Visual Culture

Modern society is permeated by imagery - images designed to sell, to celebrate, to represent. The study of these forms of visual communication and their history will provide you with ways of understanding the society in which we live. This course enables you to combine interests in art, cultural and media history by exploring visual culture across a very wide spectrum, from painting and sculpture to print, packaging, photography, film, advertising and fashion. Specialist staff will encourage you to develop a range of critical approaches to visual language and its importance both historically and at the present time.

Course structure

The course is structured around a series of core modules, seminar-based options, special subjects, team-based projects and individual research projects. You will build up a core knowledge of the history of art, design and culture, while also having the opportunity to develop your own specialist areas of interest through a wide choice of option courses.

You will benefit from our productive relationships with local museums, including student placements, and from the university's links with the Victoria and Albert Museum. We have unique research resources for students and staff in the Design Archives and Screen Archive South East. Our thriving and highly rated research culture ensures that you will have the opportunity to learn from a wide range of visiting artists, curators, researchers and writers.

Career and progression opportunities

The course has a healthy employment record; many of our graduates take up careers in museums, galleries, arts administration, auction houses, journalism, publishing and education. Others study for further professional qualifications or postgraduate degrees, including our own History of Design and Material Culture MA.

Mode of Attendance : Full - time