Why study History of Art?
This is a popular A-level choice at Queen's and a transformative subject to study when surrounded by the rich resources of London's galleries and museums. In a world saturated with imagery, learning about the means and language of perception has never been more valuable. At a time of global fragmentation, the power of art and artefacts to unify and help us engage with our past and present has, arguably, never been more urgent.
Students wishing to study the subject should be curious and enthusiastic about exploring intellectual concepts and visual material. Enjoyment and aptitude for English, History and PTE are the best guide to your likely success in History of Art. You do not need to have studied GCSE Art or History, and no practical work is involved!
What will I study? How will I be assessed?
The qualification is assessed entirely by two 3-hour examinations (50% each of the total grade). We follow the Edexcel Specification. There is no coursework.
Paper 1
A substantial part of the A-Level course involves learning how to look. In the first of the three modules for Paper 1, you will develop skills in understanding composition, form, colour and space in painting, sculpture and architecture. The second and third modules involve situating artworks related to ‘Nature’ and ‘Identities’ within their social, political, and economic context.
Paper 2
Paper 2 involves in-depth study of the Renaissance in Italy (1420-1520) and the British and French Avant-Garde (1848-1899). We look at the lives and careers of individual artists, and engage with critical texts by Vasari, Alberti and John Ruskin, among others. Key artists include Donatello, Raphael, Michelangelo for Italy; with Rodin and Holman Hunt for the Avant-Garde.
What skills will I gain? Where can History of Art lead?
Art History cohorts are small and supportive. Students will be able to develop their critical thinking skills and express their opinions in a stimulating environment. Being situated near the National Gallery, Tate Britain and the V&A means that works of art can be studied in situ. We also run trips abroad, with the most recent an interdisciplinary trip to Rome in March 2026.
Few students remain unchanged – new horizons and perspectives stay fresh long after the dates and facts have fulfilled their short-term examination purpose. Many students from Queen's have gone on to further their passions in the subject through undergraduate and postgraduate degrees, including Edinburgh, Bristol and Cambridge, most recently. Career possibilities are endlessly varied and include roles in conservation, museums and galleries, the heritage sector, the media, arts administration, journalism, advertising and teaching at all levels.