BA Art History & Visual Culture and History
| UCAS code | VV31 |
|---|---|
| Duration | 3 years |
| Entry year | 2026 |
| Campus | Streatham Campus |
| Typical offer | A-Levels: ABB |
|---|---|
|
A-Level: BBC |
| UCAS code | VV32 |
|---|---|
| Duration | 4 years |
| Entry year | 2026 |
| Campus | Streatham Campus |
| Typical offer | A-Level: ABB |
|---|---|
|
A-Level: BBC |
| UCAS code | VV33 |
|---|---|
| Duration | 4 years |
| Entry year | 2026 |
| Campus | Streatham Campus |
| Typical offer | A-Level: ABB |
|---|---|
|
A-Level: BBC |
Why study BA Art History & Visual Culture and History at Exeter?
- Navigate history to learn about changes in society, culture, politics, religion and apply them to current theories and practices.
- Art, history and culture embedded on campus with the Exeter Northcott Theatre, Bill Douglas Cinema Musuem, Lemon Grove and Great Hall as music venues and student theatre Roborough Studios.
- Cover time periods from the Roman Empire to the 1960s and topics as diverse as the Vikings, early medieval empires, the Norman Conquest and magic and witchcraft in early modern Europe.
- Learn to collect evidence using libraries, archives, the internet, interviews, languages, palaeography and environmental fieldwork.
Top 100 in world subject rankings for History
QS World University Subject Rankings 2025
6th in the UK for research in History
Based on our Grade Point Average (GPA) in REF 2021
Top 10 in the UK for History of Art, Architecture and Design
9th in the Complete University Guide 2026
Internationally recognised fine art, heritage and film collections on site, including the Bill Douglas Cinema Museum
Studying at Exeter has been a brilliant experience, it felt like the right choice from the first open day I visited.
Exeter has provided me with access to work experience in the local arts centres and museums, and has given me the opportunity to travel and visit the art we study in class. In my experience lecturers go above and beyond to provide academic support for students, as do the Wellbeing and Accessibility Services. I have also been able to join a range of academic and social societies, in which I have made friends for life.
India
BA Art History & Visual Culture and Classics
Entry requirements (typical offer)
| Qualification | Typical offer | Required subjects |
|---|---|---|
| A-Level | ABB | n/a |
| IB | 32/655 | n/a |
| BTEC | DDM | n/a |
| GCSE | C or 4 | English Language |
| Access to HE | 24 L3 Credits at Distinction Grade and 21 L3 credits at Merit Grade. | N/A |
| T-Level | Distinction | N/A |
| Contextual Offer | A-Level: BBC |
Specific subject requirements must still be achieved where stated above. Find out more about contextual offers. |
| Other accepted qualifications | ||
| English language requirements |
International students need to show they have the required level of English language to study this course. The required test scores for this course fall under Profile B1. Please visit our English language requirements page to view the required test scores and equivalencies from your country. |
|
NB General Studies is not included in any offer.
Grades advertised on each programme webpage are the typical level at which our offers are made and provide information on any specific subjects an applicant will need to have studied in order to be considered for a place on the programme. However, if we receive a large number of applications for the programme we may not be able to make an offer to all those who are predicted to achieve/have achieved grades which are in line with our typical offer. For more information on how applications are assessed and when decisions are released, please see: After you apply
Course content
You may notice changes to some of our modules over the coming months. This is because we are making space for the following:
- Minors: Future Skills Pathways - Alongside your main degree you may be eligible (depending on your course) to choose modules from another subject to broaden your skills and interests.
- Skills to Thrive built into every degree - Essential skills for your future, including communication, problem-solving, teamwork and digital confidence.
- Increased innovation and wellbeing - More room for creative learning, real-world projects and a healthier study rhythm.
Please note that the module information displayed here is subject to change.
Students must take: 30 credits of compulsory Art History & Visual Culture modules (AHV1011), 45 credits of compulsory History modules, 30 credits of optional Art History & Visual Culture modules, and 15 credits of optional History modules.
Compulsory Modules
a - You must select HIH1421 Understanding Medieval and Early Modern History OR HIH1422 Understanding Modern History.
Compulsory modules
| Code | Module | Credits |
|---|---|---|
| Compulsory 1 | ||
| Questions and Methods in Art History and Visual Culture | 30 | |
| Becoming a Historian: Core | 15 | |
| Compulsory Choice | ||
| Understanding Medieval and Early Modern History | 30 | |
| Understanding Modern History | 30 | |
Optional modules
| Code | Module | Credits |
|---|---|---|
| Combined Honours Options | ||
| Inside the Museum | 15 | |
| Visual Media | 15 | |
| Topics in Art History and Visual Culture I | 15 | |
| Topics in Art History and Visual Culture II | 15 | |
| Approaches to Art History and Visual Culture | 30 | |
| Optional 1 | ||
| Climate Emergency! An Introduction to Environmental Arts and Humanities | 15 | |
| Sources and Skills: Modern | 15 | |
| Sources and Skills: Early Modern | 15 | |
| Sources and Skills: Medieval | 15 | |
Please note that the module information displayed here is subject to change.
Students must take: 30 credits of compulsory Art History & Visual Culture modules (AHV2015), 30 credits of optional Art History & Visual Culture modules and 60 credits of optional History modules.
History Route A
2 History option modules. [Note students taking Route A cannot take a History dissertation at stage three]
History Route B
HIH2002 Uses of the Past + 1 other History option. Archaeology Dissertation in final stage
History Route C
HIH2237 Doing History in the Digital Age + 1 other History option. History Dissertation in final stage
History Route D
HIH2237 Doing History in the Digital Age + HIH2002 Uses of the Past. History Dissertation in final stage
Compulsory modules
| Code | Module | Credits |
|---|---|---|
| Compulsory 1 | ||
| Art History and Visual Culture Field Study for Blended Learning | 30 | |
Optional modules
| Code | Module | Credits |
|---|---|---|
| Combined Honours Options | ||
| Debates and Contestations in Art History | 15 | |
| Contemporary Visual Practices | 15 | |
| Photography and Evidence | 15 | |
| Contemporary Art and Curation | 15 | |
| Common Threads: Art, Craft and Activism | 15 | |
| Renaissances North and South: Italy and the Netherlands | 15 | |
| Revolutions! Art and Society in France, 1770-1830 | 15 | |
| The Dutch Golden Age | 15 | |
| The New York Avant-Garde 1955-1980 | 15 | |
| Comics Studies: Histories, Methodologies, Genres | 15 | |
| Creative Industries: Their Past, Our Future | 30 | |
| Intimate Spaces of the French Enlightenment | 15 | |
| Chinoiserie and Européenerie: Artistic and cultural exchanges between China and Europe | 15 | |
| Optional 1 | ||
| Debates and Contestations in Art History | 15 | |
| Contemporary Visual Practices | 15 | |
| History (Combined Honours) Optional Route A | ||
| Adventures in Environmental Arts and Humanities | 30 | |
| Forgetting Fascism, Remembering Communism: Memory in Modern Europe | 30 | |
| Deviants and Dissenters in Early Modern England | 30 | |
| Rebellion! Uprisings in England and France, 1173-1569 | 30 | |
| From Gallows to ASBOs: Crime, Punishment, and Society in Britain and Ireland | 30 | |
| Strategy and Success in the Second World War | 30 | |
| Vikings and Other Invaders: Europe under Siege in in the Tenth Century | 30 | |
| Beyond Bridgerton: A Peoples' History of Britain, 1688-1834 | 30 | |
| Atlantic History, 1500-1850: Communities, Identity and Empire | 30 | |
| Creating an American Empire: From Westward Expansion to Colonial Empire | 30 | |
| Hunger Games: Poverty, Famine, and Environment | 30 | |
| Russia’s Empires: Societies, Peoples and Cultures | 30 | |
| Beyond the Tudors: Europe’s Worldview Transformed c.1500-1600 | 30 | |
| History (Combined Honours) Optional Route B | ||
| Adventures in Environmental Arts and Humanities | 30 | |
| Uses of the Past | 30 | |
| Forgetting Fascism, Remembering Communism: Memory in Modern Europe | 30 | |
| From Gallows to ASBOs: Crime, Punishment, and Society in Britain and Ireland | 30 | |
| Vikings and Other Invaders: Europe under Siege in in the Tenth Century | 30 | |
| Beyond Bridgerton: A Peoples' History of Britain, 1688-1834 | 30 | |
| Hunger Games: Poverty, Famine, and Environment | 30 | |
| Beyond the Tudors: Europe’s Worldview Transformed c.1500-1600 | 30 | |
| History (Combined Honours) Optional Route C | ||
| Deviants and Dissenters in Early Modern England | 30 | |
| Doing History in the Digital Age | 30 | |
| Rebellion! Uprisings in England and France, 1173-1569 | 30 | |
| Strategy and Success in the Second World War | 30 | |
| Atlantic History, 1500-1850: Communities, Identity and Empire | 30 | |
| Creating an American Empire: From Westward Expansion to Colonial Empire | 30 | |
| Russia’s Empires: Societies, Peoples and Cultures | 30 | |
| History (Combined Honours) Optional Route D | ||
| Uses of the Past | 30 | |
| Doing History in the Digital Age | 30 | |
Please note that the module information displayed here is subject to change.
Typically, any placement year will take place in Year 3. If you are not taking a placement year please see the Final Year modules for year 3.
With Study Abroad
120 credit compulsory placement module
Compulsory modules
| Code | Module | Credits |
|---|---|---|
| Compulsory 1 | ||
| Study Abroad | 120 | |
With Employment Experience
120 credit compulsory placement module
Compulsory modules
| Code | Module | Credits |
|---|---|---|
| Compulsory 2 | ||
| Employment Experience | 120 | |
Please note that the module information displayed here is subject to change.
Students must take: 0-30 credits of compulsory Art History & Visual Culture modules (AHV3000), 0-30 credits of compulsory History modules, 30-60 credits of optional Art History & Visual Culture modules, and 30-60 credits of optional History modules.
Compulsory Modules
AHV3000 AHVC Dissertation is compulsory unless the student selects HIH3005 History Dissertation (Route C or D); if the student chooses to write a dissertation in History, they are not required to do the AHVC dissertation.
Route A or B taken in Stage 2 – students cannot select HIH3005
Route C or D taken in stage 2 - Select HIH3005 History Dissertation
Optional Modules
Route A or B taken in Stage 2 - Select 30 credits of optional Art History & Visual Culture modules. Select a History Special Subject for 60 credits.
Route C or D taken in stage 2 - select 30 credits from Concepts Modules, or 30 credits of option modules from outside of History via modularity. Select 60 credits of optional Art History & Visual Culture modules.
Compulsory modules
| Code | Module | Credits |
|---|---|---|
| Compulsory 1 | ||
| Art History and Visual Culture Dissertation | 30 | |
| General Third-Year Dissertation | 30 | |
| Research Project Dissertation | 30 | |
Optional modules
| Code | Module | Credits |
|---|---|---|
| Options | ||
| Understanding Space in Renaissance Italy | 15 | |
| The Face | 15 | |
| Global Modernisms | 15 | |
| Performance Art | 15 | |
| Paris to the World: Modelling the Modern City | 15 | |
| Installation Art | 15 | |
| Conceptual Art | 15 | |
| "Queen City of Europe": Art, Culture and Society in Renaissance Antwerp, c.1500-70 | 15 | |
| Subjectivity and Storytelling: from Decorative Arts to Digital Futures | 15 | |
| The Place of Meaning: Gardens in Asia and Europe | 15 | |
| Something to See: War and Visual Media | 15 | |
| Art, Industry and the Modern, 1840-1900 | 15 | |
| Dictatorships on Display: History Exhibitions in Germany and Austria | 15 | |
| Concepts Optional Modules | ||
| Truth | 30 | |
| Disease | 30 | |
| War | 30 | |
| Violence | 30 | |
| Revolution | 30 | |
| Sexualities | 30 | |
| Optional | ||
| The Legend of King Arthur | 30 | |
| Special Subject Optional Modules | ||
| The Yes, Minister Files: Perspectives on British Government since 1914 | 60 | |
| The Russian Revolution | 60 | |
| Magic in the Middle Ages | 60 | |
| Governing the World: A History of Internationalism from WW1 to the Present | 60 | |
| Health and its Politics in the 20th Century | 60 | |
| From the Grand Tour to Gladiator: Modern Encounters with the Ancient World | 60 | |
| The Body in Early Modern England | 60 | |
| Britons Abroad: The Experience of Travel, c. 1650-1900 | 60 | |
| The Celtic Frontier | 60 | |
| Borders and Mobilities in Postcolonial South Asia | 60 | |
Course variants
BA Art History & Visual Culture and History with Study Abroad
UCAS code: VV32
Our four-year ‘with Study Abroad’ degree offers you the possibility of spending your third year abroad, studying with one of our many partner universities.
Why study abroad?
Living and studying in a different country is an exciting experience that broadens your academic and cultural horizons, as well as giving you the opportunity to widen your circle of friends. Students who have studied abroad demonstrate initiative, independence, motivation and, depending on where they stay, may also have gained a working knowledge of another language – all key qualities that employers are looking for in today’s competitive employment environment.
Where can I study abroad?
We have partnership arrangements with many prestigious institutions across the globe. Exactly where you can apply to study will depend on the subjects you are studying at Exeter. For a full list please visit the Study Abroad website.
Are there any academic requirements to study abroad?
Yes. If you wish to study abroad as part of this degree course, you must achieve an overall grade of at least 60% (a 2:1) for your first year of study. This applies to all students, even if you are registered on the 'with Study Abroad' variant from the start of your degree.
Does it count towards my degree?
Credit for academic work during your year abroad is arranged by agreement between the University of Exeter and the host institution. These marks are then translated back into your degree at Exeter. If you are studying abroad for a semester or full year, your time abroad will count toward your final degree.
How does it affect my tuition fee and funding?
For the year that you spend studying abroad you will pay a significantly reduced tuition fee to Exeter, but nothing to your host university – for more information visit our fees pages. If you were previously eligible, you will continue to receive a maintenance loan whilst on your Study Abroad year.
BA Art History & Visual Culture and History with Employment Experience
UCAS code: VV33
Our four-year ‘with Employment Experience’ degree offers you the option of spending your third year carrying out a graduate-level work placement or placements, within the UK or abroad, as part of your degree.
Why choose to include Employment Experience?
Undertaking graduate-level work during your degree unlocks a world of experience that allows you to develop essential employability and interpersonal skills that relate to your degree and future career.
A work placement will dramatically boost your confidence, enhance your CV and develop graduate-level skills and competencies that employers are looking for.
Where will I do my work placement?
The sector and country you choose to work in is very much your choice, as you will be responsible for finding and organising your placement.
We will provide plenty of guidance and support during your first and second years which will prepare you to research and apply for placements. Ultimately, the university will give final approval to your placement to make sure you have a valuable experience.
How does it affect my tuition fees and funding?
For your ‘Year In Industry’ you will pay a significantly reduced tuition fee to Exeter – for more information visit our fees pages. If you were previously eligible, you will continue to receive a maintenance loan whilst on your year of work placement/s.
Is the placement paid?
You will be paid in accordance with the rules of the country you work in and there may be visa restrictions or requirements which you need to consider when applying.
Find out more
Fees
Tuition fees for 2026 entry
UK students: £9,790 per year
International students: £24,950 per year
Scholarships
The University of Exeter offers a wide range of scholarships to support your education, with £7 million available for international students applying to study with us in the 2026/27 academic year, including our prestigious Exeter Excellence Scholarships*. We also provide scholarships for sport, music and other achievements, alongside regional and partner awards such as Chevening, The Beacon Trust and the British Council. Financial support is available for students from disadvantaged backgrounds, lower income households and other under-represented groups to help them access, succeed and progress through higher education.
* Terms and conditions, including deadlines, apply. See our website for details.
Learning and teaching
How will I learn?
You will be taught by internationally respected staff, who are leading researchers in their specialisms. We use a wide variety of techniques and approaches including seminars, lectures, study groups and web-based learning, as well as valuable field study. We integrate the latest approaches with traditional learning and teaching to give you a varied and challenging programme. As you study the compulsory modules, you will learn through individual practical and project work, teamwork and a research project, all of which are designed to help you develop key skills for success throughout your degree and into your future career.
For your History modules, you will learn through lectures, tutorials and seminars, with a growing emphasis at each successive level on student-led learning. Modules are designed to encourage you to think about long-term developments and processes of historical change, and to make comparisons between countries and cultures. This helps you progress from the more tightly defined topics studied at A level. Modules are also designed to encourage you to think and write analytically about these broad subjects. They emphasise historical questions that require you to identify patterns across time, or between countries, and to isolate common or competing trends, instead of concentrating on short-term or single explanations.
How will I be assessed?
Assessment methods vary between modules, but generally include coursework, project work, written exams and various forms of presentation. Please see the individual module descriptions for further details.
You must pass your first-year assessment, to progress to the second year, but the results do not count towards your degree classification. For three-year programmes, the assessments in the second and third years contribute to your final degree classification. For four-year programmes the assessments in the second, third and fourth years all contribute to your final degree classification.
Contact time
You’ll receive ten contact hours per week with staff, both in teaching time and with your personal tutor You’re also expected to invest a lot of time in independent study; this involves individual study and contact with your study-group (for example, in preparation for seminars). The exact amount of time spent working independently varies from module to module.
Research-inspired teaching
Teaching that is inspired by research ensures lectures are up-to-date and relevant: you will benefit from access to the latest thinking, equipment and resources. All staff teach third year options which are linked to a broad range of their own interests.
Academic support
All students have access to a personal tutor, who is available for advice and support throughout your studies. There are also several services on campus where you can get advice and information, including the Students’ Guild Advice Unit.
Optional modules outside of this course
Each year, if you have optional modules available, you can take up to 30 credits in a subject outside of your course. This can increase your employability and widen your intellectual horizons.
Minors: Future Skills Pathways
You can study a Future Skills Pathway alongside your main degree by choosing up to 30 credits of modules from a different subject area in your second and final years.
Your future
Employer-valued skills this course develops
Studying Art History & Visual Culture equips students with a broad range of highly desirable transferable skills in analysis, critique, research and theoretical and practical creativity. These will prepare you to enter a wide variety of professions.
You will also develop specialist knowledge of everything from traditional art forms such as architecture and sculpture, to today’s visual practices such as film, video, performance and digital art. You will benefit from productive engagement with collections, institutions and art groups in the area, in tandem with the wider arts community in the South West and beyond.
Further study
The Art History & Visual Culture programme prepares its graduates to undertake postgraduate study or training in areas such as education, arts management and journalism, amongst others. Recent graduates have gone on to study:
- MA Publishing
- MA Multimedia Broadcast Journalism
- MA Creative Advertising
- CFA (Chartered Financial Analyst)
- MA Fine and Decorative Arts
- MA Marketing & International Management
- Graduate Diploma in Law
- MA Stage and Event Management
Career support and pathways
We have a dedicated, award-winning Careers Service, ensuring you have access to careers advisors, mentors and the tools you need to succeed in finding employment in your chosen field on graduation. We offer the Exeter Award and the Exeter Leaders Award, which include employability-related workshops, skills events, volunteering and employment which will contribute to your career decision-making skills and success in the employment market.
Art History & Visual Culture graduates compete very successfully in the employment market, with many employers targeting the University when recruiting new graduates.
Examples of roles recent graduates are now working as include:
- Art Gallery Intern
- Brand Intern in fashion industry
- Civil Service Fast Stream
- Collections Information Officer
- Editorial Assistant
- Events Planner
- Marketing Intern
- PR Account Executive
- Researcher
- TV Promotions Assistant
