Taught course

Art History and Curating

Institution
University of Birmingham · Department of Art History, Curating and Visual Studies
Qualifications
PGCert

Entry requirements

You should have, or expect to get, a 2:1 Honours degree in History of Art.

We will also consider a different Humanities or Arts subject, provided you can demonstrate your interest in History of Art. This might be through relevant work experience or studying relevant modules during your Honours degree.
We recommend using the personal statement to outline your interest in History of Art and any previous or current experience you have in this area.
If you’ve been out of education for several years, we will consider professional references in place of the standard two academic references.

Months of entry

September

Course content

Deepen your knowledge of art history and curating on our employability focussed PGCert. Studying online from anywhere in the world, you'll enhance your professional skills and gain practical experience designing a curatorial project.

Get ready to take the next step in your career or change your career path towards a role in a museum or gallery. You'll discover current approaches in art history and curatorial practice, exploring historic and contemporary art in global contexts. With opportunities to analyse and critique a range of sources, methods and case studies connected to art history and curating, you'll expand your expertise in both fields.

Course highlights

The PGCert is for anyone who wants an intellectual challenge, the chance to develop their ideas for a curatorial project or an opportunity to explore Art History and Curating.

Broaden your knowledge of art history and curating while developing key sector skills. We focus on your employability and continuing professional development. You can explore areas that fit your interests in the module assessments.

What's more, you'll gain practical experience by researching and writing a proposal for a curatorial project. This course will lay the foundations for a career in museums or gallery sectors and offer an insight into current debates if you already work in these areas.

  • Combine theoretical and practical knowledge: develop your analytical skills and apply your knowledge to art on display.
  • Contribute to the Department of Art History, Curating and Visual Studies student-run blog, ‘The Golovine’.
  • Engage with our art gallery The Barber Institute of Fine Arts through their archive of online podcasts, recorded talks and digital resources.
  • Access electronic resources through our library e-resources to support you studying online.

Course delivery

At Birmingham, research and teaching go hand-in-hand. Lecturers and professors continue to research in their field, offering valuable expertise in Art History and Curating. You'll study online using our University's 'virtual learning environment' and access materials designed by academic staff in the Department.

  • Taught modules - each module represents a total of 200 hours of study time, including preparatory reading, homework and assignment preparation.
  • Resources are uploaded in advance so you can complete activities and take part in discussions whenever suits you.
  • Online discussion boards – modules are mainly taught by small group discussions responding to readings set by the module convenor.
  • Consult academic staff in Birmingham via email.

Information for international students

If you are an international student, you will need to demonstrate you have a suitable level of English proficiency, usually through the form of an IELTS or equivalent qualification.

For this course we require IELTS 6.5 with no less than 6.0 in any band, which is equivalent to:
  • TOEFL: 88 overall with no less than 21 in Reading, 20 Listening, 22 Speaking and 21 in Writing
  • Pearson Test of English (PTE): Academic 67 with no less than 64 in all four skills
  • Cambridge English: C1 Advanced - minimum overall score of 176, with no less than 169 in any component
  • LanguageCert ESOL SELT (UKVI): B2 'Communicator' with no less than 33 in each skill

Fees and funding

The College of Arts and Law is a vibrant community of students and academics, dedicated to ensuring that excellence is rewarded, and that fears about finance do not constrain current or prospective students. For this reason, in addition to University funding schemes, we offer our own College-specific funding initiatives.

Qualification, course duration and attendance options

  • PGCert
    part time
    18 months
    • Online learningis available for this qualification

Course contact details

Name
Postgraduate enquiry service