History of art and design

The University of Brighton provides a diverse programme of courses in history of art and design that critically examine how politics, culture and society influence design, art and art-making.

Students have opportunities to build practical experience through placements and field trips and by using our world-class collections, such as the Design Archives, which include the Design Council Archives, and our Dress and Textiles teaching collection.

See our history of art and design courses.

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Latest from this subject area

Podcast: Victorian invention of Christmas

Dr Charlotte Nicklas, course leader for Fashion and Dress History discusses how the Victorians invented much of the commercialised Christmas.

Thinking about choosing a history of art and design degree?

Here are a set of short videos by academic staff in the History of Art and Design programme exploring some of the subjects we teach and/or the approaches we use.

Exploring claims to Beethoven’s legacy

Humanities researcher Dr Aakanksha Virkar Yates appears on a BBC Radio 3 documentary this Friday 25 September (midday) to discuss Beethoven’s artistic and philosophical legacy and his influence on politics in the early 20th century.

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Choose Brighton

Graduate with experience

The opportunity to do a placement during the course and our links with local and international museums and galleries mean you’ll graduate with valuable professional experience.

Excellent resources

On site resources include the Design Archives, the Dress History Teaching Collection  and Screen Archive South East. Resources within the city of Brighton and Hove include The Keep, home to the Royal Pavilion & Museums Local History Collections and the Mass Observation Archive.

Ideal learning environment

Class sizes are small and you will be encouraged to find your independent voice in spoken and written form.

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History of art and design

Latest from this subject area

Podcast: Victorian invention of Christmas