About Art and History of Art, BA (Hons) - at University of Reading

Art and the history of art complement one another perfectly. Whilst developing your practical knowledge and skills at one of the UK's top ten Art departments, you can explore the theories and ideas behind different periods and styles of art.

The first year of this course, at one of the UK's top Art departments (The Complete University Guide 2016), gives you a broad art foundation, encouraging you to experiment with a wide range of subjects and media. You can explore casting, welding, printing making and digital and technical media as well as more traditional approaches. Modules in "Contemporary art theory" and "History of art" complement your core practical learning. Studying history of art will give you an insight into past societies and the different media they used to express themselves. You will consider painting, sculpture, photography, architecture and the decorative arts across a range of periods.

You will receive your own dedicated studio space, accessible 24 hours a day and 7 days a week. We focus heavily on exhibitions, and regular field trips to national and international museums, art institutions and galleries will give you the chance to consider the diverse conditions in which art is created, displayed and received. Throughout this course you will have lots of opportunity to gain professional experience by taking part in your own exhibitions, public art commissions and events. Debate and constructive criticism are actively encouraged and you will openly discuss your work with peers and teaching staff.

After your first year you will be assigned a studio tutor and focus on developing your individual and professional practice, working towards your final project and dissertation in the final year. Placements and collaborations are actively encouraged and there is also the chance to experience life in another country. You can also learn a modern language to complement the study abroad option your third year. Throughout your degree you will receive advice and guidance in career development.

Placement - You are encouraged to work with different artists and designers in hosting events and exhibitions. Previous external exhibitions have included Urban Utopia, a partnership between Fine Art and Deutsche Bank, and an exhibition at the Beaconsfield Gallery in London. You are also expected to undertake placement opportunities. Past students have enjoyed internships at Studio Voltaire and the Frieze Art Fair. Others have performed at the ICA, taken part in an Arts Council-supported film project at the Museum of English Rural Life, and participated in an international exhibition at the Seoul Institute of Arts in South Korea. There are also opportunities for you to study abroad at an international university. Institutions include the Emily Carr University of Art & Design in Vancouver, Canada; Rutgers University, New Jersey, USA; Monash University, Australia; National Taiwan University of the Arts in Tapei, Taiwan; as well as Art Universities in Dijon, France and Zurich, Switzerland, Budapest, Hungary and Tampere in Finland (Erasmus Scholarships).

---

Entry requirements for this course

Contact University of Reading to find course entry requirements.

---

View all courses at University of Reading

---

Related information

Studying in United Kingdom