BA (Hons) Art History & Visual Culture
Richmond, The American International University in London
About this program
BA (Hons) Art History & Visual Culture
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 program.
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 program, 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 programs at Richmond, you’ll be able to study one program and gain two degrees, one from the UK and one from the US.
Admission requirements
- 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 gradeaverage of grade of Cincluding mathematics and English.
For more information about admission requirements, please visit the university website.
Does this course require proof of English proficiency?
The TOEFL iBT® test is accepted by 11,500 universities and higher education institutions in over 160 countries. Book your test today!
Learn moreProgram content
Year 1
Modules
- Foundations in Photography
- Foundations of Mass Media and Communications
- World Cultural History
- Tools for Change
- Research and Writing I
Plus one of the following:
- Visual Thinking
- Narratives of Change
Year 2
Modules
- 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
Modules
- Museums & Galleries London
- Art in Context
- History of Design
- Cultural Theory
- Art History: Theory & Methods
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
Modules
- Pop to Present: Themes in Contemporary US Art
- Senior Seminar in Art History and Visual Culture I
- Senior Seminar in Art History and Visual Culture II
- Non Western Visual Cultures
- Working in the Art World
- New Media & Visual Power
Plus one of the following:
- Web Design
- Advertising & PR Campaigns
- International Cinema
- Propaganda: History & Image
- Visualizing Enlightenment
- Studio Photography
Scholarships & funding
Several scholarship options are available. Please check the university website for more information.
Tuition
- £9,250 (UK/EU)
- £14,750 (INT)
- $38,000 (US)
Qualification
- 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
Career paths
Graduate Destinations
Below is a list of where some of the graduates of this program have gone on to work.
- Barons Court Theatre
- Boston Ballet
- Christies
- Vogue Magazine Graduate School
- V&A Museum
Message the school
About this institute
Richmond, The American International University in London
At Richmond, The American University in London we offer a Liberal Arts education renowned for its flexibility and broad-based curriculum. We have campuses in two of London’s premier area – Richmond and Kensington. Our Liberal Arts approach is designed to...
Why study at Richmond, The American International University in London
- Our multi-disciplinary Liberal Arts degree programmes for undergraduates
- Our international and specialist education for postgraduates
- The UK university where you can graduate with both a UK and US degree
- Exceptional teaching – our students put Richmond in the top five London universities for overall satisfaction levels on the quality of the course – 2021 National Student Survey (NSS)
- Experience life in London, the top student city in the world
- Accredited Internships to enhance your employability
- Scholarships – making studying with us more affordable
- Study Abroad opportunities for undergraduates on a global scale
Contact info
Richmond, The American International University in London
Want to know more about BA (Hons) Art History & Visual Culture? Fill out the following form and we'll pass your details on to a representative from the school, who will respond to your enquiry.
Be the first to write a review!
