Programme Overview

Critical ideas and an innovative approach play a big role in our BA Art History & Visual Culture programme, perfect for those who want to work in the arts or creative world or go on to do postgraduate study.

You’ll be taken on a fascinating creative journey, beginning in the first year with an exploration of photography, media and communications and world cultural history. Rooted in the American liberal arts tradition, at Richmond you’ll experience a broad range of subjects, from Scientific Reasoning to Creative Expression, all of which will hone your critical thinking.

The second year will focus on how art changes across cultures, and its impact on our economy, health and wellbeing, society and education, setting the visual arts in their wider cultural and political contexts. Our introduction to visual culture will enable you to explore everything from the history and theory of painting and sculpture to print, photography, film, advertising and fashion, developing your communication and research skills.

London becomes the second classroom in year three, as you’ll explore a variety of arts and visual cultures, from pre-history to the present, in the world- leading museums and art galleries which are on the doorstep. Field trips to art centres in the UK and abroad will extend your perspective.

Themes in Contemporary US Art, Cultural Theory, History of Design and Working in the Art World are all core topics in the second half of this programme.

Take your pick from some exciting electives which include Questioning Renaissance Art, Fashion and Media, Film in the Americas and Art in Prehistoric Europe.

We’re proud to offer a strong element of professional practice in this programme, through our teaching approach and our emphasis on the importance of gaining practical experience. The course Working in the Art World explores the creative and cultural industries in London and an internship is offered within a leading arts or creative organisation, to improve your employability after graduation.

As with all of our programmes at Richmond, you’ll be able to study one programme and gain two degrees, one from the UK and one from the US.

Top 5 Reasons To Study This Programme:

• Explore the history and contemporary contexts of art and design across cultures while using London as your base
• Gain fascinating insights into the latest debates within art history and visual culture through a faculty which is very active in research
• Experience original artworks and collections in London’s museums and galleries first hand, gaining valuable skills in observing and interpreting works of art within their historical and cultural contexts
• Benefit from the field trips not only in London, but to other British sites as well as key European art centres
• Develop networks in the global art world and cultural industries through the programme and via the integrated internship, boosting your career options

Modules breakdown

3 Years pathway

4 Years pathway