History of Art
The History of Art course offers the opportunity to study art and the history of architecture across a broad chronological period (in Part I) and then to choose special courses based on your own interests (in Part II). Cambridge has seven world-class university collections including the Fitzwilliam Museum and Kettle’s Yard. These, as well as the unique built environment, offer many opportunities for close first-hand study with experts in the field and independently.
Overview
Students admitted per year: 1-2
Typical offer:
A Level: A*AA
IB Diploma: 41 points, with 776 at Higher Level
Subject requirements: no subjects required
Useful subjects: History of Art is useful but by no means expected. History, English, Modern Languages and Classical Civilisation can all provide useful preparation.
Admissions Assessment: n/a
Written work: n/a
Why choose Newnham for History of Art?
Art historians benefit from living at Newnham because of its links with the Arts and Crafts Movement and impressive buildings by Basil Champneys. The College also has outstanding library provision in the subject, and is conveniently located between the History of Art Department and the University Library. There is a small but passionate group of undergraduates, many of whom are involved in visual arts initiatives.
Newnham has a long tradition of valuing teaching as an integral part of College life. Its current Fellows continue to uphold the ideals of their forebears in taking teaching seriously and seeking the most effective teaching methods for an individual’s style of learning. Newnham was one of the pioneers of the supervision mode of teaching, still the mainstay of any humanities degree, and an important element of the Director of Studies’ job is securing the best supervisors for students.
Academic financial support
Newnham is one of the most generous Colleges when it comes to student support. As well as being able to access support for maintenance, opportunity and sports funding, all Newnham undergraduate students can apply for our book grants and research expenses funds each term for essential purchases and expenditure relating to their studies. A proportion of expenditure on books can be reimbursed against receipts (up to a limit of £200 each year), with research expenses assessed on a case-by-case basis. Funds for essential equipment purchases are also available, for example for stethoscopes for medics. We are also fortunate to have very generous funding available for summer research and/or travel. None of these grants are means-tested, so all students can benefit. Students achieving first-class results for their end of year exams will in addition receive at least £400 as a prize or scholarship.
