Art History

Discover why art from the past still matters to our modern society in the city that spawned Joshua Reynolds, the first president of the Royal Academy. Learn what art can teach us about the past and how it can help us shape a better future. Build links with art historians and archivists and prepare for a career in the art world through our connections with high profile, international institutions like the National Gallery and Tate Britain, and benefit from the contacts of our published academics.

• No exams. 100% coursework.

• Art throughout history. Art history at Plymouth enables you to explore our complex past and navigate visual culture. Let our immersive modules take you across the world, from the Renaissance period to the present, from 14th-century fresco painting in Italy to artistic responses to the atomic bomb.

• Expand your horizons. We believe strongly in the experience of seeing works of art first-hand. Every semester we take students to major UK galleries and museums. We also offer an international field trip module, an intensive week of study abroad. Past destinations have included Rome, Florence, Vienna, Paris, New York City and Washington, DC.

• Get involved. Prepare for your future career by participating in an internship or work experience. Our students have successfully interned at Tate Britain, Sotheby’s, the National Trust, Plymouth Arts Centre, The Arts Institute and the Wallace Collection.

• Learn from experts. Our staff research activities as authors and curators underpin our teaching, which emphasises specialised knowledge and professional skills.