Study with us
Undergraduate courses
You can study our undergraduate courses as a single honours degree or in combination with other subjects as a joint honours; three years full-time
or four years including a year of study abroad.
Our BA courses in art history offer a unique combination of the historical and theoretical study of art, visual culture and curating from the
renaissance to the present. We have an international reputation for the quality of our research and teaching, with among the highest scores for student satisfaction and graduate prospects.
Experience art firsthand
As well as being taught by expert staff, you will have opportunities to encounter art works first hand with our Essex Collection of Art from Latin
America (ESCALA), as well as through exhibitions at Art Exchange, Firstsite and regular gallery visits to London.
Our School
Our School is a friendly and lively environment with an active community of undergraduate and postgraduate students. We run an exciting programme of seminars, conferences and workshops, with speakers from across the UK and abroad, allowing you to
expand your knowledge beyond what you study on your course.
Your studies will be enriched by opportunities for personal and professional development through internships, work placements or study abroad, and we have
an excellent support system offering careers advice and guidance during your studies, and to prepare you for success after graduation.
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Why study art history at Essex?
Firstsite gallery, Colchester (photo: Richard Bryant).
Essex Collection of Art from Latin America (ESCALA)
Based at the University, our Essex Collection of Art from Latin America (ESCALA) is the largest of its kind in Europe and gives you the opportunity to encounter
art works in class situations and through exhibitions at Colchester’s Firstsite gallery. Many of our students gain work and research experience
through our collection.
Firstsite
Firstsite is a large and iconic exhibition venue in the centre of Colchester and runs an ongoing programme of contemporary art exhibitions,
as well as film screenings, talks and music events. It is also home to an exhibition space of the Essex Collection of Art from Latin America (ESCALA).
Our University’s Art Exchange gallery.
Art Exchange
Our onsite gallery Art Exchange runs an ongoing programme of contemporary art exhibitions, artist and
curator talks, allowing you the opportunity to see art works first hand and gain experience working with exhibition projects. Art Exchange
also hosts exhibitions organised by our curatorial students.
Careers and skills
As well as teaching you to analyse and critically read art works and texts, our courses give you key skills that are useful in working life and are increasingly sought
by employers, such as clear oral and written communication and the ability to research independently. You also have opportunities to gain practical experience of working with art works and
collections, exhibition and research projects while you study. Find out what you can do with a degree in art history.
Study abroad
Our undergraduate courses include a variety of options for studying abroad at a wide range of
partner universities around the world.
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Who does art history?
You don’t need to have completed A-level Art History to study art history at undergraduate level. Previous study in art, literature, history, philosophy or other humanities
subjects, as well as social and natural sciences, are all an excellent preparation for studying art history and we welcome applications from people with a wide variety of backgrounds.
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Visiting us from abroad
Our School welcomes students from international universities who wish to study abroad at Essex. We provide a friendly, supportive and academically challenging environment for study.
A period of study at Essex entitles you to our study abroad loyalty discount, which reduces your first-year
tuition fees for your first period of postgraduate study at Essex by ten per cent.
How to apply
Find out more about how to apply for a course in art history at Essex. We can provide
help and advice, and guide you through the application process.
Ask us a question
Would you like to find out more about our art history courses or School? Ask us a question, our friendly team
of advisors are on hand to offer support and information.
UG open days
Book a place at our next undergraduate open day. As well as meeting staff from departments and admissions, who can answer any questions you have, you can speak to current students about life at Essex while taking a campus tour.
Careers and skills
We offer a variety of careers support to help with professional development during
your time at Essex and with finding employment or further study after you graduate.