University of East Anglia

BA (Hons) History of Art with Gallery and Museum Studies with a Placement Year

University of East AngliaNorwich Research Park, Norwich

Course overview

What roles do galleries and museums play in today’s society? How have they shaped our understanding of art? On this course you’ll explore these and many more questions through first-hand experience of a major art gallery and museum.

You’ll discover the history of art across time and cultures and explore the relationship between culture and society from the past to the present, and into the future. This degree programme also offers you real-world industry experience in a placement year. Based in the world-famous Sainsbury Centre, you’ll become part of a unique community.

We’re the only Art History Department in the UK located within a world-renowned art museum. You’ll examine objects and artworks. You'll learn about the processes and politics of collecting, while considering diverse communities and audiences.

Learning from world-leading experts, you’ll gain different perspectives on art and material culture. You’ll explore the politics and practises of display across diverse collections and exhibitions. This includes contemporary art galleries, natural history collections, historic houses, and heritage sites.

And you’ll consider the work of curators, conservators, and educators, including how they engage broad audiences. These topics are pivotal to careers in museums, galleries, and the heritage sector.

Key highlights

  • Placement year offering real-world industry experience
  • Department based within the world-famous Sainsbury Centre art museum
  • Only UK Art History department located inside an art museum
  • First-hand study of objects and artworks in a major collection
  • Explores the processes and politics of collecting and display
  • Examines work of curators, conservators and educators with audiences

Entry requirements

  • International Baccalaureate: 31 — Further Examples of Typical Entry Requirements: International Baccalaureate 31 points overall Irish Leaving Certificate 2 subjects at H2, 4 subjects at H3 Scottish Highers AABBB Scottish Advanced Highers CCC. A combination of Advanced Highers and Highers may be acceptable
  • Scottish Advanced Highers: CCC — Further Examples of Typical Entry Requirements: International Baccalaureate 31 points overall Irish Leaving Certificate 2 subjects at H2, 4 subjects at H3 Scottish Highers AABBB Scottish Advanced Highers CCC. A combination of Advanced Highers and Highers may be acceptable
  • Scottish Highers: AABBB — Further Examples of Typical Entry Requirements: International Baccalaureate 31 points overall Irish Leaving Certificate 2 subjects at H2, 4 subjects at H3 Scottish Highers AABBB Scottish Advanced Highers CCC. A combination of Advanced Highers and Highers may be acceptable
  • Irish Leaving Certificate — 2 subjects at H2, 4 subjects at H3

Careers this course leads to

  • Museum curator
  • Gallery assistant
  • Heritage officer
  • Museum education officer
  • Exhibitions officer
  • Collections assistant

Cost of study

UK/Home: £9,790 per year | International: £23,100 per year

Admission

Applications are made through AHZ at no cost. Share your transcripts, English test scores and personal statement, and your AHZ Counsellor will review your profile, submit your application to University of East Anglia, and guide you through interview, offer, CAS and visa — right up to enrolment.

Ready to start?

Book a free consultation and we'll map your fastest route to a September 2026 place.

Apply Now
Download Free Guide