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BA (Hons)

Art History & Visual Culture

UCAS CODES: 4 YEARS – 4A36
NEW: 4 YEARS WITH FOUNDATION – RF03

What was the first form of art? What can we learn through art and visual culture? How can art have an impact on your life?

This is your opportunity to explore both the history of art and more recent ideas of the visual – extending the analysis of visual forms from the historical right through to areas of contemporary practice.

In the process, you will develop critical analysis skills which are both essential in today’s job market and will provide personal enlightenment.

Top reasons to study this programme:

Learn within the flexible Liberal Arts framework. Choose your own path – find out more about the Liberal Arts
Our London location means you can capitalise on the many galleries, art spaces, museums, cultural facilities and specialist libraries in a vibrant city
Explore key trends in the dynamic arts world, providing useful insights for any career
Develop your entrepreneurial skills and join many of our students who have created their own enterprise in the arts industry after graduating
Being based in the heart of London means we have excellent networks in the global art world and cultural industries which, together with an integrated internship, will boost your career options
Benefit from the field trips not only in London, but to other UK destinations as well as key European art centres
Participate in the latest debates within art history and visual culture through a faculty which is very active in research

Key facts

TUITION FEES UK – £9,250 / EU & INT – £14,750 / US – $38,000
SCHOLARSHIPS Find out more >
DURATION 4 Years (Full-time) / 4 Years with Foundation inc additional semester (Full-time)
START DATES September & January
LOCATION Chiswick Park Campus
ACCREDITATION Richmond University QAA / Middle States Commission of Higher Education (US)

Suggested minors

See all available Minor subjects >>

Watch the programme video

London is one of the World’s major creative hubs and this is why Matilde wanted to study here. Richmond also gave her the chance to explore different creative expressions with our Liberal Arts approach.

About the programme

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 Visual Thinking, 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 Studio Photography, International Cinema and the Psychology of Fashion and Luxury Goods.

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.

What you will study

At Richmond our undergraduate degree programmes, which are based on the US educational approach, are offered on a four year pathway. Every undergraduate degree student will first enter our Liberal Arts programme before specialising in their Major.

This programme can also be taken as a three year pathway depending on previous qualifications. The entry requirements for all undergraduate programmes at Richmond are the same, regardless of your chosen Major.

Find out more about the Core Curriculum >>

YEAR 1

Courses

Foundations in Photography
Foundations of Mass Media & Communications
World Cultural History
Tools for Change
Research and Writing I

Plus one of the following:

Visual Thinking
Narratives of Change

YEAR 2

Courses

Introduction to Art Across Cultures
Introduction to Visual Culture
History of Photography
Data Analysis for Social Change
Research and Writing II
Social Change in Practice

Plus two of the following:

Digital Society
Intro to Advertising Practice
Advertising, PR, and Media
Introduction to Filmmaking
Introduction to Film Studies
History of Fashion

YEAR 3

Courses

Museums & Galleries London
Art in Context
History of Design
Art History: Theory & Methods
Cultural Theory

Plus one of the following:

Photography: Theory & Practice
Communications for PR and Advertising
Creating Digital Images
Mainstream Cinema: Studies in Genre
Psychology of Fashion and Luxury Goods

Plus one of the following:

Service Learning: Digital Collaboration
Service Learning: Leadership in a Changing World
Service Learning: Environment and Society
Service Learning: Global Citizenship and Migration

YEAR 4

Courses

Pop to Present: Themes in Contemporary US Art
Working in the Art World
Senior Seminar in Art History and Visual Culture I
Senior Seminar in Art History and Visual Culture II
Non Western Visual Cultures
New Media & Visual Power

Plus one of the following:

Web Design
Advertising & PR Campaigns
International Cinema
Propaganda: History & Image
Visualizing Enlightenment
Studio Photography

Integrated Internship

World Internship in Art History & Visual Culture
Internship in Art History & Visual Culture

In addition to the courses outlined above, there are open electives in each year. Course content and delivery can be subject to change. For more detailed information on the programme specification, please find more details here.

A normal course load per academic year is 30 US credits, equivalent to 120 UK credits. Students complete 120 UK credits at Level 6 in their chosen major.

Art History & Visual Culture (BA) with Foundation

There are many reasons why taking this programme with a Foundation option could be the ideal choice; you may not have the exact subjects or grades at A level to meet the entry requirements, you may have tried other options such as apprenticeship and want to change direction or have been living abroad.

Whatever your starting point, studying this programme with a Foundation option offers you a great opportunity to gain both a UK and US degree and start the adventure of a lifetime, studying with us in the world’s top student city.

This is what our Foundation option can offer you:

Start this programme with lower entry qualifications, see below
A four year, full-time degree programme with an extra summer semester in Year 1 included for free, so you can study at your own pace
Timetabled English and study skills classes to enhance your knowledge and skills
Great student support including a Personal Academic Advisor, with help on housing, health and wellbeing, financial guidance and careers advice from our award-winning Student Affairs team

Entry requirements

Academic Entry Requirements

Below is information on our entry requirements for both 4 years and 4 years with foundation programmes.

4 YEARS

A Levels: 96 UCAS points
US High School Diploma (or equivalent): 2.5 GPA minimum (on 4.0 scale)
International Baccalaureate: 24 IB points (year 1)
BTEC National Diploma: MMM
Completion of Year 12-13 International equivalent secondary school qualification with a minimum grade average of grade of C including mathematics and English.

4 YEARS W/ FOUNDATION

GCSEs: 5 at grade C or above / grade 4-9 (or equivalent)

We understand that not every student is in the same situation, if you have any questions about your qualifications, please get in touch with us enquiries@richmond.ac.uk.

English Language Entry Requirements

For more information on English Language Requirements for your country visit our How to Apply webpage.

Fees & funding

Undergraduate tuition fees for students starting their programme this academic year can be found in the table below.

	UK		EU / INT		US
	Spring 2023	Fall 2023	Spring 2023	Fall 2023	Spring 2023	Fall 2023
Undergraduate Programmes (per year)	£9,250	£9,250	£14,750	£14,900	$38,000	£14,900

*This includes a scholarship award upon successful application

(Hint: Scroll left & right to view the full table)

For more information visit our Tuition Fees & Funding webpage.

UK/EU SCHOLARSHIPS

INTERNATIONAL SCHOLARSHIPS

US SCHOLARSHIPS

Employability

The University offers personal development seminars, leadership opportunities and access to work experience, volunteering and internships. There is also a dedicated, personalised service for assistance with CV writing, interview preparation tips and much more.

Throughout your studies, you will have the opportunity to build links with industry experts and Richmond alumni, connecting you to a vast and influential worldwide network.

Internships
We offer career support and advice through our Careers & Internships Office that will assist and guide you in your study choices to make sure you stand out from the crowd when you graduate. Whether you are interested in gaining work experience in London or internationally, we will be here to help you find the best possible opportunities.

Through internships you will gain business acumen, beneficial work experiences and transferable skills which will give you a competitive advantage in a fast-paced working environment.

Work while you study across 5 continents through our partners Connect123 and CRCC Asia with destinations in Spain, Argentina, South Africa, China, Japan, Vietnam and Australia.

Graduate Destinations
Below is a list of where some of the graduates of this programme have gone on to work.

Barons Court Theatre
Boston Ballet
Christies
Vogue Magazine Graduate School
V&A Museum

Study abroad

All students at Richmond University have the opportunity to study abroad. You can either study at one of our campuses for a semester to a year or study overseas at any of our partner locations across the world giving you an unique experience.

How to apply

You can apply one of three ways, either apply directly through us, apply through UCAS and for our US students, via the Common Application ($50.00).

In order to submit your application you will need the following information

Details of your education history, including the dates of all exams/assessments
The email address of your referee who we can request a reference from, or alternatively an electronic copy of your academic reference
A personal statement – this can either be emailed as a Word Document or PDF, or completed online
An electronic copy of your in process or completed high school (secondary school) transcript and graduation certificate

Visit our How to Apply webpage for more information regarding Entry Requirements, admissions processes and to start your application.

When to apply
We encourage you to complete your application as early as possible, even if you are completing your undergraduate programme of study. In this case you will be offered a place that is conditional on successfully completing a specified qualification and English language qualification if applicable.

If you would like your application to be considered for a Richmond bursary, an early application is strongly recommended.

What our students say

“Richmond’s Art History and Visual Culture programme has fostered my passion for the field and prepared me well for a career in art history and museums. Against the backdrop of London’s museums and creative communities, the programme’s faculty, courses, and events provided me the edge of experience and knowledge needed to accomplish my goals.”

Elizabeth Ezzelle, USAArt History & Visual Culture (BA)

“I came to Richmond University as a transfer student from an American University in Switzerland and due to the double degree that Richmond uniquely offers the transition was easy.

I graduated in 2017 and when looking back at my Richmond University experience, as it is the UK’s pioneering Liberal Arts University, it was really great as you truly have the art world at your doorstep in London. In fact I think what I’ve enjoyed the most was the way they entwine the academic program with real life hands-on experiences that the city and surrounding of London offers, but also how it is located close to Europe.

Furthermore personally my research for my graduation thesis on the topic of ‘Curating’ ultimately also became the foundation of my start-up, that today is Dynamisk Independent Curating and Art Advisory.”

Angeliki Kim JonssonArt History & Visual Culture (BA)

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