History of Art
The History of Art course covers a wide spectrum of art and architecture, from the medieval to modern and contemporary periods.
At a glance
A Level requirements: A*AA
IB requirements: 41-42 points overall with 7, 7, 6 at Higher Level
Subject requirements: While no specific subjects are required, we will normally require A* / 7 in an essay-based subject or language
Average students per year: 2
Admissions assessment: None
Written work: None
Admissions
Course overview
Art history in Cambridge is distinguished by a highly object-based approach: courses and lectures are often structured around a particular artwork and the questions it raises. In recent years, the Department has expanded significantly, and its courses now include many aspects of art history across the world, as well as film studies. The aim is to foster a wide and deep understanding of a diverse range of art and architecture, and to help you develop visual literacy and awareness as well as a range of critical and analytical skills.
The History of Art course begins with a year (Part I) in which studies are focused on the materials of art, the interpretation of art, and understanding works of art accessible in Cambridge and in Cambridge collections. In the second two years (Part IIA and IIB) you take a paper on methods of art history, a paper on the history and theory of collecting and display, and four option papers from a wide choice of topics, ranging from Crusader art to Modernism, and from Chinese art to eco-criticism. You will also write a short dissertation in the first year, and a long dissertation in the final year.
For more information about the course and its modules, visit the University website.
Interviews
Our interviews are first and foremost conversations. We are interested in how you think, especially when presented with concepts or works of art you haven’t necessarily encountered before. Typically, we will introduce you to new ideas in the interview and discuss them with you, rather like the format of a Cambridge supervision (small group teaching in which students discuss ideas with academics). You will also likely be asked to compare and contrast sets of images. There’s no need to worry about this! We are interested in seeing how you respond to images and concepts you may not be familiar with and we hope you will find the experience interesting and fulfilling.
Typically, we also draw inspiration for our questions from your own personal statement, asking you, for example, what interests you about the History of Art, which books you have read relating to the topic, etc.
What we look for in an applicant
A very deep interest in art in all its varieties, a capacity for visual analysis, and a willingness to grapple with all the complexities of studying the huge variety of art on offer in the lectures and field trips.
A top tip for applicants
Explore your academic interests outside of your school or college curriculum, and come prepared to talk about them at interview. Note that we recognise not all applicants will have access to the same resources and opportunities, so we take a broad view of how you might go about exploring your academic interests.
Find out more
You can find out more about History of Art by visiting the University website and the Department of History of Art website.
King’s also runs Open Days and the Small Subjects Residential, which is open to students who attend UK state schools in Y12/S5/Y13 NI. Students will find out more about life at the University of Cambridge and explore a variety of academic sessions themed around tackling the world's big questions with interdisciplinary study.
Life as a King's History of Art student
On average, you have five hours of lectures each week of term and supervisions essays every two weeks for each course. Many lectures take place in front of artworks and buildings in Cambridge collections, museums, and Colleges. Most courses include field trips; Part I in particular is taught for a large part in front of artworks in Cambridge.
Across the whole University, there are typically around 25 History of Art students per year.
In supervisions, you practise your visual analysis skills and discuss your essays and associated readings. Often, supervisions are used to go deeper, and in more detail, into the artworks and concepts discussed in the lectures. They are the ideal place for students to raise questions and interests they want to develop.
It is a joy to study History of Art at Kings. The experience has been made especially meaningful because of the remarkable group of fellows and academics at the college that have expertise in art history. Being able to meet with them throughout the term brings the course and the collegiate, authentic, and inquiring atmosphere of King's to life. As a very small cohort, we have forged especially close connections with the rest of our peers and the academics in our field. Academically, I have loved how the lens of art and architecture provides a fascinating entry point into history, politics, cultural studies, languages, and more.
- Jacob, 1st year
Careers and graduate opportunities
Our graduates proceed to graduate programmes in Cambridge, the UK, and abroad. They also pursue careers in the museum world, publishing, fashion, film and TV, the art market and art administration, charities, and restoration.
Lizzie Marx, a King's History of Art graduate who now works at the National Gallery of Ireland, shared her career story with us on our social media. Take a look here on the @kings_outreach Instagram, and make sure to give us a follow while you're there!
