Art History and Curating

Do you want to pursue your love of art history, ready for a career in the arts and curating sectors? Conduct original research into art objects and discover how to curate historical and contemporary art.

You’ll study in our internationally renowned on-campus art gallery, the Barber Institute of Fine Arts, home to masterpieces by Monet, Picasso and Van Gogh. Classes are also taught at other galleries in Birmingham.

(Please note due to essential building works the Barber Institute of Fine Arts will be closed Spring 2025-Spring 2026).

You’ll complete a curatorial project working with our academic staff and museum professionals from our partner organisations. Recent partners include The Barber Institute of Fine Arts in a unique partnership with the V&A, and Grand Union, an Arts Council England portfolio organisation.

Expand your understanding of different areas of museum and art gallery practice, such as art interpretation; modes of display; marketing; access and learning; and administration and finance.
Contribute to the department’s official blog, ‘The Golovine’, and attend our regular research seminars.
Prepare for your future by gaining practical skills by working on a curatorial project and pitching your own business ideas in our Enterprising Culture module.
Our Barber Institute of Fine Arts boasts a specialist research library, containing books and catalogues about art history, visual culture, curating and collecting.