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History of Art, Architecture and Design

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Depending on the focus of their degree programme, a graduate in history of art, architecture and design typically will have the ability to:

  • understand aspects of the culture of more than one geographical region and/or chronological period
  • understand the processes through which artefacts are designed and constructed
  • observe artefacts closely and systematically, informed by appropriate knowledge of materials, techniques and cultural contexts
  • record and describe artefacts with clarity and precision, using ordinary and specialist language as appropriate to the topic and the intended audience
  • use appropriate methodologies for locating, assessing and interpreting primary sources
  • produce logical and structured narratives and arguments supported by relevant evidence
  • discriminate between alternative arguments and approaches
  • apply knowledge and experience so as to make appropriate decisions in complex and incompletely charted contexts
  • retrieve and organise information and carry out research with limited guidance
  • communicate information, arguments and ideas cogently and effectively as appropriate to particular audiences, and in written, spoken or other form using visual aids and IT resources
  • listen effectively and participate constructively in discussion
  • deploy visual material in conjunction with written, oral and other forms of communication, such as illustrated essays and seminars, slide, moving image or multimedia presentations
  • be open and receptive to new things and ideas
  • undertake and complete familiar and unfamiliar set tasks
  • work constructively and productively in groups
  • work to briefs and deadlines, including managing concurrent projects
  • take responsibility for one's own work
  • reflect on one's own learning, and to make constructive use of feedback.

History of art, architecture and design is concerned with the production, circulation and reception of meanings and values in history. Students may consider artefacts broadly as things which have been made, things which have been designed, things which carry meaning and value, and as things the understanding of which is enriched by contextual study.

The subject area shares history's critical concerns with evaluating archival, literary and other forms of evidence. It develops competence in identifying, evaluating and deploying visual evidence in historical arguments and narratives. It is concerned with the cultural and personal conditions which shape the production, use and valuing of artefacts in the societies for which they were made, and also with the ways in which such artefacts have been subsequently interpreted and treated. This leads to the study, for example, of patronage, of collecting, of the everyday use of designed objects, of the evolution of the built environment as well as to the study of critical, theoretical and art-historical writing on art, architecture and design.

History of art, architecture and design is also concerned with the way that artefacts form part of wider signifying systems such as in their connections with literature or religion, with medical, scientific, economic, social or philosophical discourses, or with other shared beliefs or behaviours. Degree programmes are characterised by the training which they offer in close, informed and rigorous looking at artefacts and in other forms of sensory attention to objects or performances. This training inculcates competencies which are often called visual literacy.

In common with other graduates in art, design and media, graduates are faced with complex career paths involving a mixture of short-term contracts, employment, further study, part-time and freelance work rather than a predictable career progression. At the same time, the subject is desirable for a career as academic librarian, arts administrator, fine arts auctioneer/valuer, editorial assistant, lecturer, curator, picture researcher, teacher and tour manager.

To check the growing range of resources produced by the Subject Centre to support employability and the use of this profile (including the Skills and Attributes map) go to www.brighton.ac.uk/adm-hea.

This profile, produced in 2004, is based on the QAA benchmark to be found at www.qaa.ac.uk/academicinfrastructure/benchmark/honours/default.asp


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