BA (Hons) Contemporary Art History
A three years full-time course
Contemporary Art History is a new and innovative course that is built upon the strengths of the former History of Art and Design Degree. The degree continues its tradition of openness, experimentation and social relevance. With an emphasis on the 'contemporary', the new degree will provide opportunities to study contemporary artists, designers and theories alongside current approaches to art and design from the past.
Top facts
- Emphasis on both academic study and creative practice
- Delivered by practicing historians, theorists, artists and curators
- Opportunities for curatorial projects, placements, overseas visits and cross disciplinary activity within the School of Art
- Close links with galleries and museums in the North West, and with the vibrant art scene in Manchester
- Emphasis upon the development of personal ambitions aimed at professional employment in the cultural industries and other destinations
You will study
Year 1 will introduce you to the theoretical and historical study of art and design through the units 'The Uses of Images' and 'Thinking Through Things', which consider a range of artistic images and designed objects as well as other examples of visual and material culture. These units combine academic teaching with practical exercises and visits. You will also take units that emphasize the professional application of art and design history and encourage interaction with actual artifacts in local museums and galleries.
Year 2 aims to consolidate knowledge gained in year 1 through units such as 'Interpretations' and 'Framings', which are aimed at strengthening your theoretical understandings of art and design and their institutional and social contexts. These issues will be studied in relation to a medium or area of art and design of your choice. You will also take units that involve a placement within a relevant artistic or cultural organization and continue to examine art and design through the combination of theory, history, and practice.
Year 3 places particular emphasis upon contemporary art and design through the units 'Reading the Contemporary I: Art' and 'Reading the Contemporary II: Design' within which you will consider specific examples of contemporary art and design practice through teaching sessions and assignments. As in year 2, these units involve the option to choose the specific area of contemporary practice upon which you want to focus. You will also be required to work on research projects of both a practical and academic nature, culminating in an extended essay.
Assessment
Combination of coursework and a dissertation.
Placements
Placements in Year 2 may include work in museums or galleries, studios, teaching, art marketing or art as therapy. This makes a significant addition to your CV and can help significantly towards your future choice of career.
Graduates
90%* of art, design and architecture graduates go straight into employment and/or further study.
Graduates from the former History of Art and Design degree have gone on to successful careers in the art world and heritage sectors, as well as the media, education, academic research, government, the cultural industries, marketing, business and journalism.
*Source: DLHE survey 2009 for all respondents available for employment or further study and whose destinations are known
Location
All Saints Campus, Manchester
Entry Requirements
| UCAS Tariff Points | 280 |
|---|---|
| UCAS Tariff Points/Grades to be obtained from full A levels or equivalent | 240 at A2 or equivalent (such as BTEC National at Level 3 or Advanced Diploma). If applying using Foundation Diploma in Art and Design a Merit is required. |
| Specific subjects required | GCSE grade C (or alternative) in English Language |
| Access qualifications | A relevant Access to HE Diploma will be considered for entry to this course. |
| Interview required | Yes |
| Portfolio required | Yes |
| International Baccalaureate | 28 |
| Additional Requirements | If applying using Foundation Diploma in Art and Design a Merit is required. |
Fees
UK and EU full-time students: £8,000
Non-EU full-time international students: £11,000
International Fee Band 2
How to Apply
Apply through UCAS.
UCAS Code: V370
All applicants are asked to submit a Digital Portfolio.
More Information
Year 0
The MMU Foundation Year provides an opportunity to enter this degree course if you do not have the necessary qualifications to apply for direct entry.