Overview
Critically explore historic and contemporary art first-hand and discover different aspects of the art business – from museums and commercial galleries to art fairs.
Art now reaches a wider audience than ever before – not only via museums and galleries, but also via digital and social media. Designed to appeal to a wide variety of students, including those who haven't previously studied art history, this course combines first-hand research and analysis into why art is produced, when, where, by whom and for whom.
Why Regent’s?
- Small class sizes: allowing for more individual attention, support and guidance
- Hands-on learning: study with artists, curators, conservators and industry professionals
- Relevant content: focus on the curation and circulation of art throughout history
- Interdisciplinary: explore art in relation to business, fashion and international relations
- Prime location: study art first-hand in London’s varied museums and galleries
What to expect
Built on a strong chronological structure, from the Renaissance and the Baroque through to Modernism and the present day, the curation and circulation of art are key themes that underpin this course. You'll explore both historic and contemporary techniques, and examine how and why particular works of art are displayed at art fairs, auction houses, public museums and commercial galleries.
You’ll question the ways in which art has been created and interpreted over time, explore how it relates to fields like business, fashion and politics, and address how political, cultural and gendered narratives shape our understanding of it. You’ll also explore sustainability and the effects of the ongoing climate crisis, tracking art's engagement with the natural world from the fifteenth century to the present.
Throughout your time at Regent's, you'll build relationships with academics and industry insiders, and have opportunities to join workshops with the likes of:
- Ali MacGilp, Artist Liaison and Director at Frith Street Gallery
- Anna Gordon, photojournalist for The Guardian, Financial Times, Reuters
- Priyesh Mistry, Associate Curator at the National Gallery
- Georgina Adams, journalist for the Financial Times and The Art Newspaper
- Winston Branch OBE, artist
- Philippa Abrahams, conservation expert on artists' materials
You’ll be able to personalise your degree, curate your own exhibition in the University's Knapp Gallery and undertake a professional placement. Recent examples include:
London-centric learning
Based in Regent's Park, with London on your doorstep, you’ll have opportunities to engage with all aspects of the art world – exploring museums, galleries and private collections. Past students have visited a wide variety of collections and institutions, including:
- Barbican Art Gallery
- British Museum
- Courtauld Institute
- National Gallery
- National Portrait Gallery
- The Photographers’ Gallery
- Victoria & Albert Museum
As well as commercial galleries and unconventional spaces like 180 The Strand and Ambika P3. They've also:
- Toured private collections, such as at the Deutsche Bank
- Spoken to experts at auction houses, public museums and commercial galleries
- Produced their own photograms at Darkroom London
- Visited historic houses such as Strawberry Hill House, Leighton House, Eltham Palace
- Experienced Frieze Masters and Frieze London
- Joined immersive experiences at Superblue London and Frameless
Recent graduates have founded art platforms and advisory firms, been appointed to historic museums, auction houses, art fairs and commercial galleries and worked as consultants, managers, coordinators and editors for international brands including TEFAF, the Scrovegni Chapel, Galerie Perrotin and F. Schumacher & Co. More recently, students have interned at The Mall Galleries and The Art Newspaper.
A tailored experience
We put you in the driving seat – shaping your education from day one:
- Your own support officer: receive tailored advice and support when needed
- Academic guidance: access regular one-to-one sessions and a unique open door policy
- Flexible modules: personalise your course with a choice of special electives
- Additional language classes: prepare for domestic and international opportunities
Optional Foundation year
If you opt for a Foundation year, you'll gain a solid grounding in academic skills and principles, as well as an introduction to your chosen subject area. It will provide a rich and varied experience to ensure you’re prepared for degree-level study in the UK – ready to develop specialist knowledge and confidently make the most of your course.
Download course specification