BA Art History & Visual Culture and History

The BA Art History and Visual Culture and History at the University of Exeter allows students to connect academic study with practical experiences in historical research, visual analysis, and cultural interpretation. Students develop valuable skills in analysing artworks, examining historical evidence, conducting independent research, and communicating ideas through seminars, discussions, projects, and field-based learning. The course is supported by specialist collections, archives, libraries, museums, and digital research facilities, giving students opportunities to work with real cultural and historical materials throughout their studies.

Students gain practical experience through research activities, field studies, access to specialist collections, and engagement with cultural resources that prepare them for careers in heritage, museums, education, research, and creative industries:

• Art History and Visual Culture Field Study: Students take part in the Art History and Visual Culture Field Study for Blended Learning module, which connects classroom learning with practical exploration of artworks, architecture, and cultural environments. This helps students develop skills in observation, interpretation, and understanding the wider historical context of visual materials.

• Museum and Collection-Based Learning: Students engage with Exeter’s cultural collections, including the Bill Douglas Cinema Museum, gaining opportunities to explore historical objects, visual materials, and collections-based research. This experience supports understanding of museums, heritage, and the ways cultural materials are preserved and presented.

• Research Using Archives and Digital Resources: Students develop research skills by working with historical sources, archives, online databases, digital resources, and specialist materials. These skills help students learn how to investigate, analyse, and interpret evidence effectively.

• Independent Research Projects: Through individual research assignments and dissertation work, students explore topics of personal interest while strengthening their skills in academic research, critical analysis, and written communication.

• Collaborative Learning and Group Activities: Students participate in seminars, discussions, study groups, presentations, and project-based activities that encourage teamwork, idea sharing, and effective communication.

• Digital Humanities Facilities: Students can access digital research facilities that support humanities projects through digital methods, including digital exhibitions, audio-visual resources, and 3D digitisation techniques. These tools help students explore new ways of studying and presenting historical and cultural information.

• Library and Special Collections Resources: Students have access to extensive library collections, archives, and specialist research materials that support their studies in art history, visual culture, and history. These resources allow students to work with primary sources and develop advanced research skills.

• Research-Led Teaching: Students learn from academics specialising in areas such as art history, architecture, photography, visual culture, curation, and historical research. This ensures students engage with current research and contemporary debates within the field.

• Cultural and Creative Facilities: Students benefit from access to cultural spaces and facilities at the University of Exeter, including the Bill Douglas Cinema Museum and other arts and performance venues that support engagement with creative and cultural activities.

• Study Abroad and Employment Experience Opportunities: Students can choose a four-year pathway with Study Abroad or Employment Experience, allowing them to gain international exposure or professional workplace experience while developing additional career skills.

The BA Art History and Visual Culture and History at the University of Exeter prepares students for a variety of career paths by developing strong skills in research, critical thinking, communication, creativity, and cultural interpretation. Graduates gain the ability to analyse artworks, historical sources, and cultural practices, making them well suited for careers in museums, heritage, education, publishing, media, research, and creative industries. Potential career roles include art gallery intern, collections information officer, museum assistant, gallery assistant, editorial assistant, events planner, marketing intern, researcher, PR account executive, and civil service fast stream officer.

Students receive dedicated support and access to professional development opportunities that help them build experience and prepare for their future careers:

• Careers Service Support: Students benefit from the University of Exeter’s Careers Service, which offers personalised career guidance, mentoring, employability workshops, skills development sessions, networking opportunities, and support with applications, interviews, and finding work experience.

• Exeter Award and Exeter Leaders Award: These programmes help students develop workplace skills through volunteering, leadership activities, professional development opportunities, and practical experiences that enhance their employability.

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

• Cultural and Heritage Sector Engagement: The programme encourages students to engage with museums, galleries, collections, and cultural organisations, helping them gain a better understanding of professional practices within the arts, heritage, and creative sectors.

• Graduate Outcomes: Graduates progress into a wide range of sectors including heritage and culture, museums and galleries, creative industries, education, publishing, journalism, marketing, business, and management. The interdisciplinary nature of the degree allows students to apply their skills across different professional environments.

• Employment Statistics and Salary Information: The University of Exeter does not provide specific employment rates or salary figures for this programme on the official course page. However, the university highlights strong graduate employability outcomes and employer recognition for graduates across arts and humanities disciplines.

• University and Industry Connections: Students benefit from Exeter’s links with cultural institutions, collections, arts communities, and professional networks, helping them gain insight into industry practices and potential career opportunities.

• Long-Term Career Value: The degree develops transferable skills in research, analysis, communication, problem-solving, creativity, and independent thinking. These skills provide long-term career value and are applicable across a wide range of sectors where employers seek graduates who can understand complex information and communicate ideas effectively.

Further Academic Progression:
After completing this degree, students can continue their studies through postgraduate programmes in areas such as Art History, Museum Studies, Cultural Heritage, Arts Management, Publishing, Journalism, Creative Advertising, Education, Marketing, Fine and Decorative Arts, Law, and Stage and Event Management. Further study allows graduates to specialise in their chosen field, develop professional expertise, and progress towards advanced careers in cultural, academic, and creative sectors.