You’ll study archaeology, anthropology and art history as an integrated whole, and will develop a multi-faceted appreciation of the visual and material culture of a wide range of places and times. You’ll begin to understand how the interaction of people and things is fundamental to humanity. 

By studying archaeology, you’ll gain the ‘long view’ of how people successfully (or unsuccessfully) adapted and changed over hundreds and even thousands of years. Anthropology will provide you with multiple perspectives on how we live and interact now. From art history, you’ll gain an understanding of how human creativity has shaped the world we live in, from technological creativity to individual ingenuity. 

You’ll have the opportunity to study the collections of the world-famous Sainsbury Centre for Visual Arts, itself a celebrated icon of modern museum architecture. This means you’ll have access to important artworks from Asia, Africa, the Pacific, the Americas, and Europe. You will be able to study relevant objects at first hand, while learning about the processes of collecting objects for museums. You’ll be taught by experts from a range of disciplinary backgrounds, who will encourage you to approach works of art from different perspectives. 

The department of Art History and World Art Studies at UEA is a world-leading art history department. Our main areas of research are the history of art and architecture in Europe and North America, the arts of Africa, Asia, Oceania and South America, the archaeology and anthropology of art, and museum studies and cultural heritage. 

We are part of a close network of internationally renowned centres for the study and display of art: the Sainsbury Centre for Visual Arts, the Sainsbury Research Unit for the Arts of Africa, Oceania and the Americas, and the Sainsbury Institute for the Study of Japanese Arts and Cultures. 

PLACEMENT YEAR AND STUDY ABROAD

You’ll spend a year studying at one of our prestigious partner universities overseas in Europe, the US, Canada, Australia or New Zealand. Study abroad is a wonderfully enriching life experience – you will develop confidence and resilience, while learning about another culture. 

AFTER THE COURSE

You’ll graduate ready for a wide range of careers in the art world, the heritage industry, academia, art publishing, teaching, and business. You’ll be equipped with sought-after skills such as independent and critical thinking, time management, teamwork, organisation and research skills, public speaking and more. Your experience of studying in a world-famous art museum will give you an edge in the sector. You will also be well placed to study for a postgraduate degree either here at UEA or at another university. Our Careers Service is here to support you with advice on writing CVs and applying for internships. In the department we work closely with the Careers Service to provide workshops and seminars with successful alumni. 

CAREER DESTINATIONS

Recent graduates have entered a number of fields, including: 

• Museums and art galleries 

• Commercial art galleries 

• Event management 

• Publishing 

• Journalism 

• Teaching/lecturing