Course Overview

Our MA History of Art exposes you to key art historical approaches and allows you to focus in-depth on areas and periods of particular interest to you, in early and modern (including contemporary) periods. It develops your visual acuity and your understanding of art's histories while stimulating critical debate and stretching your research skills.

This postgraduate degree offers you the opportunity to study with internationally recognized experts. Our teaching staff is defining the field, conducting ground-breaking research in periods from medieval to contemporary, focusing on painting, sculpture, print culture, architecture, photography, digital art, and museology. You will work closely with our staff while also benefiting from our diverse and vibrant student body of all ages and backgrounds.

Your studies will also be enriched by museum and site visits, visiting speakers, screenings and opportunities to get involved as volunteers in research and community outreach activities.

Graduates can pursue career paths in the creative arts, media, and education. Possible professions include:

museum/gallery curator

arts administrator

advertising account executive

community arts worker

multimedia specialist

higher education lecturer.

Read how undertaking our MA in History of Art helped one student secure her dream job at Tate Britain.

We offer a comprehensive Careers Service - Birkbeck Futures - your career partner during your time at Birkbeck and beyond. At every stage of your career journey, we empower you to take ownership of your future, helping you to make the connection between your experience, education, and future ambitions.

General Eligibility

A second-class honors degree (2:2) or above in a relevant subject or equivalent (for example, professional experience).

Part Time Work Details

20 hours of work permit weekly for international students.

Language Requirement

• If English is not your first language or you have not previously studied in English, the requirement for this program is the equivalent of an International English Language Testing System (IELTS Academic Test) score of 6.5, with not less than 6.0 in each of the sub-tests.