BA Art History & Visual Culture and Classical Studies

3 Years On Campus Bachelors Program

University of Exeter

Program Overview

The BA Art History and Visual Culture and Classical Studies at the University of Exeter combines the exploration of art, images, material culture, and the ancient world, helping students understand how creative expression and classical societies have influenced history and culture. This course is well suited for students interested in art, museums, heritage, archaeology, and ancient civilisations, offering a balanced study of visual culture, historical analysis, and classical studies through engaging modules and research-led teaching.

Curriculum Structure

Year 1:
In the first year, students build a strong foundation in Art History and Visual Culture and Classical Studies through modules such as Questions and Methods in Art History and Visual Culture, Greek and Roman Narrative, and Greek and Roman Drama. Students are introduced to key approaches for analysing artworks, historical sources, literature, and cultural traditions while developing essential research and critical thinking skills.

Year 2:
The second year allows students to explore more specialised areas through modules such as Debates and Contestations in Art History, Contemporary Visual Practices, and Art History and Visual Culture Field Study for Blended Learning. Students also study topics related to classical societies, expanding their understanding of ancient cultures while developing practical research abilities and exploring the relationship between art, history, and society.

Year 3:
In the final year, students undertake advanced study through independent research projects such as the Art History and Visual Culture Dissertation or Classical Studies dissertation, alongside specialist options including Global Modernisms, Performance Art, Installation Art, Conceptual Art, and Understanding Space in Renaissance Italy. This stage allows students to focus on their individual interests, develop specialist knowledge, and demonstrate advanced analytical and research skills.

Year 4 (Optional Pathway):
Students may have the opportunity to extend their studies through a four-year pathway, which can include options such as studying abroad or gaining professional experience. This additional year helps students broaden their academic perspective, develop practical skills, and gain valuable international or workplace experience before completing their degree.

Focus Areas

Art history, visual culture, classical studies, Greek and Roman civilisations, ancient literature, archaeology, museums, cultural heritage, material culture, contemporary art, Renaissance art, research methods, and visual analysis.

Learning Outcomes

Students develop the ability to critically analyse artworks, historical sources, and cultural objects while gaining a deeper understanding of ancient and modern societies. The programme strengthens research, communication, independent learning, and analytical skills, preparing students to apply their knowledge across cultural, creative, educational, and professional settings.

Professional Alignment (Accreditation)

The degree develops highly transferable skills valued by employers in museums, galleries, heritage organisations, publishing, education, research, media, and creative industries. By combining visual interpretation, historical investigation, and cultural understanding, students graduate with the skills needed for careers that require strong communication, critical thinking, and research abilities.

Reputation (Employability Rankings)

The University of Exeter is a member of the prestigious Russell Group and is internationally recognised for its research excellence, teaching quality, and strong graduate outcomes. Students benefit from studying at a globally respected university with links to cultural organisations, employers, and professional networks that support career development.

Experiential Learning (Research, Projects, Internships etc.)

The BA Art History and Visual Culture and Classical Studies at the University of Exeter gives students the opportunity to connect academic learning with real-world experiences through artworks, historical objects, museums, collections, and cultural environments. Students develop practical skills in research, visual analysis, interpretation, and communication through field studies, independent projects, museum-based activities, and collaborative learning. The programme combines lectures, seminars, research activities, digital learning, and practical experiences to help students understand how art, culture, and the ancient world are studied and presented in professional settings.

Students benefit from Exeter’s excellent arts, heritage, and research environment, including access to specialist collections, museums, libraries, and cultural resources. Through engagement with ancient artefacts, artworks, architecture, film, and visual media, students gain valuable experience that supports future careers in museums, galleries, heritage organisations, education, research, and creative industries.

Key experiential learning opportunities include:

Art History and Visual Culture Field Study: Students participate in field-based learning through the Art History and Visual Culture Field Study module, which allows them to explore art, architecture, and cultural heritage directly through study visits and practical observation. Previous field study experiences have included visits to major European cultural destinations such as Florence, where students engage with artworks and historic sites in their original settings.
Museum and Gallery Learning: Students gain practical insight into museum collections, exhibitions, and cultural interpretation through engagement with museums and galleries. These experiences help students understand how artworks and historical objects are researched, displayed, and communicated to different audiences.
Bill Douglas Cinema Museum: Students have access to the Bill Douglas Cinema Museum at the University of Exeter, a specialist collection supporting the study of film, visual culture, and media history. The museum provides valuable resources for exploring visual storytelling, archives, and cultural history.
Independent Research Projects: Students complete research-based assignments and dissertation work, allowing them to investigate topics of personal interest while developing advanced skills in academic research, critical analysis, and presenting evidence-based arguments.
Collaborative Learning and Group Projects: Students take part in seminars, discussions, presentations, and group activities that strengthen teamwork, communication, and problem-solving skills while encouraging the exchange of different perspectives.
Digital Learning Resources: Students use online learning platforms and digital resources to support research and explore areas such as visual media, digital art, film, and contemporary approaches to studying images and objects.
Classical Studies Research Experience: Students engage with ancient literature, historical sources, artworks, and material culture, developing skills in analysing classical evidence and understanding the societies of the Greek and Roman worlds.
Specialist Academic Support: Students learn from academics with expertise in areas including art history, architecture, film, photography, visual media, curation, exhibition practices, performance art, ancient history, and classical studies.
Library and Research Facilities: Students have access to the University of Exeter’s library collections, digital databases, archives, and specialist research materials to support their studies in art history, visual culture, and classical studies.
Cultural and Heritage Engagement: Students benefit from Exeter’s connections with arts and heritage communities, providing opportunities to understand professional practices within museums, galleries, and cultural organisations.

Progression & Future Opportunities

The BA Art History and Visual Culture and Classical Studies at the University of Exeter equips students with valuable skills in research, critical thinking, communication, and cultural analysis that are highly valued across many industries. Graduates go on to build careers in museums, galleries, heritage organisations, publishing, education, media, and the creative sector, with potential roles including museum assistant, collections officer, editorial assistant, researcher, heritage officer, and communications professional. The combination of art history and classical studies also gives graduates the flexibility to pursue careers beyond the cultural sector in areas such as marketing, business, and public services.

Students benefit from a wide range of career development opportunities throughout their degree, including:

Dedicated Careers Service: Students have access to the University of Exeter's Careers Service, offering one-to-one careers advice, CV and interview support, mentoring, employer events, networking opportunities, and careers workshops.
Exeter Award and Exeter Leaders Award: Students can strengthen their employability by taking part in leadership programmes, volunteering, skills workshops, and work-related activities that help develop professional and transferable skills.
Employment Experience Pathway: Students can choose the four-year degree with Employment Experience, giving them the opportunity to complete a graduate-level work placement in the UK or overseas. This additional year helps students gain valuable workplace experience, build professional networks, and enhance their career prospects.
Industry and Cultural Connections: The programme benefits from links with museums, galleries, heritage organisations, and cultural institutions, giving students valuable insight into professional practice and opportunities to engage with the wider arts and heritage sector.
Graduate Career Outcomes: Graduates have progressed into careers across museums, galleries, heritage, publishing, journalism, education, marketing, creative industries, business, and management, reflecting the broad range of opportunities available after graduation.
Employment Statistics: The University of Exeter does not publish programme-specific graduate employment rates or salary figures for this course on the official programme page.
Long-Term Value: The degree develops transferable skills in research, communication, problem-solving, critical analysis, and cultural understanding, providing a strong foundation for long-term career success across a wide variety of industries.

Further Academic Progression:
After completing this degree, students can continue their studies through postgraduate programmes in subjects such as Art History, Museum Studies, Classical Studies, Cultural Heritage, Publishing, Journalism, Education, Arts Management, Marketing, Creative Advertising, Law, and related humanities disciplines. Graduates have also progressed to specialist master's degrees in publishing, multimedia journalism, fine and decorative arts, international management, creative advertising, and stage and event management.