An exciting and flexible course, concentrated on the study of art and visual culture in the broadest of terms - a degree to help you answer the question of how to see the world!
Here are some general resources related to History of Art.
Course information 🔗 This is the official University guide to the History of Art course.
Overview 🔗 Summarises the course structure, general introduction, and provides a year-by-year breakdown. Easy to follow and clearly organised
Faculty website 🔗 A very helpful introduction to Oxford’s unique approach to the subject, containing links to the department’s social media channels (worth following), and gives you an idea of what tutors and students are up to. Further details of first-year paper options are available here 🔗 🌟.
Alternative Prospectus 🔗 This is an unofficial prospectus put together by the Oxford Student Union; it’s written based on students’ perspectives and gives a better sense of what the day-to-day experience as a History of Art student is like, compared to official materials.
Topics within the History of Art course are diverse, including lots of museum-based tutorials and classes. There is also lots of choice regarding what you study and focus on throughout the three years. Course options range from looking at the legacy of Classical Antiquity in art, history and culture; to 15th century culture and society in Flanders and Italy; to Pop Art in the Sixties;to Contemporary East Asian Art.
Art History: A Very Short Introduction video 🔗 🌟 A useful video if you find yourself asking “What is Art History?” and also an indication of the sort of flexible approach Oxford takes to the subject.
Department-produced YouTube video 🔗 Students and tutors discuss what it's like to study History of Art at Oxford.
Guidance for applicants 🔗 🌟 Very helpful if you’re looking for reading materials or interview preparation. The page breaks things down very clearly, from UCAS applications, to the written work you would need to submit, to information about the interview process, and different selection criteria.
Suggested Reading 🔗 Here is a list of books provided by the faculty that you may be interested in reading if you're considering applying for History of Art.
FAQs 🔗 🌟 Some useful answers to common questions about the application process.
InsideUni History of Art interview experiences 🔗 🌟 Current students talk about their interview experience, as well as sharing some tips. We’re biased, but we think they’re useful!