History of Art

History of Art involves the visual analysis of art and architecture at close-hand and offers opportunities to explore issues of history, theory, criticism and display. You cover a broad sweep of art history in the first year and have the chance to choose more specialised subjects in the second and third years. A high level of individual attention and support is available from experts in the field, both in the and in the University's art museums and galleries. More details about the course can be found on the .

History of Art at Murray Edwards

Murray Edwards is a unique environment to study History of Art, with its striking architecture and its world-class collection of art by women artists. There are many opportunities for students to get involved with the art collection, including direct access to the works of art when considering dissertation topics and the opportunity to work on projects alongside the curator. We typically admit 1-2 History of Art undergraduates a year, meaning that students are part of a small but dedicated community, whilst also being connected to the wider network of historians within the College and across Cambridge as a whole.

Typical offer

A Level: A*AA

IB: 42 (776)

Required subjects

No specific subjects are required.

Admissions assessment

No admissions assessment is required.

Written work

Applicants are not required to submit written work.

What the students say

Jin Cheng

Studying History of Art at Cambridge has opened up so many wonderful pathways. The city’s rich architecture and world-class collections, including the Fitzwilliam Museum, the MAA, Kettle’s Yard, and our very own Women’s Art Collection, have been invaluable to my studies. I’ve loved the variety of courses, from eighteenth-century British architecture to global Renaissance sculpture, and the opportunity to pursue in-depth research from an early stage. In my first year, I wrote a short dissertation on the college Library, drawing on the college’s archival material. Since then, I’ve explored topics ranging from feminist spatial theories to Sino-British exchange in the Enlightenment.

Murray Edwards is a unique place to grow, both intellectually and as a person. There is a genuine community of women here – thoughtful, ambitious, and supportive. The Women’s Art Collection animates everyday life, and conversations with my DoS and the curators have been both formative and inspiring. I love showing visitors around and sharing the college’s vision, where women are encouraged to imagine differently and create change. From serving as a student rep and President of the Fitzwilliam Museum Society to joining the King’s Entrepreneurship Lab, my experience here has helped me find my voice and imagine new possibilities through art.