Why study History of Art?
This is a popular A-level choice at Queen's and a wonderful subject to learn when surrounded by the rich resources of London's galleries, museums and buildings. In a world saturated with imagery, learning about the means and language of perception has never been more valuable.
A suitable candidate should be literate, curious and enthusiastic about exploring intellectual concepts and visual material. Abilities in English, History and PTE are the best guide to your likely success in History of Art. You do not need to have studied GCSE Art (or History), and no practical work is involved.
What will I study? How will I be assessed?
The qualification is assessed entirely by two 3-hour examinations (50% each of the total grade). We follow the Edexcel Specification. There is no coursework.
Paper 1
Visual analysis; Nature in Art and Architecture (These); Identities in Art and Architecutre (Theme).
Paper 2
C1 Invention and Illusion: Renaissance in Italy (1420-1520) (Period); C3 Rebellion and Revival: British and French Avant-Garde (1848-99) (Period).
We take art historians on many trips in London and beyond, including abroad - in recent years visiting Antwerp, Florence, Paris, Rome, Siena and Venice.
What skills will I gain? Where can History of Art lead?
You will learn to open your eyes and to analyse what you see. You will be able to make confident visual arguments and train your eyes, and brain, in skills of critical looking. You discover how to respond to works of art and to place them within historical contexts and cultures. You will find out how and why art is made, and about artists, styles and influences.
Few students remain unchanged - new horizons and perspectives stay fresh long after the dates and facts have fulfilled their short-term examination purpose. Many students from Queen's have gone on to further their passions in the subject through undergraduate and postgraduate degrees, including at Cambridge. Career possibilities are endlessly varied and include roles in conservation, museums and galleries, the heritage sector, the media, arts administration, journalism, advertising and teaching at all levels.
“Scientists have tracked the movement of an art historian's eyes: the results show how they scan, fixate and linger on particular points on the canvas which is entirely different to someone with an untrained eye” Dr Daniel Glaser, King's College London.