Art History and Visual Culture and English - BA (Hons)

University of Nottingham

Art and literature help us to make sense of the world around us. They ask us questions like:* How do cultural shifts impact who we are?* What fuels our self-expression?* What stories bring us together across time and places?On this degree, you'll explore the social, historical, and geographical forces that shape art and literature. You'll study written, visual and spoken works across different centuries and cultures - covering everything from fine art and photography to digital media, fiction, poetry and theatre.Along the way, you'll develop essential skills in research, critical thinking, and creative problem solving.Curious about how art and literature shape society? With this course, you’ll tap into the expertise of the Department of Cultural, Media and Visual Studies and the School of English.It’s a unique blend of the study of the written and visual arts and culture putting together insights from cultural studies, history of art, visual culture, modern literature and linguistics. Through your studies, you’ll:* understand how people interpret and critique both written and visual works* learn how cultural and social forces shape the way we create and consume art and literature* explore a range of literary and linguistic approaches, with opportunities to specialise* develop a global, empathetic perspective on art history, literature and visual cultureAlthough studied separately you will gain a thorough interdisciplinary perspective and understanding of art in society. You'll be able to choose modules that complement each other, allowing you to look at the same topic in different ways.There are numerous extracurricular activities that you can get involved in to develop your skills and experience, including:* the opportunity to apply for [The Letters Page](https://www.nottingham.ac.uk/studywithus/ugstudy/articles/explore-more-articles/art/the-letters-page-overview.html "Article about The Letters Page") project to gain publishing industry skills* participate in award-winning media such as [Nottingham Student TV](https://www.nstv.co.uk/ "NSTV homepage"), [University Radio Nottingham](https://urn1350.co.uk/ "University Radio homepage") and [Impact Magazine](https://su.nottingham.ac.uk/activities/view/impact-nottingham "Impact magazine homepage")* explore the vibrant cultural scene in Nottingham, a member of the UNESCO Creative Cities Network, and benefit from our staff members’ connections with cultural and art institutions including the university’s own [Lakeside Arts Centre](https://www.lakesidearts.org.uk/ "Lakeside Arts homepage")**Why choose this course?****Course highlights*** Following an introductory programme in year one, deepen your knowledge of your favourite topics and explore new ones through a wide range of optional modules.* Automatic membership of the [Creative Student Network](https://www.nottingham.ac.uk/clas/departments/culturalmediaandvisualstudies/studying-with-us/creative-student-network/csn.aspx "Creative networking and work experience") for industry opportunities - from visiting experts to paid and voluntary work experience.* Work with our dedicated Faculty of Arts Placements Team to assist with your employability skills development via a range of placements, internships and volunteering opportunities.**Proven results*** Ranked 5th in the UK for history of art, architecture, and design and 4th for English language (Daily Mail University Guide 2026).* The average starting salary for English undergraduates within 15 months of graduation was £27,023 (HESA Graduate Outcomes 2022/23).

Department of Cultural, Visual and Media Studies