BA Hons Art History with Foundation

4 Years On Campus Bachelors Program

Regents University London

Program Overview

The BA (Hons) Art History with Foundation at Regent's University London is designed for students who want to build strong academic and critical thinking skills before progressing to specialist study in art history. The Foundation Year develops research, communication, and analytical abilities, while the degree explores art across cultures and historical periods, examining how artistic production reflects social, political, economic, and cultural change, preparing graduates for careers in museums, galleries, auction houses, cultural institutions, and the wider creative industries.

Curriculum Structure

Foundation Year

The Foundation Year prepares students for degree-level study through modules including Liberal Arts and Media Part I, Critical Thinking, and Writing for Success at University. Students also study Communications, Cultural Industries, and Creativity and Entrepreneurship, developing research, academic writing, presentation, critical analysis, and interdisciplinary thinking while gaining an understanding of global cultural and creative industries.

Year 1

Students build a strong foundation in art history through modules including Situating Art, Renaissance Art and Society, Baroque Art: Faith, Crown and Commerce, and Art Now. They explore key artistic movements from the Renaissance to contemporary art while examining how artworks are shaped by historical, political, cultural, and social contexts through classroom seminars and gallery-based learning across London.

Year 2

The second year develops advanced historical and analytical knowledge through modules such as Art in the Age of Revolution, Interpreting Art, and The Art Business. Students investigate eighteenth- and nineteenth-century European art, develop critical writing and research skills, and explore the commercial art world through studies of galleries, auction houses, private collections, art fairs, and the global art market. Students can also choose elective modules, undertake a Placement, or participate in a Study Abroad term.

Year 3

In the final year, students deepen their specialist expertise through advanced modules including Twentieth Century Modernisms and Art and the Environment, alongside an independent Major Project. They investigate modern and contemporary artistic movements, environmental humanities, gender, colonialism, exhibition practices, and interdisciplinary approaches while completing original research that reflects their individual academic and professional interests.

Focus Areas (String)

Art history, Renaissance art, Baroque art, Contemporary art, Modernism, Art interpretation, Museum studies, Art business, Global art history, Cultural heritage, Exhibition studies, Visual culture, Art criticism, Art and the environment

Learning Outcomes (String)

Analyse artworks within historical and cultural contexts, Apply art historical research methods, Interpret visual culture critically, Develop academic writing and presentation skills, Evaluate museum and gallery practices, Understand the global art market, Conduct independent research, Communicate complex ideas effectively, Build professional analytical skills, Prepare for careers in the arts and cultural sector

Professional Alignment (Accreditation)

The programme combines academic study with professional engagement through gallery seminars, museum visits, art market exploration, placement opportunities, study abroad, and industry-focused modules such as The Art Business. Students develop practical knowledge of curatorial practice, cultural institutions, auction houses, commercial galleries, and the global art market, preparing them for a wide range of careers across the arts and heritage sectors.

Reputation (Employability Rankings)

Located in central London, Regent's provides students with direct access to internationally renowned museums, galleries, auction houses, art fairs, and cultural organisations. Learning regularly extends beyond the classroom through gallery-based seminars, site visits, and engagement with London's world-leading arts sector, while students also benefit from Regent's international alumni network and global study opportunities.

Experiential Learning (Research, Projects, Internships etc.)

The BA (Hons) Art History with Foundation combines academic preparation with immersive, object-based learning, allowing students to develop research, analytical, and curatorial skills before progressing to specialist art history study. During the Foundation Year, students strengthen their critical thinking, academic writing, and cultural understanding before exploring artworks first-hand in museums, galleries, heritage sites, and auction houses across London. With central London as an extended classroom, students gain direct exposure to world-class collections, exhibitions, and leading professionals in the arts and cultural sectors. Practical learning opportunities include:

Foundation Year develops academic and creative skills through modules including Critical Thinking, Writing for Success at University, Communications, Cultural Industries, and Creativity and Entrepreneurship, preparing students for degree-level study through research, academic writing, presentations, and interdisciplinary learning.
Learn through first-hand, object-based study, examining artworks in museums, galleries, heritage sites, auction houses, archives, and private collections across London rather than relying solely on classroom teaching.
Participate in regular gallery seminars, museum visits, and exhibition tours, using London's internationally renowned cultural institutions as an extension of the classroom.
Gain practical curatorial experience by planning and curating an exhibition in Regent's Knapp Gallery, developing exhibition planning, interpretation, object selection, and visitor engagement skills.
Explore the commercial side of the arts through visits to auction houses, commercial galleries, art fairs, archives, and private collections, gaining insight into the global art market and cultural heritage sector.
Attend guest lectures, workshops, and masterclasses delivered by curators, museum professionals, auction house specialists, conservators, artists, and art historians, creating valuable networking opportunities within the creative industries.
Participate in specialist workshops with industry experts and recent learning experiences including visits to Frieze London, Frieze Masters, Claridge's ArtSpace, Darkroom London, Superblue London, and the British Museum.
Undertake an optional professional placement, gaining practical experience with museums, galleries, auction houses, cultural organisations, archives, heritage institutions, or creative enterprises while building professional networks.
Choose an optional Study Abroad opportunity at one of Regent's international partner universities, broadening your understanding of global art history, museum practice, and cultural heritage.
Work on individual research projects, group presentations, exhibition analyses, object studies, and critical essays, developing analytical, communication, leadership, and research skills valued across the arts sector.
Personalise your degree through cross-disciplinary elective modules and the opportunity to study a foreign language, helping you build expertise across art, culture, history, business, and international studies.
Access the Regent's University Library, offering specialist books, exhibition catalogues, academic journals, image archives, digital databases, and research resources supporting art historical study and independent research.
Receive personalised support from Careers, Enterprise and Industry Services, including career coaching, CV reviews, internship guidance, employer networking, enterprise mentoring, and access to the Handshake careers platform for placements, graduate roles, and opportunities within museums, galleries, and cultural organisations.

Progression & Future Opportunities

Graduates of the BA (Hons) Art History with Foundation develop strong analytical, research, curatorial, and communication skills that prepare them for careers across museums, galleries, auction houses, cultural organisations, and the wider creative industries. The Foundation Year builds academic confidence and critical thinking before students progress to specialist art history study, enabling graduates to pursue careers as Curator, Gallery Manager, Art Consultant, and Museum Collections Officer, while also opening pathways into publishing, journalism, arts management, and entrepreneurship.

Dedicated Careers, Enterprise and Industry Services: Students receive personalised career coaching, CV and portfolio support, interview preparation, employer networking, placement guidance, enterprise mentoring, and access to the Handshake careers platform, connecting them with 650,000+ global employers for internships, placements, and graduate opportunities. They also complete Exploring Industry and Entrepreneurship, Industry Challenge, Enterprise Challenge, or an Industry Placement, gaining practical professional experience throughout the degree.
Employment outcomes: While Regent's does not publish programme-specific salary figures, graduates pursue careers in museums, galleries, auction houses, art fairs, historic houses, arts management, publishing, journalism, conservation, collection management, education, and creative industries. Recent graduates have founded art platforms and advisory firms and secured roles with organisations including TEFAF, Galerie Perrotin, and F. Schumacher & Co.
University–industry partnerships: Students work closely with museum professionals, curators, auction house specialists, artists, and gallery directors through guest lectures, workshops, networking events, gallery seminars, and live projects. They also curate exhibitions in the University's Knapp Gallery, undertake optional placements, and regularly visit museums, galleries, auction houses, archives, heritage sites, and international art fairs across London.
Long-term professional value: Graduates leave with practical experience in curating exhibitions, researching collections, art interpretation, critical writing, public presentation, exhibition planning, and project management, alongside transferable analytical, communication, and leadership skills valued across the arts, heritage, media, and creative sectors.
Graduation outcomes: Graduates build careers as Curators, Gallery Managers, Museum Officers, Art Advisors, Auction House Specialists, Arts Managers, Collection Managers, Heritage Consultants, Art Journalists, and Cultural Project Coordinators. Others establish independent consultancies, launch creative businesses, continue into academia, or expand family businesses within the art and cultural sectors.

Further Academic Progression:

After completing this programme, graduates can progress to postgraduate study in Art History, Curating, Museum Studies, Heritage Management, Arts Management, Cultural Policy, Conservation, Visual Culture, or Gallery and Museum Practice. The research expertise, professional portfolio, exhibition experience, and industry connections developed throughout the programme also provide a strong foundation for doctoral research, curatorial training, cultural entrepreneurship, or specialist careers within the international arts and heritage sector.