ART HISTORY UNDERGRADUATE - BA (Hons) Art History BA (Hons) Fine Art and Art History - University of Plymouth
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ART HISTORY
UNDERGRADUATE
BA (Hons) Art History
BA (Hons) Fine Art and Art History
TRANSFORMING LIVES THROUGH EDUCATION AND RESEARCH
WELCOME CONTENTS
TO ART HISTORY
Welcome!
Art History at the University of
Plymouth enables you to explore the
unique human history of the image
and navigate the fascinating world of
the visual. Let our immersive modules
take you around the globe, exploring
art and perspectives from many
different times and places.
Our degrees are concerned with the histories, theories, criticism and curating of art and visual culture. We
What will I study? 5
engage with images, material objects, text and ideas. Our coverage includes a range of practices from painting
and sculpture to modern media such as film, photography and installation art. We respond to the prominent Classical training in Art History 6
position, throughout history, of art and visual culture and we seek to understand their key role in today’s
BA (Hons) Art History 8
societies.
BA (Hons) Fine Art and Art History 9
Approved in 1991, Art History became established as one of the University’s leading undergraduate courses.
More significantly, it is ranked joint first for all Art History courses in the UK (tied with the University of St Andrews) Contemporary perspectives 22
in the National Student Survey, with a student satisfaction rating of 100% in 2020. This is the sixth time our Real-world jobs 12
students have awarded us a score of 100%. In addition, our staff contribute to a research environment that was
rated 100% and ranked as ‘world-leading’ and ‘internationally excellent’ in the last government audit of all UK International exchange 29
academic research, the Research Excellence Framework (REF 2014). Our research activities as authors and Work placements 35
curators underpin our teaching, which emphasises specialised knowledge and professional skills.
Which Art History course 39
Dr Péter Bokody Why Plymouth 42
Programme Leader “The study of Art History changed my life, Plymouth 46
and Associate Professor in Art History
because it changed the way I looked at Support and services for you 48
everything around me. Studying Art Accommodation 50
History makes you look twice at
Sustainability at Plymouth 52
everything, and evaluate your responses
to visual culture. There’s nothing like Plymouth On Demand 54
decoding an artwork and watching a
narrative unfold before you.”
The University of Plymouth delivers high-quality teaching, learning and Georgia O’Carolan,
outcomes for its students. It consistently exceeds rigorous national quality
requirements for UK higher education. BA (Hons) Fine Art and Art History graduate
2 TRANSFORMING LIVES THROUGH EDUCATION AND RESEARCH TRANSFORMING LIVES THROUGH EDUCATION AND RESEARCH 3
WHAT WILL I
STUDY?
Learn, apply, prepare
Classical training in Art History
Q:
You will engage with the very latest research
delivered by staff with international reputations for
expertise in art and visual culture from the
Renaissance to the present day. You will learn new
Do you have an analytical Does our ways to look at the Old Masters, enabling you to think
approach, a creative flair constantly outside the box and develop your own
interpretations of famous periods of art such as
and an inquisitive mind? evolving visual
French Impressionism or Victorian Pre-Raphaelite
culture fascinate painting.
you?
Together, we rethink masterpieces in the light of race, Our graduates embark on careers in galleries,
gender, class and colonial histories to build up the museums, auction houses, the heritage sector,
Art History at Plymouth most contemporary understanding of the history of academia and teaching, publishing, the media and
enables you to explore art. You will benefit from a diverse range of learning the creative industries. A degree in Art History is
our complex past and activities including: international field trips, museum also a highly regarded qualification in the humanities
navigate visual culture. visits, gallery internships and talks from art world that opens doors to a range of careers, from the civil
Let our immersive professionals in the creative and cultural industries, service and the law to advertising and the financial
modules take you across as well as the lectures, seminars, directed reading sector.
Learn about how art the world, from 18th and individual tutorials that characterise a first-rate
and visual culture help century Europe to 20th university education in the humanities. You can find out more in this brochure about the
shape the world and century American three elements of your training, together with
how we understand it. Abstract Expressionism. module and graduate spotlights from each area –
Contemporary perspectives
At Plymouth, we also have a strong focus on modern Classical training in Art History, Contemporary
Let’s explore and contemporary art. We will guide you through the perspectives and Real-world jobs.
Art History emergence of Cubism and Abstract Expressionism
during the era of two world wars, and we will talk • Assessment: 100% coursework and no exams
together. about the many ways marginal voices – women and
people of colour – reshaped the social history of the
• Emphasis on research skills, written and verbal
expression
20 th century. • Fully funded international, national and regional
field trips
You will become familiar with the aspirations,
economics and market conditions of contemporary
art, and we will examine the impact of images via As an Art History graduate, you will join the ranks of a
social media and the internet on our everyday life. thriving community of creative professionals around
the world. Often, it is art historians who lead debate
on race and gender, challenging the social status
Real-world jobs quo. Art historians are instrumental in using the study
Besides writing and thinking about art, we offer a of visual culture to actively shape our perceptions of
series of modules linked to your professional training the world around us and how we live our lives.
for real-world jobs in the arts. Our work placements Famous UK Art History graduates include the actor
and applied modules in gallery and museum studies Eddie Redmayne, the fashion designer Vera Wang,
will prepare you for the graduate professions that the model Lily Cole, and Catherine, HRH The Duchess
value the visual and analytical skills you develop as of Cambridge, who is a patron of the National Portrait
an art historian. Gallery, London.
4 TRANSFORMING LIVES THROUGH EDUCATION AND RESEARCH TRANSFORMING LIVES THROUGH EDUCATION AND RESEARCH 5
CLASSICAL
TRAINING IN ART
HISTORY
You will have the opportunity to specialise in a
particular area of your choice or to maintain a broad
range of interests across the subject. You’ll also
benefit from our strong emphasis on developing real
research skills, enabling you to take the lead in
shaping future developments in the field of art history.
Put all of this knowledge into action and gain real-life
experience along the way. Take advantage of a wide
range of work placement and study abroad
possibilities, as well as a multitude of field trips – both
national and international – that allow you to take your
skills into galleries to work closer to the art that you
study.
At every step you will learn from, and be
supported by, our expert, accessible and
supportive staff who are not only skilled
researchers in their field and together form one
of the most exciting Art History departments in
the country, but who are also expert educators.
“Studying Fine Art and Art History at
Plymouth enabled me to explore my
passion for Art History and combine it
The Art History team has an excellent reputation for the quality of with my painting skills in Fine Art. Both
their teaching. “100% of students agreed the course is intellectually taught me creative thinking that has led
100% stimulating; 100% of students agreed staff made the subject me to study for a Masters in Curatorship
interesting; and 100% of students agreed they received helpful and Renaissance Culture at the Warburg
comments on their work.” Institute at the University of London.”
Source: National Student Survey results 2020
Tereze,
BA (Hons) Fine Art and Art History graduate
6 TRANSFORMING LIVES THROUGH EDUCATION AND RESEARCH TRANSFORMING LIVES THROUGH EDUCATION AND RESEARCH 7
BA (Hons) BA (Hons)
ART HISTORY FINE ART AND
ART HISTORY
Do you enjoy analysing art as well as creating it?
Discover why art from the past still matters to our
Would you like to understand and develop your own
modern society. The Tate galleries attract more than
work in the context of what’s gone before? As the
eight million visitors each year, and a Leonardo da
boundaries between art history and studio practice
Vinci exhibition sells out as quickly as a music
cross over and merge, this course prepares you for a
concert. You’ll investigate all aspects of visual
career in the real world of the arts. Master the skills
culture, from paintings and sculpture to film and
needed to analyse, critique and write about visual art
photography.
like a professional. Travel to a major European city to
Our connections with high profile, international art see art in context with our fully funded field trip
institutions will immerse you in the intriguing world of modules. Harness your new knowledge to inspire
art – past and present – and prepare you for a career and improve your own art practice.
in this fascinating field.
ENTRY REQUIREMENTS UCAS CODE ENTRY REQUIREMENTS UCAS CODE
V350 FINE ART AND ART HISTORY CAREERS VW31
UCAS tariff
ART HISTORY CAREERS COURSE DURATION
The tandem experience of written and practical COURSE DURATION
UCAS tariff 104 points
3 years full time art skills opens up a wide range of careers, A level 3 years full time
Art History graduates have success in a range of 104–112 points.
A level
ranging from those in art restoration and A typical offer will be 104
different careers including work in museums, LOCATION AND conservation, to curating and arts administration points from a minimum of LOCATION AND
A typical offer will be 104 FACILITIES FACILITIES
galleries, curation, media, auction houses and points from a minimum of in galleries and museums, to teaching, television two A levels. General
Plymouth Studies accepted. Plymouth
arts management. They also opt for careers in two A levels and media careers and journalism.
publishing, television, teaching, journalism, the GCSE GCSE
INSTITUTION CODE INSTITUTION CODE
Mathematics and English Mathematics and English
civil service, consultancy and business. P60 REAL-LIFE INTERNSHIPS P60
language at grade C/4 language at grade C/4
Fine Art and Art History student Natasha Cambridge Other entry routes
Other entry routes
REAL-LIFE INTERNSHIPS International interned at The box (previously Plymouth City International
Baccalaureate: 26–28 Museum and Art Gallery) as a Young Explainer during Baccalaureate: 26 points
Plymouth Art History student Freddie Gatfield has 18 Unit BTEC National
points overall to include 4 her degree.
recently interned with the National Gallery in points at any subject at Diploma/CQF Extended
London. Higher Level Diploma: DMM
Working behind the scenes at the museum in All access courses: Pass a
18 Unit BTEC National
Freddie shadowed the work of a Senior Research education and interpretation, and on a project to named Access to Higher
Diploma/CQF Extended
Curator and gained valuable experience Diploma: DMM bring the museum’s 18th-century collections to life Education Diploma with 33
researching the museum’s architectural history Access courses: Pass a for a younger audience, gave Natasha the skills she credits at merit/distinction
and using the National Gallery Archive. For him, named Access to Higher needed to secure a position at the London Transport
Education Diploma with 33 For individual, case-by-
this internship was a step forward towards a Museum as a Collections Online Assistant after case enquiries, contact the
credits at merit/distinction
career in the analysis of historic buildings which graduation. Art History Admissions
requires first-hand experience of working with For individual, case-by- Tutor
primary sources and archival materials. Freddie is case enquiries, contact the Where could studying Fine Art and Art History at the Email for more information.
now studying for a Masters in Building History at Art History Admissions University of Plymouth take you? Dr Jenny Graham: jennifer.
Tutor. Email for more graham@plymouth.ac.uk
Cambridge University.
information. Dr Jenny
What could you discover studying Art History at the Graham: jennifer.graham@
University of Plymouth? plymouth.ac.uk
Fine Art and Art History students are carefully timetabled to
Art History at Plymouth is ranked Number 1 out take exactly 50% of Art History modules (three out of a possible
50%
of 24 History of Art departments (tied with the six modules per year), and 50% of Fine Art classes. We will
University of St Andrews) for overall student never require you to choose one over the other!
satisfaction with the course.
Source: National Student Survey results 2020
8 TRANSFORMING LIVES THROUGH EDUCATION AND RESEARCH TRANSFORMING LIVES THROUGH EDUCATION AND RESEARCH 9
“History of Art is a rigorous interdisciplinary
subject, which gives its students the critical skills to
deal with a world that is increasingly saturated with
images. It brings together visual analysis with
history, languages, literature, chemistry, and art
and design to name but a few interrelated areas of
study and research. Those studying it at university
level have a significant impact across the cultural
sector, especially in public museums and galleries.”
Professor Debby Swallow, Märit Rausing
Director of the Courtauld Institute of Art,
University of London
10 TRANSFORMING LIVES THROUGH EDUCATION AND RESEARCH TRANSFORMING LIVES THROUGH EDUCATION AND RESEARCH 11
CLASSICAL TRAINING CLASSICAL TRAINING IN
IN ART HISTORY ART HISTORY
YEAR 1 YEAR 2
In your second year, you’ll visit a major
European city – a trip designed to
complement your Year 2 modules give you the
chance to get hands-on with fieldwork.
In your first year, we’ll introduce you to the YEAR 2: LEVEL 5
YEAR 1: LEVEL 4 Previous destinations have included New York,
discipline of art history.
Florence, Rome, Paris and Vienna. SAMPLE MODULES IN CLASSICAL TRAINING
SAMPLE MODULES IN CLASSICAL TRAINING
You’ll investigate the development of museums
You will also hone your critical skills by investigating • Regimes and Revolutions in European Art 1750–1850
and galleries across the world, engaging in • Introduction to Art History and Visual Culture
key periods in the history of art from the 14th to the 21st • International Field Trip
fieldwork using outstanding local examples.
• Continuity and Change in Western Art centuries. From the ruthless world of patronage in
You’ll explore popular periods of art history, including • Power, Patronage and Ideology: Aspects of
the Italian Renaissance to the depiction of love in
19th-century French art and the Renaissance. • Image of the Artist Renaissance Art
18th-century French Rococo art, you’re sure to find
• Lives and Afterlives of Renaissance Artists something you like. • The Dawn of a Modern Century in Art, 1900–1950
• Modernism and Modernities: French Impressionism and
Post-Impressionism SAMPLE MODULES IN FINE ART
SAMPLE MODULES IN IN FINE ART
FINAL YEAR – • Fine Art Practice 2: Studio Experimentation
•
•
Contemporary Fine Art 1: Skills, Themes and Contexts
Interdisciplinary Art Practice 2
FINDING YOUR YEAR 3: LEVEL 6
VOICE SAMPLE MODULES IN CLASSICAL TRAINING
In your final year, you will continue to prepare
• Victorian Values
for your career with further training in art
historical research methods, as well as • Self-Reflexivity in Western Art and Visual Culture
dedicated career guidance. • Dissertation 1: Theories and Methods Training
• Dissertation 2: Project Thesis
You will have the chance to study optional
modules and you’ll write a substantial
SAMPLE MODULES IN FINE ART
dissertation on a topic of your choosing, with
guidance from your supervisor – your chance to
• Fine Art Practice 3: Public Exhibition
make your own contribution to art history.
“Art history is more than just a historical
study of paintings; it enables you to learn
about the history of humankind, advances
“100% of students agreed that the course provides opportunities to
in science and technology, and new ways
apply what they have learnt; and 100% of students agreed that staff
of looking at the world around you.” 100% value students’ views and opinions about the course.”
Jamie Ruers
Source: National Student Survey results 2020
BA (Hons) Art History graduate
12 TRANSFORMING LIVES THROUGH EDUCATION AND RESEARCH TRANSFORMING LIVES THROUGH EDUCATION AND RESEARCH 13
CLASSICAL TRAINING IN CLASSICAL TRAINING IN
ART HISTORY ART HISTORY
Staff Module Spotlight
SPOTLIGHT VICTORIAN
Dr Péter Bokody,
VALUES
Programme Leader
Péter received his PhD in Medieval Studies from the Central European University, Budapest. Péter is a specialist
of the Italian Renaissance. His interests include gender studies, patronage and political symbolism in Italian
painting of the 14th century. Péter has held prestigious fellowships at the Freie Universität, Berlin, the Max Planck
Institut, Florence, and Princeton University in the USA. Péter is author of Images-within-Images in Italian Painting
(1250–1350): Reality and Reflexivity (Ashgate, 2015) and co-editor with Alexander Nagel of Renaissance
Metapainting (Harvey Miller, 2020). Péter introduces first-year students to the study of Art History, and teaches
upper-level modules on the Renaissance. He also leads the international field trip to Florence. This module introduces you to exciting
developments in British art during the 19th
century.
Many of the themes associated with French
Impressionism and Post-Impressionism during
the same period – representations of the city and
the countryside; the prostitute; work and labour;
and images of modern life – are mirrored in the art of
the Pre-Raphaelites William Powell Frith, James
“No other discipline is as broad as Whistler and John Singer Sargent.
Art History. It’s exciting to take
one object and interpret it in Victorian art offers points of contact with a range of
colourful 19th-century phenomena – urban growth;
relation to so many things – history, popular entertainments of many kinds; oriental
society, economics and patronage, empires; the philanthropic ambitions of museums
literature, philosophy and human and collectors; flame-haired Pre-Raphaelite beauties;
exotic femmes fatales; Near and Far Eastern
behaviour, to give just a few landscapes; exploration of Africa and Australia;
examples. Art History is all about Romantic ruralism; imagined pasts and rustic idylls;
flexibility and openness to many city life and dandies. The Victorian age was also one
approaches.” of great poverty, poor housing, ill health and crime
and we will see clear evidence of Victorian politics in
Dr Péter Bokody, the art and social history of the era.
Programme Leader
By the end of the module, you will have a good
knowledge of British art from 1800 to 1920. Beginning
with the Romantics (William Blake, John Constable and
JMW Turner) and going up to the First World War and
its immediate aftermath (the Bloomsbury Group,
William Orpen and Paul Nash), we will think creatively
about the term ‘Victorian’ and reactions to it in the
past and present.
14 TRANSFORMING LIVES THROUGH EDUCATION AND RESEARCH TRANSFORMING LIVES THROUGH EDUCATION AND RESEARCH 15
CLASSICAL TRAINING IN Mature student
ART HISTORY
SPOTLIGHT
Module Spotlight
INTERNATIONAL “The quality of the tuition at Plymouth, along with the unwavering support of the
lecturers helped me to achieve my dream of going on to study for a Masters degree in
FIELD TRIP History of Art at Oxford University. Doing my undergraduate degree at Plymouth has
ultimately led to a whole new career in the arts in the South West, at the Charles
Causley Trust.”
Rachael Morris, BA (Hons) Art History graduate
Art History and Fine Art and Art History at Plymouth include a thriving community of returning learners. Please
visit our website for more information about joining us as a mature student, whatever your background.
We believe strongly in the experience of seeing works
of art first-hand. The international field trip Module to plymouth.ac.uk/courses/undergraduate/ba-art-history
Florence and Pisa in Italy offers an intensive week of plymouth.ac.uk/courses/undergraduate/ba-fine-art-and-art-history
study where you gain skills in visual literacy and
historical analysis by engaging directly with artworks,
objects and urban settings.
Your studies will be conducted in the Uffizi Museum,
the Medici Palace, the churches of Santa Croce and
Santa Maria Novella, and the Convent of San Marco.
From the leaning tower at Pisa to Botticelli’s The Birth
of Venus and Michelangelo’s gargantuan statue of
David, you have the chance to experience the art and
architecture of the Renaissance with the expert
guidance of tutors.
Field trips (flights, accommodation and entry
tickets) are included in course fees.
“The best things about the Art History course are the support you get
from your tutors and lecturers and of course, the international field trip
module, which really transforms your knowledge from something learned
in a classroom to first-hand experience of a whole city.”
Olivia,
BA (Hons) Art History graduate
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CLASSICAL TRAINING
IN ART HISTORY
Graduate
SPOTLIGHT
Lawrence Hendra,
BA (Hons) Art History graduate and Head of
Research, Philip Mould & Company, London
I joined Philip Mould & Company in London after graduating with a degree in Art History from Plymouth.
The gallery is on Pall Mall and we specialise in British portraiture from 1550 to 1950. My relationship with Philip and
the gallery began as a summer internship funded by the Plymouth University. I always wanted to be an art dealer,
having grown up around the business in the South West – I’m originally from Cornwall.
Two aspects of the Plymouth course sparked my passion for research. One was the research-led
teaching, where we were actively introduced to the latest thinking about an era – I learnt a lot from modules on
Vienna and on the Victorians. The other was the chance to work as a Young Explainer at Plymouth City Museum
during an exhibition on Sir Joshua Reynolds, first president of the Royal Academy. Later, one of my first successes
at Philip Mould & Company was identifying a previously lost work by Reynolds. I’ve gone on to identify other Old
Master works by Sir Peter Lely and Godfrey Kneller.
“My job is to source paintings for the gallery which involves scouring online auction
catalogues in the hope of finding hidden gems.”
Part of my role also includes curating exhibitions at the gallery, such as one on the 20th-century society portrait
painter Ambrose McEvoy. As part of that project, I edited a previously unpublished manuscript of McEvoy’s life
and work which was then published by Paul Holberton. None of this would have been possible without my
training.
Lawrence is also an on-screen picture specialist on BBC's Antiques Roadshow.
18 TRANSFORMING LIVES THROUGH EDUCATION AND RESEARCH TRANSFORMING LIVES THROUGH EDUCATION AND RESEARCH 19CLASSICAL TRAINING CLASSICAL TRAINING
IN ART HISTORY IN ART HISTORY
Staff Graduate
SPOTLIGHT SPOTLIGHT
Dr Jenny Graham, Dr Manuela Husemann,
Admissions Tutor and Associate PhD, Art History graduate and Curator,
Professor in Art History Kunsthalle Bremen, Germany
Jenny received her PhD in History of Art from the University of Reading. She is an expert in the rediscovery of the It was at Plymouth that I learned about the fascinating topic of African art and the problem histories surrounding
Northern and the Italian Renaissance in the 19th and 20 thcenturies. its looting and display in the West. The research training I received enabled me to develop my own topic on the
reception of African art in Imperial Germany at the turn of the 19 th century.
She is the author of Inventing Van Eyck: The Remaking of an Artist for the Modern Age (Oxford and New York,
2007), a contributor to The Cambridge Companion to the Pre-Raphaelites, ed. Elizabeth Prettejohn (Cambridge After pursuing this at Plymouth and graduating with a BA Honours and a Masters Degree by Research, I went on
University Press, 2012) and has published widely in her field. to the School of World Art Studies and Museology at the University of East Anglia to work with Professor John
Mack, the former Keeper of the British Museum’s Department of Ethnography.
Jenny teaches modules on museums and collecting, on the Pre-Raphaelite artists of the 19th century, and on
visual culture in the age of the American and French Revolutions. After receiving my doctoral degree, I’m now a curator at the art museum, the Kunsthalle in Bremen, Germany,
where I’m still interested in the influence of African art. Currently I’m working on a Picasso exhibition, and
enjoying the buzz of juggling the catalogue between the editor, the translator, the authors and the graphic
designer.
“Seeing our students thrive in the “My research expertise in the
workplace after graduating is, for connections between curating,
me, one of the most rewarding ethnography and art history that I
parts of the job. Visiting them at developed during my PhD really
work, whether at Sotheby’s, Tate, began at Plymouth, especially in
the National Gallery or in a local the module Collecting and
museum or school classroom Exhibiting Cultures.”
setting – it’s very inspiring.” Manuela Husemann
Dr Jenny Graham, BA (Hons) Art History graduate
Admissions Tutor
and Associate Professor in Art History
20 TRANSFORMING LIVES THROUGH EDUCATION AND RESEARCH TRANSFORMING LIVES THROUGH EDUCATION AND RESEARCH 21CONTEMPORARY CONTEMPORARY
PERSPECTIVES
PERSPECTIVES
Module Spotlight
The world of Contemporary Art offers a
THE DAWN OF A
complex, fascinating and rapidly changing
landscape.
MODERN CENTURY
At Plymouth, the the courses include the history of
IN ART, 1900–1950
Modern Art together with the succeeding periods of
Postmodernism and Contemporary Art. Learning
about the theories and philosophies behind modern
and contemporary art nurtures a wide range of skills,
and makes you extremely competitive in the job
market. This module teaches you about the broad Topics covered include:
Skills you will graduate with: As well as these important transferable skills you will topic of Modernism in Europe and North
• Cubism
You’ll be encouraged to develop real research skills gain a whole range of specialist skills and knowledge America, and highlights a range of artists, • Collage
and an open, inquisitive approach to learning. With which will include: artworks, influences and connections • Primitivism
optional modules you’ll become an expert in an area spanning five decades. • Surrealism
of your choice while simultaneously strengthening • excellent art analysis skills
• Modernist sculpture
transferable skills in sophisticated analysis, writing Beginning with an overview of social and cultural
• an understanding of how modern technology • The Harlem Renaissance and the creation of the
and communication, all the while building up your backgrounds internationally in this period, we will look
is transforming the Humanities black subject
confidence. You’ll graduate ready to make a real at important developments in art-making, exhibitions • Social realism and the politics of Mexican
difference in your chosen career. • research and interpretation of data− and the political use of art. muralism in the United States;
a valuable skill to many employers • Narratives of women artists in Modern art.
You’ll be uniquely equipped to understand and work
within complex multi-disciplinary areas from the arts • debating and enquiry skills
to business and the public sector.
• cultural and social awareness Artists studied include:
When you graduate you will be:
• team-based project work skills • Edvard Munch
• open-minded and curious • Kandinsky
• museum and fieldwork techniques. • Duchamp
• a good communicator with strong • Picasso
presentation skills • Magritte
• versatile • Edward Hopper
SAMPLE MODULES IN CONTEMPORARY PERSPECTIVES
• Henry Moore
• confident • Barbara Hepworth
• Art after 1950
• Jackson Pollock
• an independent researcher with skills in critical • Questions in Contemporary Art History
analysis • Mark Rothko
• Imagery in Online and Offline Worlds • Frida Kahlo
• able to work effectively in a team
• effective at managing your time and prioritising
• good at gathering information from a variety of
sources to support an argument Plymouth was the only Art History Department in the UK
• an excellent writer
to score 10/10 for ‘Value-Added’ in the Guardian
University League Tables 2019.
• confident with using IT systems.
Source: Guardian University League Tables 2019 .
This score compares students’ degree results with
their entry qualifications to show how effectively they are taught.
22 TRANSFORMING LIVES THROUGH EDUCATION AND RESEARCH TRANSFORMING LIVES THROUGH EDUCATION AND RESEARCH 23CONTEMPORARY CONTEMPORARY
PERSPECTIVES PERSPECTIVES
International Field Trips Module Spotlight
SPOTLIGHT ART AFTER 1950
Nina,
BA (Hons) Fine Art and Art History student
“Having the opportunity to go to Berlin for our Fine Art field trip, paid for by the
University, was amazing and an experience I’ll never forget. I really enjoyed going to a
number of art galleries like the KW Institute for Contemporary Art, the Hamburger
Bahnhof and the East Side Gallery. We also did some amazing things around Berlin to
inspire our ‘Art, Site and Context’ group module, such as going to the Reichstag This module examines Modernist and Topics covered include:
government building and seeing a number of memorials, to understand the historical Post-Modernist art practice and theory from • Art in Europe and America in the post-war period
context of Berlin. Overall, it was a good way to spend time with my course mates whilst the second half of the 20 th century up to the • The influence that the atomic bomb, the Cold War,
working on a really interesting project – I didn’t want to come home!” present day. the Vietnam War and popular culture had on art
and visual culture.
Students gain a comprehensive knowledge of the
major art movements of the period, including Pop
Art; Abstract Expressionism; Minimalism; and
Artists studied include:
Installation, Conceptual, Performance and Digital
Art. We will consider the influence of art criticism • Jackson Pollock
(Clement Greenberg) and of artists themselves on • Jasper Johns
the development of other ways of seeing than the • Robert Rauschenberg
traditions of the art academies and other institutions. • Claes Oldenburg
• Andy Warhol
• Barbara Kruger
• Gerhard Richter
• Richard Hamilton
• Andy Goldsworthy
• Anselm Kiefer
• Damien Hirst
• Mona Hatoum.
24 TRANSFORMING LIVES THROUGH EDUCATION AND RESEARCH TRANSFORMING LIVES THROUGH EDUCATION AND RESEARCH 25CONTEMPORARY
PERSPECTIVES
Graduate
SPOTLIGHT
Emalee Beddoes-Davis,
BA (Hons) Art History graduate and
Curator of Modern and Contemporary
Art, Birmingham Museum and Art
Gallery
Emalee joined Plymouth as a Fine Art and Art History
student, switching to single honours so she could
devour “all of the Art History modules”. Her impressive
career is testament to the power of paid and unpaid
internships, hard work and persistent self-belief.
After taking on a number of volunteer roles,
graduating from Plymouth and completing
postgraduate studies at Birmingham University,
Emalee secured a paid internship at Worcester
City Art Gallery through the Heritage Lottery Fund.
This opened the door to her appointment as
Curator for Art and Exhibitions at the museum,
which in turn led to her job as Curator of Modern
and Contemporary Art at Birmingham Museums
Trust. Emalee first found her enthusiasm for
feminist protest art at Plymouth, an interest that
continues to this day. In 2018, the anniversary year
for women’s suffrage, Emalee curated the exhibition
Women, Power, Protest at Birmingham for the Arts
Council Collection National Partners Programme.
“We can acknowledge the monumental
step taken for women’s rights 100 years
ago, but through the display of
contemporary artworks we can explore
some of the experiences common to being
a woman in 21st-century society, and the
progress still to be made.”
Emalee Beddoes
BA (Hons) Art History graduate
26 TRANSFORMING LIVES THROUGH EDUCATION AND RESEARCH TRANSFORMING LIVES THROUGH EDUCATION AND RESEARCH 27CONTEMPORARY REAL-WORLD
PERSPECTIVES
JOBS
Graduate
SPOTLIGHT The practical and applied nature of our
degrees provide an excellent foundation for
Zoe Watson, many and varied career opportunities, and Art
BA (Hons) Fine Art and Art History History graduates are highly sought after by
graduate and Curator, the Holden employers.
Gallery, Manchester
In particular, our degrees are designed to
embed careers guidance at every step along
Zoe is Curator of the Holden Gallery in Manchester and Lecturer in Art History and Curating at
Manchester School of Art. Her curatorial practice centres around the gallery, which is part of the way.
Manchester Metropolitan University, where she is responsible for developing and delivering the
programme of exhibitions, screenings, talks and events. This programme focuses exclusively on recent • Our modules encourage interdisciplinary and
and ongoing developments in international contemporary visual art. flexible approaches to learning. Studying Art History provides you with valuable skills
• Career development is built into the course so that and a firm base for lifelong learning. Armed with an Art
Zoe is interested in using the exhibition as a platform to support artists in conducting their own research
you’re equipped with real skills and real History degree, the range of careers you can move
and development projects, leading to the production of significant bodies of new work.
experiences when you graduate. into is incredibly varied and interesting.
“I’m responsible for every aspect of the gallery. This includes finance, insurance and • You can take advantage of international A degree in Art History is an entry point to many
loans, press and marketing, production of exhibition materials, liaising with external opportunities and spend a year studying abroad. careers in industries and areas such as:
contractors and coordinating exhibition installations. I’m also responsible for the • Undertake a professional development project in
• galleries and museums
your final year. In this module you will identify a
shipping, handling and condition checking of artworks, writing press releases, specific professional working relationship with a
• arts dealerships and antiquity
promotional content and exhibition interpretation, including publications.”
• visual advertising
mentor in which you’ll undertake a period of
• creative and copywriting
first-hand work and learning experience. This
• editing
initiative is chosen in consultation with a member
• publishing
of staff, who will act as a project supervisor
• consultancy
providing support and feedback during the
• civil service
project.
• media
• P
repare for your future career by participating in • secondary school teaching.
an internship. Our students have successfully
interned at the National Gallery, Christie’s, the Many students also choose to pursue further study at
National Trust, Plymouth City Museum and Art masters and doctorate level.
Gallery, the BBC, The Arts Institute at the University
of Plymouth, and Philip Mould & Company in
London.
• Attend Arts and Humanities networking events
and benefit from careers fairs and development
events throughout the year. Our Careers Service in
SAMPLE MODULES
the on-campus Student Hub also assists you with
interview skills, creating the perfect CV and job • Cultural Practices in Context
hunting.
• Collecting and Exhibiting Cultures in the 19th and 20th
Centuries
• Working with Culture: Professional Development
Project
• International Placement in Year 2 through ISEP
28 TRANSFORMING LIVES THROUGH EDUCATION AND RESEARCH TRANSFORMING LIVES THROUGH EDUCATION AND RESEARCH 29REAL-WORLD JOBS
Module Spotlight
CULTURAL
PRACTICES IN
CONTEXT
This module is focused on the practice of
fieldwork and independent study in the
contexts of the museum and gallery and
the wider urban environment within the
discipline of Art History.
You engage actively in fieldwork, through a residential
field trip to London, where you explore the history,
spaces, activities and audiences of galleries and
museums and the different contexts in which art and
visual culture can be viewed.
Throughout the module you will be supported in
engaging in independent research on objects and
spaces of your choosing, developing knowledge and
skills that will support your career development.
Institutions we have visited include the National
Gallery, Tate Britain and Tate Modern, Christie’s, the
British Museum and the Royal Academy.
Field trips (travel, accommodation and entry tickets)
Q:
are included in course fees.
What do five out of six of
our Graduate SPOTLIGHT
stars have in common?
They were all volunteers at Plymouth City Did you know...?
Museum and Art Gallery when when they were
Art History or Fine Art and Art History students. The winner in 2017 of the coveted national 'Undergraduate Dissertation
Prize', awarded by the Association of Art Historians, was a Plymouth student.
Fiona Saint-Davis impressed the judges with her thesis on the brothel
sketches of the French Post-Impressionist artist, Émile Bernard (1868–1941).
30 TRANSFORMING LIVES THROUGH EDUCATION AND RESEARCH TRANSFORMING LIVES THROUGH EDUCATION AND RESEARCH 31REAL-WORLD JOBS INTERNATIONAL
Module Spotlight
EXCHANGE
WORKING WITH The Art History department offers a range of
CULTURE:
opportunities for overseas study during your course,
in both in Art History and Fine Art and Art History.
PROFESSIONAL
We are members of the International Student
Exchange Programme (ISEP), a network of over 300
colleges and universities in 50 countries, and we
DEVELOPMENT have direct exchanges with American universities.
You can also study abroad through the Erasmus
PROJECT scheme in Europe.
Joshua,
BA (Hons) Art History student spent a year at Black
The Professional Development Project offers Mountain College, University of North Carolina,
you a work placement within the context of a Asheville, USA.
fully accredited module.
Unlike modules organised around a classroom
framework, this course allows you to develop
different skills in preparation for the working
world. Going out to a professional setting of your
choice, you will undertake a mutually agreed role for a
minimum of one week. During that time, you keep a
journal, documenting the placement with
photographs, notes and other evidence-based forms
of record-keeping (social media posts; short videos;
interviews with employers). The module allows you to
develop your capacity for planning, time management
and working in a team. You will also develop subject-
specific expertise by working in a specialist artistic or
cultural environment.
Previous work placement partners include: the
National Gallery; the BBC; Philip Mould & Company;
Victoria Miro Gallery; Mtec specialist art
transportation; Wiley publishers; the National Trust;
the Victorian, Pre-Raphaelite & British Impressionist
Art department at Christie’s and other auction houses.
Alice,
BA (Hons) Fine Art and Art History student spent a year at the University of Utah, in the USA.
32 TRANSFORMING LIVES THROUGH EDUCATION AND RESEARCH TRANSFORMING LIVES THROUGH EDUCATION AND RESEARCH 33REAL-WORLD JOBS WORK
Graduate PLACEMENTS
SPOTLIGHT
Abigail Hodgson-Lorente,
Fine Art and Art History graduate and
television researcher, BBC Four and
Sky Arts
After studying Fine Art and Art History at Plymouth, Abi used her multidisciplinary background in art, At Plymouth, we are committed to providing quality work placements and internships, both locally and further
art history and anthropology to build a career as a television researcher. Abi’s passion is sharing cultural and afield. Our students have interned at Plymouth City Museum and Art Gallery (now The Box, Plymouth); The Arts
historical knowledge in visually creative ways with wide and diverse audiences. Institute, University of Plymouth; the National Gallery; the British Museum; Christie’s; Mtec Art Transportation;
and Philip Mould & Company, London.
“Abi came to us as someone new to TV, but with a keen interest and a willingness to
“I joined my course with the intention of one day working for a London auctioneers so
learn. She very quickly became an asset to our team, and her background in art was
the opportunity to experience it first-hand at Christie’s has been incredible.”
hugely useful as she was mostly working on a BBC arts series.”
Kyle, BA(Hons) Art History student, interned in the department of Victorian, Pre-Raphaelite & British
Programmes Abi has worked on include Oceans Apart, a series on the arts of Australia, New Zealand, Tahiti and Impressionist Art at Christie’s, London.
Hawaii presented by Dr James Fox, and African Renaissance: When Art Meets Power presented by Afua Hirsch,
both for BBC Four.
34 TRANSFORMING LIVES THROUGH EDUCATION AND RESEARCH TRANSFORMING LIVES THROUGH EDUCATION AND RESEARCH 35REAL-WORLD JOBS
Graduate
SPOTLIGHT
Charlotte Reardon,
Fine Art and Art History graduate and
Assistant Visitor Services Supervisor,
Royal Albert Memorial Museum, Exeter
My degree in Fine Art and Art History gave me the
chance to engage with a wide range of practical and
theoretical modules. Combined with the field trip and
placement opportunities, I’ve been able to translate all
I have learned into a museum environment.
At RAMM I lead the Front of House team, supporting
the day-to-day operation of the museum, focusing on
visitor experience and the collections, interacting with
curators, artists and the public. The role has led to
many training opportunities in object handling,
transporting artworks, workshops with Visit England
and digital engagement with audiences.
“Working at the Royal Albert Memorial
Museum, Exeter, has allowed me to stay in
the South West, where I’m not only part of
a great network of arts and culture, but
able to enjoy the lifestyle benefits that
Devon offers.”
36 TRANSFORMING LIVES THROUGH EDUCATION AND RESEARCH 37 TRANSFORMING LIVES THROUGH EDUCATION AND RESEARCH 37WHICH ART
HISTORY
COURSE?
Fine Art and Art History insight
If you are interested in studying Art History or ART HISTORY
SOCIETY
Fine Art and Art History – great! Our modular study
options allow you to tailor your degree to your
interests. Our options also allow joint honours
students to choose Art History modules that
complement their artistic practice – 50% of your From evening socials to quizzes and trips
modules are with Fine Art, 50% with Art History. The Art History Society brings together students from
the Art History and Fine Art and Art History courses with
Do you enjoy analysing art as well as creating it? others from the University to enjoy extra-curricular and
Want to understand and develop your own work in spare-time activities outside the classroom. For more
the context of what’s gone before? As the information please visit our website: https://www.
boundaries between art history and practice blur plymouth.ac.uk/courses/undergraduate/ba-art-history
and merge, this course prepares you for a career in
the real world of the arts. Master the skills needed
to analyse, critique and write about visual art. Travel to
major European cities to see art in context. Harness
your new knowledge to feed and improve your own
work.
The University of Plymouth is one of only eight higher
education institutions in the UK where you can study
Fine Art and Art History in combination. The course is
also assessed by coursework only – no exams. Our Fine
Art and Art History students have their own dedicated
studio space – a unique opportunity to combine making
art and learning about its history.
The tandem experience that the course provides
opens up a wide choice of careers, ranging from
those in arts administration in galleries and
museums to curating, art restoration, teaching and
“History has remembered the kings art journalism.
and warriors, because they
destroyed. Art has remembered the
people, because they created.”
William Morris, 1834–1896
38 TRANSFORMING LIVES THROUGH EDUCATION AND RESEARCH TRANSFORMING LIVES THROUGH EDUCATION AND RESEARCH 39“There are two things in the
painter, the eye and the
mind; each of them should
aid the other.”
Paul Cézanne, 1839-1906
40 TRANSFORMING LIVES THROUGH EDUCATION AND RESEARCH TRANSFORMING LIVES THROUGH EDUCATION AND RESEARCH 41WHY PLYMOUTH?
Choose to study Art History with us and live
and learn in the stunning landscape of the
South-West peninsula.
THE REAL-LIFE EXPERIENCE OF LEARNING IS ALL
AROUND YOU.
There’s no place like Plymouth. The South West is
home to many excellent resources, including a
host of National Trust properties, Tate St Ives and
a number of gallery and arts spaces within the city
of Plymouth. CONTEMPORARY PERSPECTIVES
• Discover modern and contemporary art to
Outside of the high quality teaching and field trips appreciate the difference between a urinal, an
provided by the course, the city itself is host to a abstract painting and specular metallic paint on
wide range of cultural events throughout the year a steel puppy.
and is home to a number of arts spaces including:
The Arts Institute, The Box (the relaunched • Learn how issues of race, gender and class
Plymouth City Museum and Art Gallery), Ocean transform our societies and find your place in
Studios, Plymouth Arts Centre and KARST. the contemporary world.
Plymouth Art Weekender sees the city alight with
action as studios are opened and arts events are • Critical comparisons of the art world and our
held throughout the city. With a multitude of popular visual culture: in what ways are art
exciting exhibitions on throughout the year, enjoy exhibitions and binge-watching box sets are two
the culture this vibrant city has to offer you. sides of the same coin?
CHOOSE ART HISTORY WITH PLYMOUTH REAL-WORLD JOBS
• Learn about curatorial practices and exhibition
CLASSICAL TRAINING strategies to prepare for employment in the gallery
• An intellectually stimulating and enjoyable or cultural heritage sector.
course: you’ll cover a wide range of art from the
Renaissance period to the present, from 14th- • Take the opportunity to participate in an internship
century fresco painting in Italy to artistic and prepare for your future career.
responses to the atomic bomb.
• Exciting trips throughout the degree and many
• Expert, accessible and supportive staff: opportunities to study abroad: we are proud to
officially recognised as excellent university offer you a number of fully funded trips throughout
teachers, our research and scholarly activity your studies to help you develop your museum
provide you with strong support. fieldwork skills.
42 TRANSFORMING LIVES THROUGH EDUCATION AND RESEARCH TRANSFORMING LIVES THROUGH EDUCATION AND RESEARCH 43Q:
What type of Art History
department will I be part of?
You will join a small, friendly and supportive community of staff and
students who are committed to the study of the history of art.
A personal tutor will mentor you
through your degree and we provide
you with one-to-one tutoring
opportunities on every module.
44 TRANSFORMING LIVES THROUGH EDUCATION AND RESEARCH TRANSFORMING LIVES THROUGH EDUCATION AND RESEARCH 45PLYMOUTH
Plymouth is known as Britain’s ‘Ocean
City’ on the south coast of Devon.
Our campus is conveniently located in
the vibrant city centre, and you live and
study at the heart of a thriving student
community.
You can find plenty of shopping opportunities, amazing The Box Events
student nightlife and stunning beaches on your
The City Museum & Art Gallery, former Central Library There are lots of events to get excited about
doorstep. From the breathtaking coastal views
and St Luke’s Church have undergone a multimillion- throughout the year. Plymouth hosts food festivals
of Plymouth Hoe to the buzzing atmosphere of the
pound redevelopment that celebrates Plymouth’s role such as Flavour Fest, and regular farmers’ markets
Barbican, there is always something to see and do here.
in shaping world history. The Box, in partnership with where you can sample local produce of the South
the University, is a major international cultural West. If you’re in Plymouth in the summer, the world-
City culture
attraction with a lively piazza, permanent galleries and famous British Firework Championships are not to
A short walk from campus takes you to the Hoe,
high-profile exhibitions, including British Art Show 9. be missed. You also have the famous Boardmasters
where you can find beautiful views across Plymouth
festival in Cornwall.
Sound and the famous Smeaton’s Tower lighthouse. Shopping and entertainment
Take a stroll down the promenade and enter the
Plymouth is a dream shopping location for students. Explore Devon and Cornwall
Barbican, Plymouth’s old town and historical heart.
Across the city centre, there’s a wide range of high- By living and studying in Plymouth you have the
As you explore its cobbled streets, make sure you
street names and independent retailers waiting to opportunity to explore the stunning beaches and
check out the vintage shops, galleries and eateries.
You can also find the Plymouth Gin Distillery as well
welcome you. Have a wander around Drake Circus,
an exciting venue with more than 75 retailers – many
beautiful countryside Devon and Cornwall have
to offer. Regular boat trips leave from the Barbican to
PLYMOUTH IS
as the National Marine Aquarium on Sutton Harbour
of which offer student discounts. The Barcode is a places like Cawsand, Mount Edgcumbe and the Royal SURROUNDED BY
– both perfect for a rainy day.
new introduction to Plymouth’s entertainment and William Yard. Only 30 minutes’ drive from the 120 MILES OF
Not far from the Barbican is the Royal William Yard. Its leisure scene. The £53 million development includes a University campus is Dartmoor National Park. The STUNNING
12-screen cinema with an IMAX digital projection surrounding landscape has stunning views, awe-
stunning waterfront views are something to remember,
and with events like outdoor theatre shows, open-air system and 4DX screen plus two 18-hole indoor inspiring granite tors and deep wooded valleys.
COASTLINE AND
cinema screenings and festivals, it’s fast becoming the
number-one lifestyle destination in Plymouth.
adventure golf courses and popular restaurants. Or why not take a road trip to Cornwall to the largest
indoor rainforest in the world at the Eden Project. OVER 50
BEACHES
46 TRANSFORMING LIVES THROUGH EDUCATION AND RESEARCH TRANSFORMING LIVES THROUGH EDUCATION AND RESEARCH 47SUPPORT
AND SERVICES
FOR YOU
From advice and guidance services
to campus childcare, we provide
everything we can to support you
throughout your time here.
The Student Hub Pastoral and Spiritual Support Student Wellbeing Services Library facilities
Located within our Charles Seale-Hayne Library, the We are a multi-faith team who offer pastoral and Explore and understand issues that are affecting your The Charles Seale-Hayne Library provides access
Student Hub is here to help with the following. spiritual support to the University community. We academic work and enjoyment of university, and to a variety of specialist resources including books,
work closely with Student Services and the develop more effective coping strategies and life journals, databases, full-text collections, special
Learning Development University’s Equality, Diversity and Inclusion Team. We skills. You can request a confidential consultation collections and subject-specific electronic library
We’re here to support you in fulfilling your academic with one of our professional mental health workers
are located at 1 Kirby Terrace which is a safe and guides. Facilities include: a range of equipped and
or counsellors by completing an online referral form.
potential, achieving your best and thriving in your welcoming space for all, with a comfy lounge and non-equipped study spaces, wi-fi throughout the
Our multidisciplinary team works closely to ensure
postgraduate studies. Through our one-to-one and kitchenette facilities. building, large format and standard printing, binders,
you get the support you need. We also offer free
small-group tutorials, taught sessions, Writing Café video and audio equipment loans, laptop loans and
personal development sessions and groups, online
and online resources, you can get advice on areas Student Conduct a café. There is a dedicated space for postgraduate
resources and self-help leaflets.
including writing and presenting, developing thinking, The Student Conduct Team aims to provide a first- study plus a Postgraduate Zone for informal meetings
managing projects, communicating your ideas, and class student experience, but we know that We offer a range of activities to help you manage your
and networking, also a 24/7 open access study area
own, and friends’, wellbeing. Details of all the support
preparing for exams. sometimes difficulties and problems can arise. We along with a student ‘Break Room’.
we offer are on the Student Wellbeing Services web
provide you with the opportunity to raise concerns, Visit plymouth.ac.uk/library
Disability Services pages.
ensuring that everyone is treated fairly and in
We offer current and prospective students advice accordance with the University’s published t: +44 (0)1752 587676 Careers Service
and guidance on disability-related support. Disability regulations and procedures. e: studentservices@plymouth.ac.uk We offer friendly and impartial support to help plan
can mean different things to different people. It may w:plymouth.ac.uk/student-services your career, plus advice on improving your
include you if you have study support requirements Peer-assisted Learning Scheme (PALS) @plymstudenthub employability skills. See page XX or visit
related to a disability, for example: dyslexia, specific Learning alongside other students on your course plymouth.ac.uk/careers to find out about the wide
learning difficulties/differences, mental health can give greater opportunity to discuss ideas, Health and wellbeing range of support available.
difficulties, autism or a long-term health condition. broaden knowledge, gain confidence and make The NHS-provided University Medical Centre, located
friends. If your course has PALS you will benefit from in the Wellbeing Centre, offers health services to Childcare
We recommend you apply early and talk to us about
regular, co-ordinated peer-led study sessions students on campus, and can also provide you details Freshlings Nursery is located on campus and is run by
any specific support requirements you may have.
planned and delivered by student PALS leaders from of other doctors and services in the city. For more University Commercial Services Plymouth (UCSP).
Mental Health Advice the academic year above. information, visit umcplymouth.co.uk Freshlings is open to staff and students and provides
The Mental Health Advice Team is here to help you if care and education for children from birth to five
International Student Advice Information technology years of age. Visit plymouth.ac.uk/childcare
your mental health is seriously impacting on your life.
We offer help and advice to international students, As a student or doctoral researcher, you have access
We can also advise you if you are concerned about
such as immigration, visas and settling into UK life, so to our fleet of networked computers in research
someone else’s mental wellbeing.
you can get the most out of your studies, and your offices, open-access areas, libraries, laboratories and
teaching rooms. With your own email account,
Self Help Inspiring E-resources (SHINE) time in the UK. See page XX for further information.
personal file space and e-portfolio, you also have
A one-stop site for advice, information, apps and access to our intranet and an extensive software
webinars, SHINE contains student-friendly bespoke
content designed to address personal, academic and
library. Our wireless network enables you to connect
your own laptop to our network and receive
For further information about any of our i
support services, please visit
practical issues. University services across the campus. Find out more plymouth.ac.uk/student-services
at plymouth.ac.uk/itservices
48 TRANSFORMING LIVES THROUGH EDUCATION AND RESEARCH TRANSFORMING LIVES THROUGH EDUCATION AND RESEARCH 49You can also read
