Art History & Visual Culture BA (Hons)

**What was the first form of art? What can we learn through art and visual culture? How can art have an impact on your life?**<br/><br/>This is your opportunity to explore both the history of art and more recent ideas of the visual – extending the analysis of visual forms from the historical right through to areas of contemporary practice.<br/><br/>In the process, you will develop critical analysis skills which are both essential in today’s job market and will provide personal enlightenment.<br/><br/>You’ll be taken on a fascinating creative journey, beginning in the first year with an exploration of photography, media and communications and world cultural history. Rooted in the American liberal arts tradition, at Richmond you’ll experience a broad range of subjects, from Scientific Reasoning to Visual Thinking, all of which will hone your critical thinking.<br/><br/>The second year will focus on how art changes across cultures, and its impact on our economy, health and wellbeing, society and education, setting the visual arts in their wider cultural and political contexts.<br/><br/>Our introduction to visual culture will enable you to explore everything from the history and theory of painting and sculpture to print, photography, film, advertising and fashion, developing your communication and research skills.<br/><br/>London becomes the second classroom in year three, as you’ll explore a variety of arts and visual cultures, from pre-history to the present, in the world- leading museums and art galleries which are on the doorstep. Field trips to art centres in the UK and abroad will extend your perspective.<br/><br/>Themes in Contemporary US Art, Cultural Theory, History of Design and Working in the Art World are all core topics in the second half of this programme.<br/><br/>Take your pick from some exciting electives which include Questioning Renaissance Art, Fashion and Media, and Film in the Americas.<br/><br/>We’re proud to offer a strong element of professional practice in this programme, through our teaching approach and our emphasis on the importance of gaining practical experience. The course Working in the Art World explores the creative and cultural industries in London and an internship is offered within a leading arts or creative organisation, to improve your employability after graduation.<br/><br/>As with all of our programmes at Richmond, you’ll be able to study one programme and gain two degrees, one from the UK and one from the US.<br/><br/>**Top reasons to study this programme:**<br/>- Learn within the flexible Liberal Arts framework. Choose your own path – find out more about the Liberal Arts - https://www.richmond.ac.uk/about-richmond/the-liberal-arts/<br/><br/><br/>- Our London location means you can capitalise on the many galleries, art spaces, museums, cultural facilities and specialist libraries in a vibrant city<br/><br/><br/>- Explore key trends in the dynamic arts world, providing useful insights for any career<br/><br/><br/>- Develop your entrepreneurial skills and join many of our students who have created their own enterprise in the arts industry after graduating<br/><br/><br/>- Being based in the heart of London means we have excellent networks in the global art world and cultural industries which, together with an integrated internship, will boost your career options<br/><br/><br/>- Benefit from the field trips not only in London, but to other UK destinations as well as key European art centres<br/><br/><br/>- Participate in the latest debates within art history and visual culture through a faculty which is very active in research<br/>