The three termly units are designed to mirror elements of a typical undergraduate History of Art degree and there is a strong emphasis throughout on theory and method as well as analytical skills. Thematic aspects of the core subjects are pursued in greater depth in ways that will help students to develop specialist skills to enable them to continue to further study and perhaps even to practise in the field.
What will I be studying?
Unit 1: About face: portraiture 1500-1750
Teaching will take place on 3 Saturday day-schools : 17 and 31 October, 5 December 2015 plus gallery visit on Saturday 14 November 2015
This unit aims to identify different categories of the portrait (pair, group, royal, civic, formal, informal); examine how pose, glance, gesture, dress and genderisation affect our interpretation; discuss the relevance of the portrait as a social document; and analyse the artist’s perception of ‘self’ in self-portraiture.
Unit 2: The Grand Tour
Teaching will take place on 3 Saturday day-schools : 9 January, 6 February, 19 March 2016 plus fieldtrip on Saturday 27 February 2016
This unit offers an analysis of the Grand Tour and its significance as an artistic and cultural phenomenon during the 18th century. Particular attention is given to its association with English aristocracy; changing artistic practice; the development of the ‘grand style’ in English art and architecture; and the impact of Italian culture on the art of collecting.
Unit 3: Art in the Industrial Age 1770 - 1880
Teaching will take place on 3 Saturday day-schools : 16 April, 7 May, 25 June 2016 plus gallery visit on Saturday 21 May 2016
From the sublime in nature to social realism, this unit focuses on key artistic movements in painting, architecture and design and their reactions to the effects of industrialisation and urbanisation during the expansion of the British Empire and the rise of the commercial middle classes.
How will I be taught and assessed?
The course is taught through a combination of illustrated lectures, gallery visits 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 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
The course is designed for students who have completed either Certificate I in History of Art I or Certificate II, or who have appropriate knowledge, experience and enthusiasm in this field.
Please be aware that as the course is taught at university level, you should be able to read, write and speak English fluently. If English is not your first language, you will need to provide 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 refund 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 second-year undergraduate level (FHEQ 5) and offers 60 credits within the Higher Education Credit Accumulation and Transfer Scheme (CATS). This is equivalent to half of the second year of full-time undergraduate study.
What can I go on to do?
You can either complete a second 60-credit Diploma in History of Art - Undergraduate Diploma in History of Art II - to claim a 120-credit Diploma of Higher Education in History of Art or progress to the research-based Undergraduate Advanced Diploma in History of Art.
Credit awarded by the Institute can 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 on academic matters before making your application, please contact the Course Director, Mary Conochie: Mary.Conochie@tutor.ice.cam.ac.uk
For all other enquiries, please contact the Academic Programme Manager, Dr Liz Morfoot: ug-awards@ice.cam.ac.uk or 01223 746226 / 746418
If you have any questions about the application process, contact our Admissions team: ice.admissions@ice.cam.ac.uk or +44 (0)1223 746262
