History of Art and English, BA (Hons)

Art and English employ distinct languages to explore shared questions, such as how we feel, what is occurring in the wider world, and our role in society. Over three years, students will delve into a vast array of art forms—including fiction, painting, poetry, sculpture, drama, architecture, graphics, photography, and film—while gaining a comprehensive understanding of visual, written, and spoken language across historical periods. The program covers English language, literature, and drama from Old English to the present, offering diverse modules that allow students to pursue existing interests or discover new ones, all while examining visual cultures through various media and societies.In the first year, coursework is evenly divided between core modules in both subjects, such as Renaissance to Contemporary Art and foundational English studies. Subsequent years provide flexibility to select modules that build on these themes or expand into areas like film, architecture, and advanced literature. Students can choose complementary options, undertake project work, and complete a dissertation on a topic of personal interest, potentially integrating both disciplines. Placement opportunities, volunteering, and study abroad programs are also available, and prior study in art is not required.

The first year is split equally between the two subjects with three core modules in each. History of Art covers Renaissance to Revolution, Modern to Contemporary, and Arts, Method and Media. In English you choose three modules from four areas: Studying Language, Drama, Theatre, Performance, Studying Literature and Beginnings of English. Year two offers you the freedom to choose modules balanced across both subjects. These can develop your existing interests or broaden your knowledge into new areas. History of Art covers topics including film and television, and architecture, and art across periods. English expands on the themes offered in year one. In your third year you will again balance your optional modules across both subjects. A key feature of this year is the opportunity to write a dissertation, allowing you to explore a topic of personal interest in depth. This can specialise in one subject or combine them both in a single dissertation. Placement and volunteering opportunities are available in the School of Cultures, Languages and Area Studies and the School of English, as well as via the Nottingham Advantage Award. You can also spend time overseas through the University of Nottingham Study Abroad programme.