Course Overview

The Graduate Diploma in History of Art and Architecture is an intensive conversion course designed for students with a first degree in another subject who wish to pursue a Master's degree in the history of art or architecture.

In this course, you will gain the chance to work closely with internationally recognized experts who are defining the field conducting groundbreaking research in periods from medieval to contemporary and focusing on painting, sculpture, print culture, architecture, photography, digital art, and museology. Our History of Art and Architecture Graduate Diploma is also enriched by museum and site visits, visiting speakers, and screenings.

Over the course of the Diploma, you will develop skills of visual analysis, critical thinking, academic writing, and research experience that will prepare you to embark on further postgraduate study, for example, our MA History of Art, MA History of Architecture, MA History of Photography, MA History of Art with Curating or MA Museum Cultures.

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) from a UK university, or an equivalent international qualification.

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.