The Certificate in History of Art I explores the classical world, and particularly the painting, sculpture and architecture of the Greeks and Romans. The second unit examines how Constantine's adoption of Christianity changed world history and how the liturgical needs of the new religion was expressed in objects and buildings. Finally, the third unit traces the rise of the Romanesque and Gothic styles and explores the flowering of the arts of painting, sculpture and architecture as well as new and original art forms such as narrative stained glass.
The evening sessions will take place on Tuesdays.
What will I be studying?
Unit 1: The classical world
6 October - 15 December 2015
This first unit will examine the painting, sculpture and architecture of the Greeks and Romans. Special emphasis will be given to Greek vase painting, Roman wall painting, Mosaic art, monumental sculpture, portraiture and tomb design. Further classes will focus on the Orders of Architecture, the Temple and materials, especially concrete, and the social context of so much Greek and Roman building – baths, circuses, palaces and houses, law courts and town planning. There will be a visit to the British Museum.
Unit 2: The early Christian world
12 January - 22 March 2016
Constantine changed the course of world history. His adoption of Christianity also began the long story of Christian art and architecture. The period 330-1000 AD saw the rise of several new styles and art forms – Byzantine, Anglo-Saxon, illuminated manuscripts and so on. This unit will examine the origin of the various church ‘models’, the liturgical needs of the new religion as expressed in objects and buildings, the introduction of northern stylistic elements not ultimately derived from classical art and the needs of new organisations such as monasteries. There will be a visit to the resources of Cambridge College libraries.
Unit 3: The medieval world
12 April - 21 June 2016
The period from 1000-1530 AD saw a flowering of all the arts of painting, sculpture and architecture as well as new and original art forms such as narrative stained glass. This unit will trace the rise of Romanesque and Gothic architecture and its associated sculptural decorations, the rich local resources of paintings and all kinds of liturgical fittings such as metalwork, embroidery and ivory carving. There will be visits to the Fitwilliam Museum and Ely cathedral.
How will I be taught and assessed?
The course is taught through a mixture of informal lectures and seminars, fieldtrips, practical sessions and discussion. You will learn how to present and support evidence both through speaking and writing. You will also have access to online support through our virtual learning environment, which will accelerate your learning and enhance your experience of the course.
Visit the ICE Online introductory website for a taste of the kind of online support you will receive.
All students are expected to take an active part in the course and submit work showing evidence of learning. In particular, you will be expected in each term to:
- attend the teaching sessions, including gallery visits
- participate actively in class work
- undertake reading and assignments set by the tutors
- access resources and submit assignments through ICE Online, the Institute’s virtual learning environment.
It is essential that students have an email account and regular access to an internet-connected computer. The course is supported by a web-based virtual learning environment and course communications will be sent via email. Students are expected to submit their assignments online and feedback on assignments is delivered online.
Students retain access to the learning resources on their course, and to the student common room, for two academic years after they have completed their course.
The computing facilities available at a public library or internet café may be sufficient and unlimited free computing and internet access will be available to you within the University Library throughout your course.
Entry requirements
There are no formal entry requirements for this course. However, please be aware that the course is taught at university level and you should be able to read, write and speak English fluently.
If English is not your first language, you will need to send us evidence of your competence in the English language when you apply for a place.
ICE English language requirements
Fees
The fee for the course is £1,800 for the year and you can pay in one of two ways:
- in full on enrolment (by cheque payable to the University of Cambridge or by credit or debit card)
- in three instalments (credit/debit card only): the first on enrolment, the second on 1 November 2015 and the third on 1 February 2016.
ICE fees and refunds policy
How to apply
Online application is recommended and you will find the link to the online application form at the top of this page.
The closing date for receipt of all applications is 7 September 2015. Applications for this course can be received until midday (12 noon) on 7 September 2015. If you are offered a place on the course, we will ask you to complete your booking within a limited time and to pay the fees (£1,800) or if paying fees by instalments, the first instalment of fees to secure your place.
What is the status of this qualification?
The course is taught and awarded at first-year undergraduate level (FHEQ 4) and offers 60 credits within the Higher Education Credit Accumulation and Transfer Scheme (CATS). This is equivalent to half of the first year of full-time undergraduate study.
What can I go on to do?
If you wish, you can develop your studies in this subject by progressing to Undergraduate Certificate in History of Art II, to the Undergraduate Diploma in History of Art and to the Undergraduate Advanced Diploma in History of Art.
Credit awarded by the Institute may also be transferred into the degree programmes of other higher education providers. However the volume of credit and the curriculum which can be transferred into degree programmes varies from institution to institution and is always at the discretion of the receiving institution.
Find out more
The course specification, giving information about course-content and assignments, is available below under Downloads.
If you would like an informal discussion before making your application, please contact the Academic Programme Manager, Dr Liz Morfoot: ug-awards@ice.cam.ac.uk or + 44 (0)1223 746226 / 746237.
If you have any questions about the application process, contact our Admissions team: ice.admissions@ice.cam.ac.uk or +44 (0)1223 746262/ 746418.
