History of art seeks to understand how and why paintings, sculptures, buildings and works in a variety of media come to look the way they do. You will examine the circumstances under which works of art were made, who they were made for, how they were understood, and what function they performed in their original societies.

Marcus Jack

Programme structure

Year 1

The first year provides an introduction to history of art by analysing the main trends in four contrasted subject fields. These have been selected so as to provide an accessible and wide-ranging programme of study, even if you are new to art history.

They allow you to study works by some of the best-known artists, designers and architects of all time and also introduce you to some key issues in history of art: the uses of different techniques and materials, and relationships between art theory, the role of art patrons and the concept of style.

You will also study two other subjects of your choice in year 1: see Degrees in Arts, Science and Social Sciences.

Year 2

In second year you will study a range of specific topics within Western/non-Western art (these may vary from year to year).

At this stage of the programme, greater emphasis is placed on theoretical issues, which is a useful foundation for progression to the more detailed study undertaken at Honours level. You will also be introduced to contrasted art historical approaches and methodologies.

You will also study two other subjects in year 2: see Degrees in Arts, Science and Social Sciences.

Years 3 and 4

If you progress to Honours, the third and fourth years are devoted to preparation of a dissertation and study of a wide range of special options concentrating on specific periods and artists. You can also take an option in multimedia analysis and presentation and there are core courses on methodological aspects of art history, and research skills in art history, with opportunity to apply for a credit-bearing work placement at a local gallery, archive, or other relevant organisation.

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Career prospects

Academic entry requirements
for entry in 2014

MA

Highers: AAAA or AAABB (including English and a humanities subject or a language (including Gaelic) at grades A/B or B/A) in first sitting = unconditional offer.

Applicants who achieved AAAB or AABBB (including English and a humanities subject or a language (including Gaelic) at grades A/B or B/A) at their first sitting WILL receive an offer from the University. This offer may be conditional (on second sitting results) or unconditional, depending on how many applications are received from students who have attained these grades.

Additional offers, either conditional or unconditional, MAY be made to applicants who achieved AABB or ABBB at their first sitting. A decision re these applications will be made in March 2014 once all applications have been reviewed.

A-levels: AAB.

IB: A minimum of 34 points is required to be considered for an offer. Actual offers will specify subjects and grades to be attained at Higher Level.

English language requirements

For applicants whose first language is not English, the University sets a minimum English Language proficiency level.

International English Language Testing System (IELTS) Academic module (not General Training):

• overall score 6.5
• no sub-test less than 6.0
• or equivalent scores in another recognised qualification (see below)
   

Common equivalent English language qualifications:

• ibTOEFL: 92; no sub-test less than 20
• CAE (Cambridge Certificate of Advanced English): B minimum
• CPE (Cambridge Certificate of Proficiency in English): C minimum
• PTE Academic (Person Test of English, Academic test): 60; no sub-test less than 59

Pre-sessional courses
The University of Glasgow accepts evidence of the required language level from the Language Centre Pre-sessional courses. We also consider other BALEAP accredited pre-sessional courses:

• Language Centre, University of Glasgow
• BALEAP guide to accredited courses 

FAQs

Visa requirements and proof of English language level

It is a visa requirement to provide information on your level of English based on an internationally recognised and secure English language test. All test reports must be no more than 2 years old. A list of these can be found on the UK Border Agency website. If you have never taken one of these tests before, you can get an initial idea of your level by using the Common European Framework self-assessment grid which gives you a level for each skill (e.g. listening B1/writing B2 etc.) However, please note that this is not a secure English language test and it is not sufficient evidence of your level of English for visa requirements.

For further information about English language, please contact the Language Centre.