Art History

Examination board: CIE Cambridge

International Examinations

Why study Art History (Pre-U)?

Curious about what Art means or how and why it was made? Then Art History Pre-U could be for you. An endlessly fascinating subject, it connects everything else you have ever learnt. The Pre-U combines well with Arts and Sciences as we explore how buildings stand up, the science of light and the Maths behind harmonious proportion. The lessons (exploring art through talks, film and discussion) are taught in a relaxed, but intellectually vigorous, atmosphere more like university than school. You will learn and use the correct artistic vocabulary in your essays to articulate your enthusiasm and knowledge (though help is on hand for those who need to develop their writing skills). While you don’t need to be able to draw, you do need to be academically curious, enthusiastic, and open minded to engage with the ideas that have shaped our culture. All artists express ideas about society, history, politics, wars, religion, power and all the big questions in life: love, death, joy and sorrow.

Studying this subject opens your eyes to the world and helps you understand what it is to be human. Art History stimulates intellectual enquiry and encourages independent thought as it requires observation, reflection and analysis as well as critical thinking and effective communication: brilliant university preparation. Career opportunities abound for Art History graduates: research, publishing, journalism, museums, the art market, curating exhibitions, restoration, advertising, interior design, education and television.