History of Art

History of Art at Cambridge

Our course covers a wide spectrum of art and architecture from all over the world, from antiquity to modern and contemporary periods. The aim is to foster a wide and deep understanding of art and architecture, and to help you develop visual literacy and awareness, as well as a range of critical and analytical skills.

A treasury of resources

There’s no substitute for looking at the real objects and we take full advantage of Cambridge’s outstanding resources, including the Fitzwilliam Museum and its conservation departments, the recently expanded galleries of Kettle's Yard, and the Colleges' architecture and art collections.

The Department’s comprehensive library houses a rich collection of books, and you have access to the University Library and the Fitzwilliam Museum’s reference library (among others) as well. During vacations, students may wish to travel to see works of art and architecture, although this is not required. College financial support is often available for this. Any core departmental trips that form part of the course - for example to museums and galleries - are funded by the Department.

Preparation

We advise that you visit museums, exhibitions and buildings of particular architectural note, and take descriptive notes or sketches of what you see. Try to analyse the effect works of art or architecture have on you.

Some familiarity with classical mythology and religious texts is invaluable for the study of the meaning of works of art. The admissions area of the Department website suggests other preparatory reading.

Course costs

Tuition fees

Information on tuition fee rates for History of Art is available on the tuition fees page.

Additional course costs

• Before Arrival: Computing: Most students buy a computer or laptop and perhaps also a printer before coming to Cambridge - Estimated costs: £600-900.
• Year 1: Required: stationery, printing, photocopying, scanning - Estimated cost £5-£10 pw
• Year 2: Required: stationery, printing, photocopying, scanning - Estimated cost £5-£10 pw
• Year 3: Required: stationery, printing, photocopying, scanning - Estimated cost £5-£10 pw

If you have any queries about resources/materials, please contact the Department.

Changing course

Students may join History of Art from other Cambridge courses after Part I in another subject. It's possible to study one or two years of History of Art, either before or after another subject such as History; Theology, Religion and Philosophy of Religion; English; Modern and Medieval Languages; Classics; or Philosophy. Occasionally students from other disciplines such as Medicine are able to join History of Art.

To be able to change course, you need the agreement of your College that any change is in your educational interests, and you must have the necessary background in the subject to which you wish to change – in some cases you may be required to undertake some catch-up work or take up the new course from the start/an earlier year. If you think you may wish to change course, we encourage you to contact a College admissions office for advice. You should also consider if/how changing course may affect any financial support arrangements.

After Cambridge

In a world in which visual imagery has never been more widely used or had greater currency, our graduates, with their sophisticated visual acumen, are well-equipped for a vast array of careers. Notable examples include employment in museums and galleries, the care and conservation of monuments and heritage management, fine art dealing, publishing, advertising, written and broadcast journalism and teaching.

Our prominent graduates include the artists Sir Antony Gormley and Marc Quinn; the model and actress Lily Cole; the television presenter Claudia Winkleman; the Hon James Stourton, former Chairman of Sotheby’s UK; and the museum directors Frances Morris, Director of Tate Modern, Sir Charles Saumarez Smith, former Director of the National Portrait Gallery and the National Gallery and former Chief Executive of the Royal Academy, and Sir Nicholas Serota, former Director of the Tate Gallery and now Chairman of the Arts Council.