Our Graduate Diploma is specifically designed for students whose background may not be in art history, but who wish to study the subject at postgraduate level. The Graduate Diploma provides an ideal bridge to further postgraduate study and is designed to prepare students for the MA, providing a strong foundation in history of art as a discipline. When the opportunity arises seminars will be taken out of the classroom and artworks will be studied in situ. The independent research project will enable you to work closely with your supervisor on a one to-one basis to research and write on a topic of your choice.

Core Modules

• Practices of Art History
• Academic Preparation for History of Art
• Independent Research Project

Optional Modules

Previously, a selection of the following options have been offered:

• Art of the Baroque
• The Renaissance: North and South
• Modern Art and Modernism
• East meets West: The Visual Arts in Colonial and Post-colonial India
• Giotto and Assisi
• Leonardo: Art and Science
• Colour and its Meaning

The Practices of Art History module provides you with an introduction to the discipline and helps you understand the ways in which the history of art can be studied. You can develop your interests by choosing other modules ranging from the Middle Ages to Contemporary Art and Architecture. In the independent research project (8,000 words) you will work closely with your supervisor on a one to one basis, to research and write on a topic related to your studies. Teaching takes place in small group seminars where you are encouraged to reflect upon and discuss works of art and the ways in which these have been interpreted. When the opportunity arises, seminars are taken out of the classroom and artworks are studied in situ. You'll have between six and ten hours on average per week of classes. Modules are assessed via a mixture of written assessments, slide tests, formal examinations, presentations and project work.

Skills from this degree

• The ability to exercise initiative and personal responsibility, to take decisions in complex and unpredictable situations, and to learn independently
• Deal with complex issues both systematically and creatively, make sound judgements in the absence of complete data, and communicate conclusions clearly to specialist and non-specialist audiences
• Demonstrate self-direction and originality in tackling and solving problems, and act autonomously in planning and implementing tasks at a professional or equivalent level
• Continue to advance knowledge and understanding, and to develop new skills to a high level

Minimum requirements 2:i undergraduate degree (or equivalent)

English Language requirements Band B
IELTS overall score of 7.0, minimum component scores of two at 6.0/6.5 and the rest at 7.0 or above

International Students
We welcome applications from students with other internationally recognised qualifications. For more information please visit the international entry requirements page.

For up-to-date information concerning fees, funding and scholarships for Home, EU and Overseas students please visit Warwick's Fees and Funding webpage.

Additional Course Costs

This course may also include additional costs.

Graduates from these courses have gone on to work for a range of sectors, including Arts Management, PR, Teaching, Galleries and Auction Houses. Many others have undertaken further study at PhD level.

Our department has a dedicated professionally qualified Senior Careers Consultant offering impartial advice and guidance together with workshops and events throughout the year. Previous examples of workshops and events include:

• Careers History of Art Alumni workshop
• Discovering Careers in the Creative Industries
• Warwick careers fairs throughout the year
• History of Art – Securing Internships
• Career planning and making applications

There are a number of different ways to visit the University of Warwick throughout the year. We host bespoke PG visits, where you can talk directly with your chosen department and explore our campus through a personalised tour. Some departments also host their own events and open days, where you can learn more about your department or course of study. To find out more about all of these opportunities, visit our Postgraduate Visits page.