BA Art History & Visual Culture and English

The BA Art History and Visual Culture and English at the University of Exeter gives students the opportunity to connect academic study with practical experiences in the fields of art, literature, media, and cultural analysis. Through field studies, museum-based learning, creative projects, independent research, and digital resources, students develop valuable skills in research, critical thinking, visual interpretation, writing, and communication. The course is supported by specialist facilities, library collections, research resources, and cultural resources across the University’s Streatham Campus, helping students gain experience relevant to careers in museums, publishing, media, education, and the creative industries.

Students explore art and literature beyond traditional classroom learning through practical activities, research opportunities, and creative projects that strengthen their professional skills:

• Art History and Visual Culture Field Study: Students take part in the Art History and Visual Culture Field Study for Blended Learning module, gaining practical experience in analysing artworks, architecture, and cultural spaces. This field-based learning helps students understand how art and visual culture are studied within real-world historical and cultural contexts.

• Museum-Based Learning: Through modules such as Inside the Museum, students explore how museums work, how collections are managed, and how artworks and objects are interpreted for different audiences. This provides valuable insight into areas such as curation, exhibition planning, and cultural heritage.

• Visual Media and Digital Culture Learning: Modules such as Visual Media and Digital Cultures: Narrative, Creativity, Industry introduce students to the role of images, digital platforms, and creative technologies in shaping modern culture and communication.

• Independent Research Projects: In the final year, students complete advanced research through options such as the Art History and Visual Culture Dissertation, Dissertation, or Creative Writing Dissertation. These projects allow students to explore topics of personal interest while developing strong research, analytical, and writing abilities.

• Creative Writing Practice: English modules such as Imagine This: Prompts for Creative Writing, Creative Writing: Building a Story, and Creative Writing: Making a Poem help students develop storytelling skills and experiment with different forms of creative expression.

• Collaborative Learning and Presentations: Students take part in seminars, discussions, presentations, and group activities that encourage teamwork, communication, and the ability to develop and present ideas effectively.

• Library and Research Resources: Students have access to the University of Exeter’s extensive library collections, online databases, digital learning resources, and specialist materials that support research in art history, visual culture, literature, and cultural studies.

• Research-Led Teaching: Students learn from academics with expertise in areas such as art history, visual culture, literature, creative writing, digital culture, and cultural theory, benefiting from teaching informed by current research.

• Creative Industries Engagement: Modules such as Creative Industries: Their Past, Our Future help students understand how creative sectors operate and explore the relationship between culture, innovation, and professional practice.

• Study Abroad Opportunity: Students can choose the four-year pathway with Study Abroad, allowing them to gain international experience, explore different cultural environments, and broaden their academic perspective.

The BA Art History and Visual Culture and English at the University of Exeter equips students with a strong combination of creative, analytical, research, and communication skills that are valued across a wide range of industries. Graduates develop the ability to interpret artworks, literature, and cultural ideas while building skills that support careers in museums, publishing, journalism, media, education, marketing, and the creative industries. Potential career roles include art gallery intern, editorial assistant, collections information officer, marketing intern, researcher, PR account executive, and events planner.

Students receive dedicated support and access to opportunities that help them prepare for successful careers after graduation:

• Careers Support and Guidance: Students benefit from the University of Exeter’s Careers Service, which provides one-to-one careers advice, mentoring, CV and interview guidance, employability workshops, networking opportunities, and support in finding work experience and graduate roles.

• Exeter Award and Exeter Leaders Award: These programmes help students enhance their employability by developing leadership skills, gaining practical experience, participating in volunteering activities, and building confidence through recognised professional development opportunities.

• Employment Experience Pathway: Students can choose the four-year pathway with Employment Experience, allowing them to spend a year completing a graduate-level work placement in the UK or overseas. This provides valuable professional experience, helps students build industry connections, and strengthens their career profile before graduation.

• Creative and Cultural Sector Engagement: The programme encourages students to engage with museums, galleries, cultural organisations, and creative communities, helping them gain a deeper understanding of professional practices in the arts, heritage, publishing, and media sectors.

• Graduate Outcomes: Graduates have progressed into careers across areas such as heritage and culture, museums and galleries, publishing, journalism, education, marketing, business, management, and creative industries. The interdisciplinary nature of the degree allows students to apply their skills across a variety of professional fields.

• Employment Statistics and Salary Information: The University of Exeter does not provide course-specific employment rates or salary figures for this programme on the official course page.

• Long-Term Career Value: The degree develops transferable skills in critical thinking, research, creativity, communication, problem-solving, and independent analysis. These skills remain valuable throughout a graduate’s career and support progression across both creative and professional sectors.

Further Academic Progression:
After completing this degree, students can continue their studies through postgraduate programmes in areas such as Art History, Museum Studies, Arts Management, Cultural Heritage, Publishing, Journalism, Creative Advertising, Education, Marketing, Fine and Decorative Arts, Law, and Stage and Event Management. Graduates may also pursue specialist master’s degrees that allow them to deepen their expertise or move into professional fields related to culture, communication, and creative industries.