History of Art and Architecture (Graduate Diploma)

This graduate diploma offers a comprehensive and rigorous study of the history of art and architecture, covering a wide range of periods, styles, and geographical locations. Students will gain a deep understanding of the social, cultural, and political contexts that shaped the development of art and architecture from the ancient world to the present day. The course will also provide students with critical thinking skills and the ability to analyze and interpret visual culture in a variety of settings.

Additional Information

Students will have access to the extensive library and archival resources at Birkbeck, as well as opportunities to visit exhibitions and sites of artistic and architectural significance in London. The course is designed for students who want to pursue a career in art history, museum curation, or related fields.

Unlock Your Potential at Birkbeck: A Leading University for Art History and Architecture

Birkbeck is one of the top universities in the UK for the study of art history and architecture, with a world-class faculty and state-of-the-art facilities. Our graduates are highly sought after by employers and go on to pursue successful careers in their chosen fields.

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.

A second-class honors degree (2:2 or above) from a UK university, or an equivalent international qualification.

20 hours of work permit weekly for international students.