MBM Master of Business Management
The MBM program at the University of Essex is designed to develop well-rounded business...
BA Art History, Visual Culture and Media Studies (including Foundation Year)
Colchester Campus
INTAKE: October
Program Overview
The BA Art History, Visual Culture and Media Studies program at the University of Essex offers a comprehensive exploration of art history, visual culture, and media studies, ideal for students passionate about the arts and media. This four-year degree includes a foundation year to provide students with a solid academic grounding before progressing to specialized study in these disciplines. The program explores the historical and contemporary contexts of art, visual culture, and media, emphasizing critical analysis, cultural theory, and research skills. Students gain a deep understanding of how visual forms and media shape societies and identities, preparing them for careers in arts administration, media production, cultural heritage, and related fields.
1. Interdisciplinary Approach: The program takes an interdisciplinary approach, combining art history, visual culture, and media studies to provide students with a holistic understanding of the role of visual forms and media in society. Students explore connections between art, culture, and media, drawing on theories and methodologies from multiple disciplines.
2. Historical and Contemporary Perspectives: Students engage with both historical and contemporary perspectives, studying art movements, visual cultures, and media practices across different periods and contexts. They develop critical thinking skills to analyze artworks, images, and media texts within their cultural, social, and political frameworks.
3. Research Skills and Methodologies: The curriculum emphasizes research skills and methodologies, equipping students with the tools to conduct independent research projects and analyze primary sources. Students learn how to formulate research questions, gather evidence, and present their findings effectively.
4. Cultural Theory and Analysis: The program introduces students to key concepts in cultural theory and analysis, exploring topics such as representation, identity, globalization, and media convergence. Students engage with debates in art history and media studies, applying theoretical frameworks to understand cultural phenomena.
5. Practical Experience and Professional Development: The program includes opportunities for practical experience and professional development. Students may undertake internships with museums, galleries, or media organizations, gaining hands-on experience in arts administration, curation, media production, or cultural heritage. They also develop transferable skills such as communication, teamwork, and project management.
6. Preparation for Diverse Careers: Graduates of the BA Art History, Visual Culture and Media Studies program are well-prepared for diverse careers in the arts, media, and cultural sectors. They can pursue roles in museums, galleries, arts organizations, publishing, advertising, journalism, digital media, education, and beyond. The program also provides a strong foundation for further study at the postgraduate level in art history, media studies, cultural studies, or related fields.
Location
Colchester Campus
Score
IELTS: 6
Tuition Fee
£ 17700
Undergraduate Entry Requirements
Academic Qualifications: Applicants should have successfully completed their secondary education with a minimum overall score of 70 to 75% or equivalent in their respective country's grading system.
English language proficiency:
- IELTS: A minimum overall score of 6.0 with no individual component below 5.5.
- TOEFL: A minimum overall score of 75.
- PTE Academic: A minimum overall score of 51.
Students must provide:
- academic marksheets & transcripts
- letters of recommendation
- a personal statement - SOP
- passport
- other supporting documents as required by the university.
It is important to note that entry requirements may vary across different programs and courses. Additionally, meeting the minimum entry requirements does not guarantee admission, as the university considers factors such as the number of available places and competition for certain courses.
The University of Essex offers a range of scholarships and financial support options to assist students in their academic journey. These scholarships are designed to recognize and reward academic excellence, promote diversity and inclusion, and provide assistance to those facing financial challenges.
Academic Excellence Scholarships: The university offers scholarships to outstanding students who demonstrate exceptional academic achievements. These scholarships are typically merit-based and provide financial support towards tuition fees or living expenses.
International Scholarships: The University of Essex provides scholarships specifically designed for international students. These scholarships aim to attract and support talented students from around the world. Eligibility criteria and award amounts may vary, and they may cover a portion of tuition fees or provide assistance with living expenses.
Subject-specific Scholarships: Some departments and schools within the university offer scholarships tailored to specific academic disciplines. These scholarships are often awarded to students with exceptional academic records or those who demonstrate a strong commitment to their field of study.
Access and Participation Scholarships: The university is committed to promoting diversity and inclusion. It offers scholarships and financial support to students from underrepresented backgrounds, including those from low-income families or individuals who are the first in their family to attend university.
Government-funded Scholarships: In addition to internal scholarships, the University of Essex provides information and guidance on scholarships and funding opportunities offered by external organizations and government agencies. These scholarships may be available to students based on factors such as nationality, field of study, or research interests.
Sports Scholarships: The university recognizes the importance of sports and offers scholarships to talented athletes who demonstrate exceptional sporting abilities. These scholarships provide financial support along with access to sports facilities, training programs, and dedicated support services.
It is important to note that scholarship availability, eligibility criteria, and application processes may change over time.
The BA Art History, Visual Culture and Media Studies program at the University of Essex provides students with a diverse range of career opportunities in the arts, media, and cultural sectors. Graduates emerge with a deep understanding of visual culture, critical analysis skills, and research capabilities, positioning them for various roles in these industries.
1. Arts Administration: Graduates may pursue careers in arts administration, working for museums, galleries, cultural institutions, and arts organizations. They can take on roles such as curators, exhibition coordinators, gallery assistants, or arts administrators, managing collections, organizing exhibitions, and developing cultural programs.
2. Media Production and Journalism: Students with an interest in media studies can explore careers in media production, journalism, and broadcasting. They may work as producers, directors, editors, or journalists in television, film, radio, online media, or print publications, creating and disseminating content across different platforms.
3. Cultural Heritage and Preservation: The program prepares students for careers in cultural heritage and preservation, where they can work to safeguard and promote cultural heritage sites, artifacts, and traditions. Graduates may find employment as heritage officers, conservationists, museum educators, or cultural heritage managers, contributing to the preservation and interpretation of cultural resources.
4. Advertising and Marketing: Graduates with a background in visual culture and media studies can pursue careers in advertising, marketing, and public relations. They may work for advertising agencies, marketing firms, or corporate communications departments, creating visual campaigns, branding strategies, and multimedia content to promote products, services, or ideas.
5. Digital Media and New Technologies: With the rise of digital media and new technologies, there is a growing demand for professionals with expertise in visual culture and media studies. Graduates may explore opportunities in digital media production, interactive media design, user experience (UX) design, or social media management, leveraging their knowledge of visual communication and media technologies.
6. Education and Academia: Some graduates choose to pursue careers in education and academia, teaching art history, visual culture, or media studies at secondary schools, colleges, or universities. Others may pursue postgraduate studies to further specialize in their field and pursue research or teaching positions in higher education.
7. Freelance and Entrepreneurship: The program also equips students with the skills and entrepreneurial mindset to pursue freelance or self-employment opportunities in the creative industries. Graduates may work as freelance writers, photographers, designers, or consultants, offering their expertise to clients or starting their own creative ventures.
