Why choose History of Art?

Congratulations on your offer to study with us! 

We know you’ll be considering the best choice for you, so we wanted to highlight some of the many reasons why we think the University of Bristol is the best place to study History of Art.  

Unique subject breadth 

We pride ourselves on the depth and breadth of exciting and challenging study our BA History of Art offers. Students are offered a global overview of visual culture before pursuing a path that follows their own interests, whether that be in Renaissance art or contemporary visual politics.   

Research-led teaching   

Our academics' latest research informs our units, with particular specialisms in the visual cultures of South Asia, Europe, the Black Atlantic, and the Arab world, as well as the interactions between these traditions. 

Bristol and Beyond 

The city of Bristol, with its street art, historic buildings, and world class arts institutions, is our ‘urban classroom’ for face-to-face encounters with works of art. We also offer field trips beyond the city, and the department hosts regular events such as film screenings and lectures by guest speakers, including our Annual Curatorial Lecture. 

Specialist skills 

Art historians are trained to be skilled communicators using both words and images to make arguments. These are valuable skills for any job, but especially in the arts, media and culture sectors. Curation is a key skill built into the curriculum at Bristol. Students use an industry standard virtual exhibition platform and members of staff have real world experience in curating exhibitions in the UK and beyond. 

Careers 

Our graduates find employment in museums and art galleries, art and antique businesses, art publishing and administration, teaching and related fields, as well as other areas such as the media and financial sectors, advertising, PR and consultancy, and in managerial and administrative roles. Many go on to further study at postgraduate level. 

I wish you all the best with your studies and hope to welcome you to the University of Bristol community at the heart of one of Europe’s top cultural and creative cities. 

Dr Peter Dent

Senior Lecturer

Department of History of Art