The BA History of Art degree of three years exists to teach students about all aspects of art and architectural history using objects and resources in and around Cambridge. The course is based on a first year Part I which acts as a foundation for those without prior training in the subject or consolidates the experience of those who have done the topic at school. Students undertake a survey-like course centred on the splendid collections of the Fitzwilliam Museum, Kettle's Yard and the Colleges. In addition, students study topics concerning the Making and Meaning of Art, and offer a short dissertation on a work of art in Cambridge.

In Part II, our Special Subjects range from the art, architecture and theory of Medieval and Renaissance Europe to the Modern period including papers on the theory of art history and the display of art, and with Option Paper teaching which focuses on particular periods, artists, or issues. Final-year students also prepare a dissertation of 7,000-9,000 words. Each part of the course therefore has some assessment based on students' own writing and research.

Our Art Historians at Robinson have a wide variety of teaching and research interests, which include specialising in the art of Africa and its diaspora, and connecting art and cultural institutions with emerging digital and virtual technologies.

Director of Studies: Iheanyi Onwuegbucha

We don't ask for any specific subjects to apply to History of Art, and Art & Design is accepted. However, we usually require an essay-based subject or language. We also recommend History, History of Art, English Language or English Literature and Languages (ancient or modern) for a strong application.

Candidates will be asked to send in two pieces of written work that you feel accurately reflect your interests and abilities. These should be example essays from any A level (or equivalent) subject that you have done during the normal course of your studies and marked by your class teacher, and do not need to be directly related to Art or History of Art. 

There is no admission assessment for this course.

Updated: March 2026