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Overview

Typical offer: A*AA (or equivalent)

Required subjects: None

Useful subjects: History and Art

Number of students per year: At least 1

The BA in History of Art covers a wide spectrum of art and architecture, from the medieval to the modern period, placing special emphasis on the first-hand study of works of art. It offers a springboard into careers in museums and galleries, heritage management, fine art dealing, publishing, advertising and the visual media.  Lucy Cavendish has a small but supportive community of Art Historians, comprising around five Bachelors, Masters, and PhD students.

 

 

In Part I students will gain an overview of over 2000 years of art and architectural history, exploring the means of art and architecture with a focus on collections and buildings within Cambridge.

In Part II students have the opportunity to specialise in areas that interest them. Students take two ‘special subjects’ each year, and a compulsory course each year.

In third year, students also study the History of the ‘Display’ of art; how museums and collections develop, and how the physical context of an object in an exhibition can affect the impression it makes to the viewer.

There are also opportunities for students to pursue an independent research on a topic of their choice in first and final year.

Further information can be found on the Faculty and University websites.  

Typical offers require

  • A Level: A*AA
  • IB: 42 points, with 776 at Higher Level
  • Advanced Highers: A1, A2, A2

For other qualifications see the main entrance requirements pages on the University website. 

Subject Requirements

A-level

Required: None

Highly recommended: History and Art

IB

Required: None

Highly recommended: Higher Level History and Visual Arts

Mature students and those taking other qualifications are encouraged to contact our Admissions Office (at admissions@lucy.cam.ac.uk) to discuss the entry requirements for their qualifications.

Written work

Candidates are not required to submit written work.

Assessments

Applicants shortlisted for interview are required to sit a Cambridge College registered admissions assessment. Applicants do not need to register themselves for this assessment in advance. 

Interviews

Interviews allow us to distinguish amongst excellent applicants by assessing the skills and aptitudes essential for successful study in higher education, and your academic qualities – essentially, how do you think?

For 2024 entry, interviews for all applicants to Lucy Cavendish will take place virtually. The aims and content will still be the same as in-person interviews. You can read more about Lucy Cavendish's online interviews here and you can read the University's information on interviews here.

Each candidate typically has two interviews, lasting between twenty and thirty minutes. In some cases, you will be given preparatory material beforehand.

In a few subjects, you will be interviewed by more than one College or in the Faculty. You will be notified of this in your interview invitation.

Supracurricular exploration is an important way to expand your knowledge of your subject, explore your interests and develop your skills. Our new webpage contains guidance on supracurricular exploration and a comprehensive source of resources, grouped according to undergraduate degrees at Cambridge. 

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Attend an open day or event

Our Events and Open Days page advertises regular events held by Lucy Cavendish College. If you can, join us for a College Open Day to discuss your application with a member of our admissions team.