Course summary
Birmingham’s fusion of language and culture places employability at its heart, preparing you to live and work as an engaged citizen of the world.
The study of one or two Modern Languages (French, Italian, Russian and/or Spanish) alongside History of Art is highly complementary and an exciting opportunity to contextualise your knowledge in each discipline. Your linguistic fluency is strengthened with a simultaneous understanding and appreciation of your target culture's literature, history, politics and society. You can even start two languages from scratch without taking an advanced language, as long as one of these is French or Spanish. Travel opportunities in your degree course such as the Year Abroad and the History of Art European study trip will enrich your skillset as both a linguist and art historian.
You will have access to original works, a dedicated fine art library and collection of resources in the Barber Institute of Fine Arts, our acclaimed public gallery at the Univeristy. Here you will find a great collection of European art and works by famous artists such as Botticelli, Van Gogh, Monet, Magritte, Degas, Gwen John, Vigée LeBrun and Rodin.
Why study this course?
Study differently - with our CLIL (Content Language Integrated Learning) teaching method. CLIL is a blended approach to language learning, based on a fusion of language and culture: study language, grammar and vocabulary in direct relation to topics of real cultural significance in your chosen language.
Multicultural city – Learn and Live in a vibrant city that is culturally, ethnically and religiously diverse. Join a number of language and culture-based societies at the University of Birmingham to further enhance your skills.
On-campus gallery – Teaching regularly takes place in our working gallery on campus, The Barber Institute of Fine Arts, which is home to a dedicated fine art library and world-class collection. Seminars and events are held here, which really help to deepen your understanding and expand your knowledge of the museum and heritage sector following our hands-on approach.
Experience the real world - visit galleries and museums in the UK and abroad as part of your degree. The department organises regularly gallery study trips in the West Midlands and London. The weeklong University funded trip to a major European city is another highlight of the programme.
Utilise the power of your voice - contribute to the official blog for the Department of Art History, Curating and Visual Studies, the Golovine. Check it out to gain insight into what it’s like studying at Birmingham, former student successes, research conducted and commentaries on art news.
Boost your employability - develop transferable skills and gain valuable real world experience with access to funded arts internships, exclusively for University of Birmingham students.
13th for undergraduate History of Art in the Complete University Guide 2025
35th for Modern Languages and Linguistics in the Guardian University Guide 2024
64th for Arts and Humanities in the QS World Subject Rankings 2024
Modules
First-year modules cover a broad base of the subject and are designed to introduce you to ways of studying at university. By the final year the modules you take will become more specialised and reflect the research expertise of the academic staff. More detailed module information can be found on the ‘Course detail’ tab on the University of Birmingham’s coursefinder web pages.
If the course start date is before 31 December 2025 and you have already submitted an application, this course can be added. If you have not submitted an application, contact the university or college direct.
If the course start date is between 01 January and 31 July 2026 click the 'Apply' button to make an application.
Apply by
29 January
This is the equal consideration deadline. You can still apply after this date, but your application may not receive guaranteed consideration.
Application codes
- Course code:
- 5QV1
- Institution code:
- B32
- Campus name:
- Main Site
- Campus Code:
- -
- Points of Entry:
- Year 1
Teaching Excellence Framework (TEF)
University of Birmingham has participated in the Teaching Excellence Framework. These ratings were awarded in 2023, for four years.
See why these ratings were awarded
What does this TEF outcome mean?
How to apply
Apply by
29 January
Application codes
- Course code:
- 5QV1
- Institution code:
- B32
- Campus name:
- Main Site
- Campus Code:
- -
Points of entry
The following entry points are available for this course:
- Year 1
Entry requirements
Qualification requirements
UCAS Tariff - Not accepted
A level - ABB
Pearson BTEC Level 3 National Extended Diploma (first teaching from September 2016) - DDM
International Baccalaureate Diploma Programme - 32 points
Welsh Baccalaureate - Advanced Skills Challenge Certificate (last awarded Summer 2024)
Cambridge International Pre-U Certificate - Principal
BA Modern Languages and History of Art students can study up to two foreign languages alongside History of Art. At least one of these languages needs to be an advanced language (post A-Level).
To take a language from beginners level, evidence of language learning ability is required such as a grade A in a Modern Language at GCSE.
Contextual admissions
The historic entry grades range shown below includes students admitted with alternative offers through our contextual admissions schemes. These are typically 1 or 2 grades below the standard offer. You can find information on these schemes using the link below.
You can check your eligibility to receive an offer for this course using our Offer Calculator using the same link.
Historical entry grades data BETA
This section shows the range of grades students (with UK A-Levels or Pearson BTEC Level 3 National Extended Diplomas) who received offers were previously accepted with (learn more). It is designed to support your research but does not guarantee whether you will or won't get a place. Admissions teams consider various factors, including interviews, subject requirements, and entrance tests. Check all course entry requirements for eligibility.
- Data from:
- This course and 2 other history of art, architecture and design courses
- Date range:
- 2022-2024
Grades held by accepted students
- A*A*A*
- Highest grades
- BBC
- Lowest grades
Offer rate for UK school & college leavers
Students aged 17/18 who applied to this course were offered a place.
How do you compare?
See how students with your grades have been accepted onto this course in the past.
Fees and funding
Tuition fees
| Location | Fee | Year |
|---|---|---|
| England | £9535 | Year 1 |
| Northern Ireland | £9535 | Year 1 |
| Scotland | £9535 | Year 1 |
| Wales | £9535 | Year 1 |
| Channel Islands | £9535 | Year 1 |
| Republic of Ireland | £9535 | Year 1 |
Tuition fee status depends on a number of criteria and varies according to where in the UK you will study. For further guidance on the criteria for home or overseas tuition fees, please refer to the UKCISA website.
Additional fee information
For details of the annual tuition fee for International Students please see the course web page listed in the 'course details' section above.
If you are made an offer to study by the University, the yearly tuition fee will be stated in your offer letter.