(BA) Bachelor of Arts
Art History and Modern Languages
Current
University of Essex
University of Essex
Philosophical, Historical, and Interdisciplinary Studies (School of)
Colchester Campus
Honours Degree
Full-time
History of Art, Architecture and Design
Languages, Cultures and Societies
BA VR39
08/05/2024
Details
Professional accreditation
None
Admission criteria
- A-levels: BBB - BBC or 120 - 112 UCAS tariff points from a minimum of 2 full A-levels. If Portuguese is taken as the major language, an A-level pass (or equivalent) in Italian, French, Spanish or Portuguese or first language level fluency in Italian, French, Romanian or Spanish is required.
- BTEC: DDM - DMM or 120 - 112 UCAS tariff points from a minimum of the equivalent of 2 full A-levels.
- Combined qualifications on the UCAS tariff: 120 - 112 UCAS tariff points from a minimum of 2 full A levels or equivalent. Tariff point offers may be made if you are taking a qualification, or mixture of qualifications, from the list on our undergraduate application information page.
- IB: 30 - 29 points or three Higher Level certificates with 555-554.
- IB Career-related Programme: We consider combinations of IB Diploma Programme courses with BTECs or other qualifications. Advice on acceptability can be provided, email Undergraduate Admissions
- QAA-approved Access to HE Diploma: 6 level 3 credits at Distinction and 39 level 3 credits at Merit, depending on subject studied - advice on acceptability can be provided, email Undergraduate Admissions
- T-levels: We consider T-levels on a case-by-case basis, depending on subject studied. The offer for most courses is Distinction overall. Depending on the course applied for there may be additional requirements, which may include a specific grade in the Core.
Contextual Offers:
We are committed to ensuring that all students with the merit and potential to benefit from an Essex education are supported to do so. For October 2024 entry, if you are a home fee paying student residing in the UK you may be eligible for a Contextual Offer of up to two A-level grades, or equivalent, below our standard conditional offer.
Factors we consider:
- Applicants from underrepresented groups
- Applicants progressing from University of Essex Schools Membership schools/colleges
- Applicants who attend a compulsory admissions interview
- Applicants who attend an Offer Holder Day at our Colchester or Southend campus
Our contextual offers policy outlines additional circumstances and eligibility criteria.
For further information about what a contextual offer may look like for your specific qualification profile, email ugquery@essex.ac.uk.
If you haven't got the grades you hoped for, have a non-traditional academic background, are a mature student, or have any questions about eligibility for your course, more information can be found on our undergraduate application information page or get in touch with our Undergraduate Admissions Team
IELTS (International English Language Testing System) code
English language requirements for applicants whose first language is not English: IELTS 6.0 overall, or specified score in another equivalent test that we accept.
Details of English language requirements, including component scores, and the tests we accept for applicants who require a Student visa (excluding Nationals of Majority English Speaking Countries) can be found here
If we accept the English component of an international qualification it will be included in the academic levels listed above for the relevant countries.
English language shelf-life
Most English language qualifications have a validity period of 5 years. The validity period of Pearson Test of English, TOEFL and CBSE or CISCE English is 2 years.
If you require a Student visa to study in the UK please see our immigration webpages for the latest Home Office guidance on English language qualifications.
Pre-sessional English courses
If you do not meet our IELTS requirements then you may be able to complete a pre-sessional English pathway that enables you to start your course without retaking IELTS.
Pending English language qualifications
You don’t need to achieve the required level before making your application, but it will be one of the conditions of your offer.
If you cannot find the qualification that you have achieved or are pending, then please email ugquery@essex.ac.uk
.
Requirements for second and final year entry
Different requirements apply for second and final year entry, and specified component grades are also required for applicants who require a visa to study in the UK. Details of English language requirements, including UK Visas and Immigration minimum component scores, and the tests we accept for applicants who require a Student visa (excluding Nationals of Majority English Speaking Countries) can be found here
Additional Notes
If you’re an international student, but do not meet the English language or academic requirements for direct admission to this degree, you could prepare and gain entry through a pathway course. Find out more about opportunities available to you at the University of Essex International College
Course qualifiers
A course qualifier is a bracketed addition to your course title to denote a specialisation or pathway that you have achieved via the completion of specific modules during your course. The
specific module requirements for each qualifier title are noted below. Eligibility for any selected qualifier will be determined by the department and confirmed by the final year Board of
Examiners. If the required modules are not successfully completed, your course title will remain as described above without any bracketed addition. Selection of a course qualifier is
optional and student can register preferences or opt-out via Online Module Enrolment (eNROL).
None
Rules of assessment
Rules of assessment are the rules, principles and frameworks which the University uses to calculate your course progression and final results.
Additional notes
The choice of art history options, the topic of the dissertation, and the arrangements for the year abroad must be agreed in advance with an appropriate staff member in art history. The choice of modern language must be approved by the Modern Languages Teaching Co-ordinator.
If two languages are taken on this scheme, the second language must be studied for at least two consecutive years, and up to at least Intermediate level (level 3). If a single language is taken, the fourth component in the second and final years can be either an additional course in that language (where available) or a language descriptive course in that language, or another LA course approved by the scheme director.
Students who have the option to do so may, if they wish and have the module supervisor's permission, take 30 credits at level 6 in year 2. They may also take 30 credits at level 5 in year 3. It is recommended that students take 120 credits at level 6 as at least 90 credits at this level must be passed to be awarded a degree. See section D: Rules of Assessment.
External examiners
Dr Dominic Paterson
Senior Lecturer in History of Art / Curator of Contemporary Art
University of Glasgow
External Examiners provide an independent overview of our courses, offering their expertise and help towards our continual improvement of course content, teaching, learning, and assessment.
External Examiners are normally academics from other higher education institutions, but may be from the industry, business or the profession as appropriate for the course.
They comment on how well courses align with national standards, and on how well the teaching, learning and assessment methods allow students to develop and demonstrate the relevant knowledge and skills needed to achieve their awards.
External Examiners who are responsible for awards are key members of Boards of Examiners. These boards make decisions about student progression within their course and about whether students can receive their final award.
Programme aims
To enable students to become proficient in one or more modern languages, developing an appropriate level of fluency and accuracy in using the language(s) as a medium of understanding, expression and communication (both oral and written), with awareness of stylistic and sociolinguistic variation, and (where relevant higher-level modules are taken) developing a corresponding level of proficiency in translation, interpreting, and creative writing.
To develop students' understanding of aspects of the culture and society of one or more countries which use the chosen modern language(s) as a medium of communication, enabling them to draw comparisons with their own culture and observe contrasts, and (through the year abroad) to experience, engage with and integrate into another culture.
To introduce students to a variety of interpretative methods appropriate to texts and visual images.
To acquaint students with a range of contextual and comparative frameworks suitable for the study of culture, and especially visual art.
To provide the knowledge and skills (critical inquiry and argument, imaginative understanding, written, spoken and visual communication and presentation) that will not only stand students in good stead for more specialised academic careers, but will also enhance their opportunities for employment in a wide range of other careers.
Learning outcomes and learning, teaching and assessment methods
On successful completion of the programme a graduate should demonstrate knowledge and skills as follows:
A: Knowledge and understanding
A1: Phonology, morphology, syntax, lexis, usage, and socio-stylistic variation in the chosen modern language(s), and (on relevant higher-level courses) techniques of translation, interpreting and creative writing
A2: Aspects of the culture and society of one or more countries which use the chosen modern language(s) as a medium of communication, drawing comparisons with their own culture and observing contrasts
A3: Linguistic concepts and metalanguage used to describe and analyse the chosen modern language(s), and analytic methods and techniques used to analyse texts and other authentic modern language materials from a variety of perspectives.
A4: One or more periods or forms of visual art, including some awareness of substantive areas of current research
A5: The basic methods of argument appropriate to art history
A6: Some of the concepts, values and debates that inform study and practice in the field.
Learning methods
Modern language proficiency A1 is developed through classwork, homework, use of dedicated software and Web materials, and the year abroad. Cultural awareness A2 is developed through class and web materials, and the year abroad (during which students experience, engage with and integrate into another culture, either by a period of study at a partner institution offering the opportunity to operate in a different academic, linguistic and cultural environment, or by working as a language assistant and thereby acquiring valuable vocational experience of working abroad). Skills of linguistic analysis A3 are developed through study of authentic (textual, or video, or film, or aural) materials in class. A1-A3 are reinforced by feedback from staff in class, in office hours, or by email.
A4-A7 are developed in art history courses through lectures, classes, continuously assessed coursework (with regular feedback, both oral and written, from staff), and various study visits both within the UK and abroad. . Skills of visual analysis and theoretical understanding demonstrated in lectures are further developed in gallery visits in all three years at Essex and through seminar discussions and presentations.
Assessment methods
A1-A3 are assessed on Modern Languages courses by a range of methods which typically include: role-play activities; class presentations; oral exams; written coursework, e.g. essays, book reports, translations, project work; unseen written exams; class tests; web-based assignments involving a web search or producing web materials.
A4-A7 are assessed on art history modules from the first year to the final year of study.
Assessment of students' knowledge and understanding takes place through a variety of assessment instruments including coursework essays, individual presentations, virtual exhibitions, and unseen written examinations, including questions on visual material in photographic form.
B: Intellectual and cognitive skills
B1: Abstract and synthesise information from authentic written and spoken modern language materials
B2: Interact in the chosen modern language(s), expressing their own ideas (and responding to those put forward by others) coherently and articulately
B3: Analyse authentic modern language materials from a variety of perspectives
B4: Think independently and with an open mind
B5: Problem solve, applying knowledge and understanding to new material within a given framework of questions
Learning methods
B1-B3 are developed on Modern Languages courses by a range of methods which typically include: group discussion of topical themes and analysis of authentic (textual, or video, or film, or aural) materials in class; laboratory work involving use of dedicated software and Web materials; and staff advice, feedback and interaction with students in office hours and via email.
B4-B5 are acquired in art history courses through lectures, seminars, one-to-one tutorials (where appropriate), and feedback on essays. Gallery visits and encounters with unfamiliar visual artefacts provide an opportunity for students to develop problem-solving skills.
Assessment methods
B1-B3 are assessed on Modern Languages courses by a range of methods which typically include: role-play activities; class presentations; oral exams; written coursework, e.g. essays, book reports, translations, project work; unseen written exams; class tests; web-based assignments involving a web search or producing web materials.
B4-B5 are assessed by written essays, take-home research papers, in-class slide tests, summaries of weekly readings, and unseen written examinations, including questions on visual material in photographic form.
C: Practical skills
C1: Organise and present (orally and in writing) ideas and materials in the chosen modern language(s)
C2: Gather and process information from different sources, e.g. do a bibliographic search, access material from online databases and locate and download appropriate materials from the web
C3: Demonstrate Visual Skills: including observation (not only recognition of materials and techniques but also other aspects of works of visual art such as formal organisation or narrative structure), description (using ordinary as well as specialised language) and interpretation (recognising necessary differences between language and visual art, making appropriate use of personal responses, relating works of visual art to historical and contemporary cultural context)
C4: Demonstrate Critical Skills: including selection of relevant material, and appraisal of other people's arguments on the basis of familiarity with source materials and current literature
C5: Demonstrate Writing Skills: including use of proper academic conventions and effective use of language to convey particular and general responses of readers or viewers to works of literature or art
C6: Ability to apply the necessary organisational and cultural skills for living and working abroad.
Learning methods
C1 and C2 are developed on Modern Languages courses by a range of methods which typically include: group discussion of topical themes and analysis of authentic (textual, or video, or film, or aural) materials in class; laboratory work involving use of dedicated software and Web materials; and staff advice, feedback and interaction with students in office hours and via email.
C3-C5 are introduced in art history lectures and developed through classes and seminars.
Guidance on all three skills is given in supervision of essays, and in the Art History Handbook (available on-line).
Gallery visits form a crucial element in the development of C3. Guidance on the relevant skills is also given through orientation visits to the Albert Sloman Library.
C6 is acquired through the guided but relatively independent process of organising and successfully completing a period of living and studying abroad.
Assessment methods
C1 and C2 are assessed on Modern Languages courses by a range of methods which typically include: role-play activities; class presentations; oral exams; written coursework, e.g. essays, book reports, translations, project work; unseen written exams; class tests; web-based assignments involving a web search or producing web materials.
C3-C5 are assessed by written essays, take-home research papers, in-class slide tests, summaries of weekly readings, and unseen written examinations, including questions on visual material in photographic form.
Provision is made for students to be assessed by a dissertation in lieu of a taught course in art history in year four, subject to their ability to define an acceptable topic in consultation with a chosen supervisor.
C6 is assessed throughout the Year Abroad.
D: Key skills
D1: Present ideas, information and arguments (both orally and in writing) effectively and clearly in English and the chosen modern language(s) (with the level of modern language fluency depending on the level of the courses taken); be an effective listener; deploy visual material in a variety of media in the context of presentations or written work
D2: Demonstrate IT skills which will typically include the ability to do word processing, use Powerpoint and e-mail, conduct bibliographic searches, locate and download internet materials and utilise software packages
D3: Analyse relevant materials, identifying problems; apply knowledge and understanding in order to make judgements and offer creative solutions in a range of contexts
D4: Collaborate with others to work creatively and flexibly as part of a team (only on Modern Language components).
D5: Work autonomously showing organisation, self-discipline and time management; reflect on their own work and respond constructively to the comments of others; learn new material; adapt to new ways of learning; take responsibility for their own work
Learning methods
Methods employed to develop key skills on Modern Languages courses typically include: group discussion of topical themes and analysis of authentic (textual, or video, or film, or aural) materials in class; laboratory work involving use of dedicated software and Web materials; and staff advice, feedback and interaction with students in office hours and via email.
On History of Art courses, D1, D3 and D5 are cultivated through seminars, lectures and gallery visits.
D1 is also acquired through personal instruction prior to class presentations by students.
Students are expected to acquire D2 independently after initial induction in the first year
Assessment methods
Methods employed to assess key skills on Modern Languages courses typically include: role-play activities; class presentations which may involve the use of PowerPoint; oral exams; written coursework, e.g.
Essays, book reports, translations, project work; unseen written exams; class tests; web-based assignments involving a web search or producing web materials.
On History of Art courses, D1, D2, D3, D5 are assessed through performance on coursework and examinations.