Choosing history of art having never studied it before

Studying History of Art at York even if you haven’t previously studied History of Art

Having never studied art history before university, I was daunted by the prospect of studying something entirely new to me. But, I quickly learnt that there are no expectations as to how much knowledge you will already have, only that you come willing to accumulate more.

In fact, a relatively blank slate can be better, as it may help you make exciting and diverse module choices. I came to university with no real knowledge of the Italian Renaissance. However, I selected it out of curiosity and ended up loving it. Core modules will give you a strong foundation, so you’ll feel more within your comfort zone and ready to explore!

A friendly department and lots to see and do around campus!

At university, you can easily feel lost in a sea of people, which can be a scary transition from school where everyone seems to know everyone. Being part of a smaller and very welcoming department like History of Art is a really great remedy for this sense of isolation; there’s always someone friendly to speak to in the department office. We also have a newly appointed wellbeing officer to check in with.

There’s so much to do in collaboration with others, from curating exhibitions as a group or going on field trips. The ones I went on recently took me to Newcastle and Scarborough (not all the good art is in London!)

York has a pretty great collection of artwork to its name, not least the campus itself. The University has recently appointed an art curator, Helena Cox. She is an incredibly enthusiastic person who collaborates with students and departments, curating exhibitions, for example the recent Art of Politics Trail.

The campus, aside from being full of the wildlife for which it is famous, is also full of works of art. So, as well as many and varied new exhibitions to look forward to and maybe even become involved in yourself, there is also art to see whilst making your way around campus.

Something I particularly love is the Borthwick Institute for Archives, which houses lots of amazing artefacts and artworks. I loved looking through the old photos of the University in particular and encountering a letter from Barbara Hepworth herself!

Some of the things to do at York University beyond your course

There are a number of arts-based societies to join. I find these can be really helpful in creating a space to pause from studies during the week. The Scott Award, for example, which I am a part of, brings free art workshops to students across the semester and runs an annual art competition.

Another society I have loved being in is the Print and Press Society. It’s inspired by the long history of print in York, as well as the University’s very own Thin Ice Press. Art Society has a campus-based studio for students where you can make your own work!

You can even exhibit at the unique Norman Rea Gallery, the only student-led gallery in the UK. This can provide you with an incredibly hands-on opportunity to curate exhibitions. It’s a great way to meet people who love art as much as you do. It also looks pretty good on your CV, too.

I love attending their openings. They are great fun and attended by people across the university, bringing art to the masses!

What is there for History of Art students in the city of York itself?

York Art Gallery contains an amazing Centre for Ceramic Arts with an extensive ceramics collection and every year at York I discover another great artist open studio or craft market, most recently I went to a Zine fair!

Apart from being an undeniably beautiful city, containing so much art history within its walls, York has a stunning minster. Whether or not you’re a medievalist, this magnificent building will definitely crop up in your modules – most recently I had a seminar there looking for traces of India (look for the elephants!)

Thanks for reading and I hope whatever decision you make is the right one for you!