Some students have just left school and have A-Levels, Scottish Highers or a range of overseas qualifications to their credit. Others have also completed such qualifications and have taken a year or more off to gain work experience. Yet others come back into education after longer periods of time at work or with their families. Their preparation for University might have been an Access Course, all or part of an Open University degree, or applying to the University's unqualified scheme. The challenge is therefore to use this variety of experience whilst setting down as part of the course the necessary skills and knowledge that all qualified art historians should have.
Many prospective students ask whether they can specialise in one particular period or place.
Most leave knowing that, whatever specialism they feel especially committed to, a broad range of knowledge across time, across continents, is very useful for understanding the subject and maximising the prospects of a career in the History of Art, or indeed outside it. It is arranged chronologically but is by no means a straightforward 'survey'. Rather it is used as a means of homing in on key works and periods as well as introducing students to some of the faculty's particular interests. Lectures take place three times each week, tutorials bi-weekly and two essays, from a list of choices, are expected. There is also a visual exercise at the end of the term based on slides you will have seen during your lectures.