the module convenor.
• Consult academic staff in Birmingham via email.

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.

2025/26 Session

The following must be taken:

2026/27 Session

The following must be taken:

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.

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

Improve your knowledge of spoken and written English in preparation for studying at Birmingham with our pre-sessional English courses. If you have a conditional offer, you can take one of these courses as an alternative to retaking IELTS or other similar qualifications.

Paying your tuition fees

Learn more about postgraduate tuition fees and funding.

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.

Select whether you are a UK student or an international student for relevant application deadlines.

The deadline for all students applying to our distance learning courses is 31 August 2025.

Late applicants are encouraged to contact the Admissions Tutor for advice.

Our Art History, Curating and Visual Studies graduates enter many roles, including:

• Gallery managers and curators
• Exhibition curator
• Secondary School Teacher

Employers our Art History, Curating and Visual Studies graduates have worked for include:

• Imperial War Museums
• Saatchi Gallery
• Secondary schools

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.