Modern Languages and History of Art and Visual Culture BA (Hons)
Royal Holloway, University of London

Key Course Facts
Course Description
This Joint Honours course you will deepen your understanding of the visual arts, and give you the opportunity to gain fluency in the language of your choice - French, German, Italian or Spanish.
Whether you start at beginners’, advanced or native-speaker level, you will study the core language components for the language you have chosen, gaining skills in writing, reading, speaking and listening. All our teaching is led by native speakers.
The remainder of your modern languages study will give you an opportunity to explore the literature, art, culture and history of the language area you are studying, from seventeenth-century French theatre to representations of childhood and youth in German culture, and from Italian fashion and design to visual arts from all the corners of the Spanish-speaking world. As a modern linguist, you will develop excellent communication and research skills, and combine proficiency in multiple languages with cross-cultural perspectives.
In your third year you will have the opportunity to spend a year working, teaching or studying abroad, where you will immerse yourself in another language and culture, truly broadening your horizons in the process.
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On graduation you will have language and analytical skills in a modern language together with additional knowledge of culture, society and history, culture and society that will give you a valuable competitive edge in an increasingly globalised world.
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Our research staff are engaged in research at the highest level internationally; we are in the top 10 of UK Modern Language departments for research quality and the top in London (Research Assessment Exercise 2014).
History of Art and Visual Culture will give you the skills to read, interpret and analyse images and artefacts across cultures. You will benefit from the research expertise of staff in the School of Modern Languages, Literatures and Cultures, engaging in the key phases in the development of the history of art and visual culture of Europe and Latin America, equipping you with the skills You can take courses on key historical skills and take options that combine the study of art history with that of photography, film and other media, ranging from medieval times to contemporary visual culture.
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Make use of Royal Holloway’s exceptional collection of Victorian Art housed in the Founder’s Picture Gallery
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Choose options in Visual Culture from across the School of Modern Languages, Literatures and Cultures
In the event of a no-deal Brexit, we will commit to providing 2019 and 2020 entry students with a subsidy equivalent to current Erasmus+ funding (where this would have previously been funded by the Erasmus+ scheme). To find out more visit the Erasmus+ page.
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Choose beginners’, advanced or native-speaker level French, German, Spanish or Italian.
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Spend a year abroad working, studying or teaching.
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Make use of our renowned Founder’s Picture Gallery and new Exhibition Space.
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Options in art history, photography and film.
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Interpret and analyse images, artefacts and media.
Student Reviews
Below you can see course specific reviews for 26 graduates of Modern Languages and History of Art and Visual Culture BA (Hons) at Royal Holloway, University of London for each of the survey questions in comparison to the average for all UK degree courses in History of Art.
Primarily based on data from undergraduate degree students.
All History of Art courses of Royal Holloway, University of London
Salary
Salary of Graduates of Modern Languages and History of Art and Visual Culture BA (Hons) at Royal Holloway, University of London
Important: Salary data below is not course specific, but contains data of all students of Modern Languages and History of Art and Visual Culture BA (Hons) at the university. Due to data collection methodology, salary data is mainly based on data related to undergraduate students.
15 months after graduation | 3 years after graduation | 5 years after graduation | |
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Median salary | £23000 | £25000 | £29000 |
25-75 percentile range | £20000 - £28000 | £21000 - £29500 | £23500 - £40500 |
All History of Art courses of Royal Holloway, University of London
Salary of all UK Graduates of History of Art
15 months after graduation | 3 years after graduation | 5 years after graduation | |
---|---|---|---|
Median salary | £23758 | £23693 | £27744 |
25-75 percentile range | £20274 - £27368 | £17937 - £29563 | £21216 - £36573 |
All History of Art courses of UK
What You Will Learn
Programme content: As a student of Modern Languages and History of Art and Visual Culture, BA (Hons) you will study the following course modules.
Year 1
Year 2
Year 3
Year 4
Jobs & Career Perspectives
15 months after graduation, graduates of this course were asked about what they do and, if they are working, about their current job and their perspectives.
All History of Art courses of Royal Holloway, University of London
Current jobs
Job in line with future plans
Utilise skills from studies
Work is meaningful
Required skill level of job after 15 months
% Skilled jobs
Jobs of graduates of this course (15 months after graduation)
Example below based on all graduates of Modern Languages and History of Art and Visual Culture BA (Hons) at Royal Holloway, University of London
15% | Business and public service associate professionals |
15% | Teaching and Childcare Support Occupation |
10% | Administrative occupations |
10% | Sales occupations |
5% | Information Technology Professionals |
5% | Other Educational Professionals |
5% | Secretarial and related occupations |
5% | Business, Research and Administrative Professionals |
5% | Skilled trades occupations |
5% | Protective service occupations |
Grading Distribution
Students of the course received the following grades
Entry Requirements / Admissions
Minimum Required UCAS Tariff
UCAS Tariff of Accepted Students for this course
All History of Art courses of Royal Holloway, University of London
Qualification requirements
Where an applicant is taking the EPQ alongside A-levels, the EPQ will be taken into consideration and result in lower A-level grades being required. Socio-economic factors which may have impacted an applicant’s education will be taken into consideration and alternative offers may be made to these applicants. Grade B at A level in the appropriate language(s) for the advanced level language pathway. For the beginners language pathway there is no language requirement but only one language can be studied at beginners level.
Including the appropriate language if the advanced level language pathway is required. There is no language requirement for beginners level.
Access course must be in a relevant subject area. Please note that the Access to Higher Education Diploma will only be acceptable if the applicant has had a considerable break from education. Grade B at A level in the appropriate language(s) for the advanced level language pathway. For the beginners language pathway there is no language requirement but only one language can be studied at beginners level.
Including the appropriate language if the advanced level language pathway is required. There is no language requirement for beginners level.
BTEC must be in a relevant subject with an A-level grade B in the appropriate language if the advanced level language pathway is required. There is no language requirement for beginners level.
BTEC must be in a relevant subject area plus A Level Grade B. Grade B at A level in the appropriate language for the advanced level language pathway. For the beginners language pathway there is no language requirement but only one language can be studied at beginners level.
5,5,5, with a minimum of 32 points overall including the appropriate language(s) if taken at Higher Level.
BTEC must be in a relevant subject with an A-level grade B in the appropriate language if the advanced level language pathway is required. There is no language requirement for beginners level.
Including the appropriate language(s) if the advanced level language pathway is required. There is no language requirement for beginners level.
Plus A Levels Grades B,B. Grade B at A level in the appropriate language for the advanced level language pathway. For the beginners language pathway there is no language requirement but only one language can be studied at beginners level.
Requirements are as for A Levels where one non subject specified A Level can be replaced by the same grade in the Welsh Baccalaureate - Advanced Skills Challenge Certificate
Applicants with the Cambridge Pre-U are strongly encouraged to apply to Royal Holloway. Offers will be made on the basis of equivalent A-Level grades as can be found on the Royal Holloway website.
Combinations of qualifications will be considered on an individual basis, please contact us on [email protected] to discuss your situation
Requirements for international students / English requirements
IELTS academic test score (similar tests may be accepted as well)
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- 6.5
- Graduate Degrees
- (minimum 7.0 in Writing)
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- 6.5
- Undergraduate Degrees
Get advice on which foundation courses are best for you to still be able to join Modern Languages and History of Art and Visual Culture, BA (Hons).
Costs
Tuition Fees Modern Languages and History of Art and Visual Culture BA (Hons)
EU | £19300 | year 1 |
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Ireland | £9250 | year 1 |
England UK | £9250 | year 1 |
Northern Ireland | £9250 | year 1 |
Scotland | £9250 | year 1 |
Wales | £9250 | year 1 |
Channel Islands | £9250 | year 1 |
International | £19300 | year 1 |
Additional fee information
The UK Government has confirmed that EU nationals are no longer eligible to pay the same fees as UK students, nor be eligible for funding from the Student Loans Company https://www.gov.uk/government/organisations/student-loans-company. This means you will be classified as an international student. At Royal Holloway, we wish to support those students affected by this change in status through this transition. For eligible EU students starting their course with us in September 2022, we will award a fee reduction scholarship equivalent to 60% of the difference between the UK and international fee for your course. This will apply for the duration of your course.
Fees for international students may increase year-on-year in line with the rate of inflation. The policy at Royal Holloway is that any increases in fees will not exceed 5% for continuing students. For further information see fees and funding https://www.royalholloway.ac.uk/studying-here/fees-and-funding/ and our terms and conditions https://www.royalholloway.ac.uk/studying-here/applying/admissions-policy-and-procedures/.
Other essential costs:
These estimated costs relate to studying this particular degree programme at Royal Holloway. Costs, such as accommodation, food, books and other learning materials and printing etc., have not been included.
Average student cost of living in the UK
Rent | £518 |
Water, gas electricity, internet (at home) | £50 |
Supermarket shopping | £81 |
Clothing | £35 |
Eating out | £33 |
Alcohol | £27 |
Takeaways / food deliveries | £30 |
Going out / entertainment (excl.alcohol, food) | £24 |
Holidays and weekend trips | £78 |
Transport within city | £17 |
Self-care / sports | £20 |
Stationary / books | £13 |
Mobile phone / internet | £13 |
Cable TV / streaming | £7 |
Insurance | £51 |
Other | £95 |
Average student cost of living | £1092 |
London costs approx 34% more than average, mainly due to rent being 67% higher than average of other cities. For students staying in student halls, costs of water, gas, electricity, wifi are generally included in the rental. Students in smaller cities where accommodation is in walking/biking distance transport costs tend to be significantly smaller.
How to apply
Application deadline:
January 1, 2024
This is the deadline for applications to be completed and sent for this course. If the university or college still has places available you can apply after this date, but your application is not guaranteed to be considered.
Possible Entry Points:
- year 1 (Default entry point)
University Rankings
Positions of Royal Holloway, University of London in top UK and global rankings.
Rankings of Royal Holloway, University of London in related subject specific rankings.
Social Studies & Humanities
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- #27
- #31
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- History
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CUG The Complete University Guide - By Subject
[Published 13 June, 2022]
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- #29
- #32
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- History
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The Guardian University League Tables by Subject
[Published 24 September, 2022]
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- #23
- #151
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- History
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QS World University Rankings By Subject
[Published 20 April, 2022]
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- #26
- #174
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- History
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URAP University Ranking by Academic Performance - By Subject
[Published 06 June, 2020]
See all university rankings of Royal Holloway, University of London
What students say about studying History of Art in the UK?
About Royal Holloway, University of London
Royal Holloway, University of London, was founded in 1886, and is located in the suburban setting of Egham, South East England. The campus is home to an impressive Victorian era Picture Gallery, which serves as a museum for a collection of highly-valued art. The Royal Holloway Founder’s Building, the main feature of the campus, is where students will find their on-site accommodation, as well as the old style but extensively equipped library.
Where is this programme taught



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Ranking publishers
The University League Tables
- Published:
- 13 June, 2022
- Criteria used in ranking -CUG The Complete University Guide - By Subject:
- Entry Standards 26%
Student Satisfaction 26%
Research Quality 22%
Graduate Prospects 26%
British Quacquarelli Symonds, UK
- Published:
- 20 April, 2022
- Criteria used in ranking -QS World University Rankings By Subject:
- - Academic Reputation 30%
- Employer Reputation 10%
- Research Citations Per Paper 30%
- H-index 30%
The Guardian News and Media Limited
- Published:
- 24 September, 2022
- Criteria used in ranking -The Guardian University League Tables by Subject:
- Student to Staff Ratio 15%
Entry Standards 15%
Expenditure per Student 5%
Continuation 15% (non-medical subjects) OR 5% (medical subjects)
NSS - Teaching 8%
NSS - Assessment & Feedback 8%
NSS - Overall Satisfaction 4%
Career Prospects 15%
Value added 15%
Urap
- Published:
- 06 June, 2020