During the day, you will experience what it is like to study History of Art at one of the world’s leading universities, examining artworks up-close in nearby galleries and engaging in lively seminar discussions led by our skilled tutors. Our topics will be:
Performance!
These sessions will examine the relationship between the city and performance art in modern times. You will learn about how cities inspire art making and the strategies through which African artists engage in activism and address painful histories.
Whose Renaissance?
These sessions will aim to persuade you that, whoever you are, Renaissance art belongs to you. It has probably shaped your identity more than you think. Looking in depth at Renaissance portraits of different kinds of people, you will consider how these paintings helped construct their identity. Discussion will also examine the legacy of these highly artificial creations, and how they might speak to contemporary issues.
The course will be a great opportunity to explore the subject. You will also find out about the many diverse career paths offered by a degree in History of Art.
The course is free for students attending non-selective state schools and colleges, but booking is essential.*
*Many of our programmes are over-subscribed so we use the following shortlisting criteria to prioritise young people from the least represented groups.
Register your interest
Interested students should register their interest using the above link. We will contact students who have been successful in securing a place. Our programmes are funded by UCL’s Access Agreement and Widening Participation funds, so priority will be given to applicants from groups underrepresented at UCL.
The deadline for applications is Sunday 1 June 2025, 11:59 pm.
Is it for me?
We’re looking for applications from motivated students who are passionate about art and culture. There are no required skills or subjects.
Why art history?
We firmly believe that art history broadens horizons and offers new ways of approaching the world. The study of art history trains you to analyse images and hone your visual literacy – crucial skills today as images pervade every aspect of our lives, from social media feeds to the built environment. It also equips you with the tools to understand how images shape experiences of our environment and of other people. So, it’s little surprise that a degree in History of Art opens up many career options. Typical career paths in museums, galleries and education include curator, archivist, picture researcher, arts administrator, object handler, exhibition installer, designer, practicing artist, teacher, lecturer, arts restorer, arts consultant.
But the skills you’ll learn as an art historian – observation, visual analysis, and how to develop an argument – are highly valued by employers in other sectors, such as social media marketing, law, architecture, film and television, advertising, publishing, fashion, politics, finance, journalism…and many more!
Why UCL?
Based in the heart of London, the History of Art Department at UCL is one of the most innovative centres for the study of art history and visual cultures in the world. We’re committed to pushing the critical boundaries of studying art in all its forms, and to expanding a global understanding within art history. Our staff and students shape public understanding of art and visual culture through presentations, publications, exhibitions and events. Moreover, we have a longstanding commitment to feminist art histories and to interrogating questions of gender and sexuality, race and class.
With world-renowned galleries, museums and cultural institutions on our doorstep the degree programme offers ample opportunities to engage with artworks first-hand. And did you know that UCL boasts its own Art Museum where History of Art students benefit from object-based learning sessions and also have the opportunity to pursue work placements in their final year?
Find out more information about studying History of Art at UCL. UCL also offers a wide range of support both during the application process and once you are enrolled as a student. Please follow the links below to find out more.
- Fees and Funding: There is lots of advice and information available on funding your studies, as well as a range of bursaries and scholarships that you may be able to apply for.
- The application process: If you are thinking of applying to UCL and meet certain eligibility criteria, you may be able to benefit from Access UCL, which is an alternative offer scheme for students from groups that are underrepresented at UCL. You may also be able to take advantage of the many events and opportunities offered for Year 12 & 13 students.