Art History and Language (French, German, Italian, Japanese, Korean, Spanish)

Our new BA Art History and Language (French, German, Italian, Japanese, Korean, Spanish) gives you the opportunity to develop a range of key skills, from critical thinking and writing to historical research and visual analysis, and is enriched by the study of a modern language taught by expert linguists. We will explore the cultural and political contexts of artworks, buildings and exhibitions, and think more broadly about the role of images within society. Our modules make creative and enjoyable use of the art galleries, museums and other facilities in London and beyond, including a study trip abroad every spring.

We teach art history as a rich and dynamic topic, encompassing architecture, installation, exhibitions, print culture and digital media as well as painting, sculpture and photography. You will be taught by experienced teachers who are published writers of ground-breaking art history in periods from medieval to contemporary.

The languages component of this degree is designed to give you the chance to reach a high level of competence in a modern language of your choice and study the associated culture(s) of that language. You can choose French, German, Italian, Japanese, or Spanish starting at the level of language learning that suits you, whether you are a complete beginner or a native speaker. Korean is offered starting from beginner level. If you decide to take this language, your final degree award will be a ‘with’ degree, so for example BA Art History with Korean, because we currently offer this language up to intermediate level only.

This art history and language degree will support you in making the first steps towards working in the arts. Evening teaching will also give you the chance to combine studying with work or taking up volunteering opportunities during the day. Our alumni now work in a variety of arts and art-related organisations, or progress to postgraduate studies.

Foundation Year If you opt for the Foundation Year route, this will fully prepare you for undergraduate study. It is ideal if you are returning to study after a gap, or if you have not previously studied the relevant subjects, or if you didn't achieve the grades you need for a place on your chosen undergraduate degree.

This course has an evening timetable with lectures, seminars and classes taking place in the evening.

Highlights

Birkbeck was ranked as one of the top four universities in the UK for its Art and Design research in the 2021 Research Excellence Framework.

The teaching and research of history of art was established almost half a century ago at Birkbeck. Today, we are an internationally respected centre in this area. Keep up to date with our activities on the Birkbeck History of Art blog. We offer information evenings for prospective students interested in our History of Art courses throughout the year. As well as regular gallery and museum visits, we offer an exciting study trip abroad every spring.

As a student here you are encouraged to become involved in our lively research culture through the Centre for Museum Cultures, the History and Theory of Photography Research Centre, the Architecture, Space and Society Centre and the Vasari Research Centre, which has pioneered the field of digital art history.

We typically have some bursary funding available from our annual application to the Royal Female School of Art Foundation, which supports undergraduate students who are experiencing short-term financial hardship.

You will be taught by specialists from a centre of teaching and research excellence that prides itself on research-led teaching in French, German, Italian, Japanese, Korean and Spanish, making it an outstanding multidisciplinary team.

Careers and employability

Graduates can pursue career paths in:

arts management

conservation and policy

education

marketing

publishing

the museums and heritage sectors

research and academia.