BA Art and History of Art

Compulsory modules

Art Studio

Art Studio 1 will introduce you to contemporary art and its global histories, models of practices and practical and professional skills. You will learn the codes of good practice, health and safety, and sustainability in the studio while being given the opportunity to produce and present artworks that help develop your critically reflective and analytics skills. 

History of Art 1

You will be introduced to the diversity of practices and theories that constitute the field of global art and its historicization in the first half of the 20th century. You will study a variety of perspectives, theories and accounts of the development of modernity and their social, geo-political and aesthetic factors. 

History of Art 2

You will be introduced to the diversity of practices and theories that constitute in the field of global art and its historicization in late 20th century/early 21st century. You will consider artists and their works alongside a variety of perspectives and theories of different art periods and their social and geo-political factors. You will explore narratives in which a wide range of art practices were shaped. 

Drawing 

Expand your drawing competence as you are introduced to a range of different methods, techniques, materials and tools. You will equip a growing range of drawing skills as you develop your ability to choose between them to apply your enhanced proficiency to different contexts and subject specialisms. You will also research diverse practices and theories that constitute the field of global art and its histories. Through visual analysis, you will produce a journal reflecting on the themes covered each week.

Presenting the Past: An Introduction to Museum Studies 

Explore the past, present and future of museums in a global context. You'll examine the origins of museums, collecting histories, and the role of audiences in curation, as well as the central ethical debates around social justice, repatriation, decolonisation and inclusivity.

These are the modules we currently offer for 2024/25 entry. They may be subject to change as we regularly review our module offerings to ensure they're informed by the latest teaching and research methods.

Please note that the University cannot guarantee that all optional modules will be available to all students who may wish to take them.

You can also register your details with us to receive information about your course of interest and study and life at the University of Reading.

Compulsory modules

Art Studio 2

Learn how to identify and investigate your own interests and concerns through practical engagement in the studio. You will develop your capacity for self-criticism through informed debate alongside your confidence and the ability to present exhibitions. 

Optional modules

History of Art 3

Explore different forms of art writing from criticism and visual analysis to interpretation to digital culture. You will consider how Art History shapes and is shaped as you develop your research and communication skills and reflect critically on the different purposes of art writing. 

History of Art 4

Consider your own artistic concerns in relation to the experiences of visiting speakers. You will become equipped with the knowledge to analyse contemporary ideas, practices and discourses through discussion and theoretical research as you develop an understanding between first-hand account, archival resource and theoretical research.  

Art Practice 2

Engage in-depth with a chosen specialism from options including painting, printmaking, sculpture or video. You will gain knowledge on your disciplines specific histories and debate their contemporary relevance as you are guided through demonstrations and self-led experimentation that will develop your practical skills and material understanding.  

International Study

Embark on a supervised study visit to a major European art centre where you will encounter and experience contemporary art and art history first hand. You will visit major museums, galleries, and collections as you enhance your understanding of art history beyond an academic context. Recent visits have included Madrid, Berlin, Paris and Venice.  

Museum Learning and Engagement

Examine the role of museums in society by observing and evaluating museum learning resources and events. With input from museum-based professionals, you'll explore learning theory, programme and event management, resource design, evaluation and visitor research. Interactive lectures, seminars and museum visits will enable you to contextualise and apply your learning. 

These are the modules we currently offer for 2024/25 entry. They may be subject to change as we regularly review our module offerings to ensure they're informed by the latest teaching and research methods.

Please note that the University cannot guarantee that all optional modules will be available to all students who may wish to take them.

You can also register your details with us to receive information about your course of interest and study and life at the University of Reading.

Compulsory modules

Art Studio 2b

Learn how to identify and investigate your own interests and concerns through practical engagement in the studio. You will develop your capacity for self-criticism through informed debate alongside your confidence and the ability to present exhibitions. 

Situated Art Practice 

Shape your understanding of the global and historical diversity of models in artistic. As you work, you will realise your active role as an artist in shaping and being shaped by the world as you effectively apply research methods to your material and present in an appropriate format.  

Optional modules

Independent Study with Work Placement 

Gain real world experiences developed through intensive investigation into an organisation, museum, or gallery. You will engage as an active and responsible learner, managing your own work schedule and organisation talent that will allow you to nourish your independence and self-motivation.  

History of Art 5 

You will be provided with a rigorous critical forum to consider your own artistic concerns in relation to the experiences of visiting speakers. You will be equipped with the knowledge to compare a range of contemporary ideas, practices and discourses as you develop your communication skills and an understanding of the relationship between first-hand account, archival resource and theoretical research. 

History of Art 6 

Develop a critical understanding of a range of historical and philosophical problems that emerge from contemporary art and evaluate the potential solutions. You will also develop a critical understanding of aesthetic and advance your research skills as you format an essay that evaluates the problems and solutions associated with contemporary art from an independent critical position.  

Curatorship and Collection Management 

Explore the methods used by museum professionals to store, catalogue, research and display objects, and how they communicate their meaning to the general public. Gain a hands-on introduction to curatorship and collections management, with the opportunity to research and interpret an object chosen from the University's collections.

International Study 2

Embark on a supervised study visit to a major European art centre where you will encounter and experience contemporary art and art history first hand. You will visit major museums, galleries, and collections as you enhance your understanding of art history beyond an academic context. Recent visits have included Madrid, Berlin, Paris and Venice.

These are the modules we currently offer for 2024/25 entry. They may be subject to change as we regularly review our module offerings to ensure they're informed by the latest teaching and research methods.

Please note that the University cannot guarantee that all optional modules will be available to all students who may wish to take them.

You can also register your details with us to receive information about your course of interest and study and life at the University of Reading.

Compulsory modules

Art Studio 3b

Challenge yourself by developing an independent, creative and critically informed art practice as you advance your own interests and concerns through practical engagement in the studio. Expand your research skills in relation to your individual art practice, and in the understanding of both historical and contemporary practices of art.

History of Art Dissertation 

Produce a sustained, in-depth study into contemporary art and aesthetics, researching a specific area that relates to studio practice and forming a coherent argument or critical position.

These are the modules we currently offer for 2024/25 entry. They may be subject to change as we regularly review our module offerings to ensure they're informed by the latest teaching and research methods.

Please note that the University cannot guarantee that all optional modules will be available to all students who may wish to take them.

You can also register your details with us to receive information about your course of interest and study and life at the University of Reading.