The Art History Course is curated and presented by Hilary Kay, Antiques Roadshow Presenter
12 different authors contribute their expertise
Ask for assistance at any time
An opportunity to connect with other students globally
No pressure to meet deadlines
Flexible payment options
Start your course when it suits you
7 day money back guarantee
Tutors are drawn from major Art institutions and will guide you through the course
The Art History Course is provided by The Art Institute, presented and curated by art and antiques consultant Hilary Kay. Hilary has brought together 12 passionate art specialists to create an introductory course, designed to provide you with a broad understanding of western art, its history and the world that surrounds it. The Art Institute is registered with the UK Register of Learning Providers: UK Provider Reference Number is 10027300.
The Art History course is delivered online and consists of 12 modules and 12 corresponding assignments. You can study in your own time and at your own pace to get the most out of every module. Normally, you would expect to be dedicating an average of about 4-6 hours per week for 24 weeks. However, many students take up to one year to complete their studies because of family or work commitments. Extensions are available for purchase if required.
Students have the opportunity to delve deeper into specific areas of interest in art by purchasing Advanced Modules. These are similar to short courses and are specially formulated materials to challenge motivated students to achieve more.
Expand your knowledge and skills with our online, live workshops. As a student enrolled in our course, you’ll gain exclusive access to our exceptional lineup of online sessions, carefully curated to empower you on your learning journey.
Hilary Kay is an art and antiques consultant, broadcaster, international lecturer and writer. She is one of the most familiar faces on BBC TV's Antiques Roadshow having joined this successful and long running programme as an expert in 1979. Hilary has featured in countless other television and radio programmes and, in 2010, she won BBC TV's Celebrity Mastermind. Her career in art and antiques began in 1977 when she joined Sotheby's, rising rapidly to head of department; the following year she became Sotheby's youngest ever auctioneer when she took her first sale at the age of 21.
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Each module has been written by a different author recognised in his or her area of expertise. All authors, including the tutors have been drawn from major art institutions, academia and from the international art world. They are all passionate about their subject; they have wide experience in teaching their chosen field to an eclectic audience and are keen to share their knowledge and enthusiasm with you.
Libby has edited art historical books, practical drawing guides and art education publications. She has also been a fine art lecturer and creative development coach for over thirty years. She currently works at The Glasgow School of Art supporting students and graduates with their preparations to become professional practitioners, while maintaining her own writing and fine art practice, focusing on painting and drawing.
Stephen Farthing studied at St Martin's School of Art, London (1969-73) before taking his Masters Degree in Painting at the Royal College of Art, London (1973-76). Here he was awarded an Abbey Major Scholarship, taking him to The British School at Rome for a year from 1976. His teaching career began as a Lecturer in Painting at Canterbury College of Art (1977-79), after which he was a Tutor in painting at the Royal College of Art, London from 1980 to 1985.
Francesca is a writer and art historian based in Bristol. Since graduating with Distinction from the Warburg Institute in 2015, she has launched into a varied freelance career in the arts. Working at the interface between art and the public has left her adept at transforming complex ideas and academic jargon into something both accessible and (fingers crossed) entertaining.
London
The course is a fantastic first step to understanding the history of art, the feedback is insightful, and it does help shape your ability to hone critiquing and observe the nuances of art history.
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Laverton, Gloucestershire
My two year journey has profoundly affected so many aspects of my ‘ways of seeing’ and understanding. Researching, contemplating, assimilating and writing about art within its historical and political context has broadened my knowledge beyond recognition.
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Kyiv, Ukraine
Thanks to this course and the priceless information it has provided me, I was able to be accepted to study for my Master’s degree in the subject I love in the UK!
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Bedford
Having completed this course, I feel that I have new eyes that view art in a completely different way than before. I now know that I previously viewed art on a purely surface level.
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Bath
This is a brilliant course if you want to appreciate art and its history, have a better understanding of the art world and be more curious about the context that precipitated changes in art.
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London
This was a great course, informative and constructed in a way that whets your appetite to want to learn more.
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We offer our course in 8 countries around the world.
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