History of Art
Entry requirements
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.
Months of entry
September
Course content
Pursue your passion for the history of art and prepare for further academic study, or for a career in the cultural industries. On our MA, you’ll develop your knowledge of the history of art and discover expert networks to support your professional development.
The course covers an extensive range of artists, movements and historical periods. You’ll explore the breadth of art history, taught by renowned expert academics who teach in exciting and innovative ways to make sure your studies are engaging and transformative.
Gain practical skills on our optional Enterprising Cultures module, exploring how arts organisations operate commercially and pitch your own business ideas in the arts sector.
The course runs over 12 months full-time. You can also study this programme on a part-time basis.
The city of Birmingham boasts a dynamic portfolio of established and emerging art galleries and installations, including the internationally acclaimed contemporary art venue Ikon and the Birmingham Museum and Art Gallery, with its world famous Pre-Raphaelite collection.
- 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.
- 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.
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.
Information for international students
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
Fees and funding
The College of Arts and Law is a vibrant community of students and academics, dedicated to ensuring that excellence is rewarded, and that fears about finance do not constrain current or prospective students. For this reason, in addition to University funding schemes, we offer our own College-specific funding initiatives.
Qualification, course duration and attendance options
- MA
- full time12 months
- Campus-based learningis available for this qualification
- part time24 months
- Campus-based learningis available for this qualification
Course contact details
- Name
- Postgraduate Enquiry Service