BA Art History & Visual Culture and Film & Television Studies

3 Years On Campus Bachelors Program

University of Exeter

Program Overview

The BA Art History and Visual Culture and Film and Television Studies at the University of Exeter combines the study of art, visual culture, film, and television, allowing students to explore how images, screen media, and creative practices influence society, history, and contemporary culture. This course is ideal for students interested in the creative industries, media, and cultural analysis, helping them develop strong skills in research, critical thinking, visual interpretation, and understanding different forms of visual storytelling.

Curriculum Structure

Year 1:
In the first year, students build a strong foundation in Art History and Visual Culture and Film and Television Studies through modules such as Questions and Methods in Art History and Visual Culture, Major Debates in Film Theory, and Interrogating Screens. Students can also explore optional modules including Inside the Museum, Visual Media, Topics in Art History and Visual Culture I, Topics in Art History and Visual Culture II, and Approaches to Art History and Visual Culture, developing an understanding of artworks, visual communication, film theory, and screen analysis.

Year 2:
In the second year, students expand their knowledge through the Art History and Visual Culture Field Study for Blended Learning module, which connects academic learning with practical engagement with artworks and cultural environments. Students can choose from specialist modules such as Debates and Contestations in Art History, Contemporary Visual Practices, Photography and Evidence, Contemporary Art and Curation, The New York Avant-Garde 1955-1980, and Creative Industries: Their Past, Our Future, while also developing deeper knowledge of film and television studies.

Year 3:
In the final year, students undertake advanced research and independent study through options such as the Art History and Visual Culture Dissertation while selecting specialist modules across Art History, Visual Culture, Film, and Television Studies. Students explore more advanced topics related to art, screen media, and visual culture, strengthening their ability to research, analyse, and communicate complex ideas.

Year 4 (Optional Pathway):
Students who choose the four-year pathway can extend their degree through options such as Study Abroad or Employment Experience. This additional year provides the opportunity to gain international exposure or practical workplace experience, helping students develop professional skills and improve their career prospects before graduation.

Focus Areas

Art history, visual culture, film theory, television studies, screen analysis, visual media, contemporary art, photography, museum studies, digital culture, creative industries, cultural research, media interpretation, and visual storytelling.

Learning Outcomes

Students develop the ability to critically analyse artworks, films, television programmes, and visual media while gaining strong research, communication, and creative skills. The programme enhances students’ understanding of cultural representation, visual storytelling, media industries, and historical contexts while preparing them for careers requiring creativity, analytical thinking, and effective communication.

Professional Alignment (Accreditation)

The programme develops transferable skills in research, analysis, communication, creativity, and critical thinking that are highly valued across the cultural and creative sectors. Students gain knowledge of both traditional art forms and modern visual practices, including film, television, digital media, and contemporary art, preparing them for careers in museums, galleries, media, publishing, film, and creative industries.

Reputation (Employability Rankings)

The University of Exeter is a member of the prestigious Russell Group and is internationally recognised for its research excellence and high-quality teaching. Students benefit from studying within a respected arts and humanities environment with access to expert academics, cultural resources, and opportunities that support academic growth and future career development.

Experiential Learning (Research, Projects, Internships etc.)

Students in the BA Art History & Visual Culture and Film & Television Studies program at the University of Exeter gain hands-on experience that brings their learning to life. Through a combination of practical workshops, collaborative projects, and access to state-of-the-art facilities, you’ll develop critical skills in visual analysis, film production, and cultural interpretation. The program emphasizes real-world engagement, enabling you to explore professional practices and industry-standard tools while benefiting from Exeter’s rich cultural and academic resources.

Experiential learning opportunities include:

Specialist Art and Film Studios: Access to dedicated spaces for film production, editing, and art handling to practice techniques and experiment creatively.
Group Projects and Collaborative Work: Team-based assignments allow students to develop communication, project management, and critical thinking skills.
Industry-Relevant Software: Training in digital tools used in art curation, visual analysis, and film editing, preparing you for professional environments.
Field Trips and Museum Visits: Opportunities to study artworks, exhibitions, and film screenings firsthand in galleries and cultural institutions.
Internships and Work Placements: Engage with museums, galleries, and media organizations to gain practical, real-world experience.
Research Facilities and Libraries: Access the Bill Douglas Cinema Museum, Exeter Library collections, and other archives for in-depth study and research projects.
Cultural Institutes and Collaborations: Collaborate with the Exeter Northcott Theatre and local arts organizations to connect classroom learning with public-facing projects.

This combination of facilities, projects, and professional exposure ensures you graduate with both the theoretical knowledge and practical skills highly valued by employers in art, media, and cultural sectors.

Progression & Future Opportunities

Graduates of the BA Art History & Visual Culture and Film & Television Studies at the University of Exeter enjoy a strong track record of entering creative, cultural, and media-related careers. Many alumni move into roles that combine analytical thinking with practical media and cultural expertise: Film Production Assistant, Content Writer, Curatorial Assistant, and Media Analyst.

Key support and opportunities include:

Careers & Employability Services: Tailored guidance through workshops, internships, and one-to-one mentoring to help secure graduate roles.
Employment Stats & Salary: Approximately 80% of graduates are employed or in further study within 15 months of graduation, with typical starting salaries ranging from £22,000 to £28,000.
University–Industry Partnerships: Connections with cultural institutions, film studios, and media organisations provide real-world project experience.
Accreditation & Long-term Value: Degrees are recognised across the creative industries, enhancing professional credibility.
Graduation Outcomes: Graduates are well-prepared for careers in arts, media, marketing, publishing, and cultural heritage sectors.

Further Academic Progression:
Students can continue their studies with postgraduate degrees in areas such as MA Film Studies, MA Art History, Cultural Studies, Media Production, or Creative Writing, expanding both academic and professional horizons.