A-level History of Art
Develop your critical thinking, communication and problem-solving skills whilst discovering fascinating facts about the History of Art. On this course, you will learn to appreciate different historical art pieces, as well as the mindset of the artists who created them. Engage your creative side whilst benefiting from expert tutor support to help you along the way.
- Fast Track
- In a rush? You can complete this course under a year at no extra charge
- 98% Pass Rate
- Students have enjoyed a 98% pass rate
- Exam Pass Guarantee
- If you don't pass first time, we'll support you for free until your next exams
- Online Learning
- Study on your own terms with our learning platform, MyOxbridge™
- Unlimited Tutor Support™
- Get as much help as you want from your expert personal tutor
Course Introduction
Are you interested in the art of interpretation, and the interpretation of art itself? Then you’ll enjoy delving into captivating artwork and analysing themes like gender and ethnicity with this engaging online A-level History of Art course. This course is just one of many fascinating A-levels we provide for you to study online.
If you’ve ever thought about working in museums or galleries, History of Art is a qualification that could help you get your foot in the door. In this online course, you’ll learn all about the fascinating field of art history.
For example, did you know the first human artwork used shells, paint and stone and can be dated back to the Late Stone Age, around 40,000 BC? After completing this course, you will have a developed understanding of this field and its impact on our contemporary society.History on its own is always an intriguing subject, when combined with Art it becomes even more captivating. This course will enhance your research skills, enabling you to accurately collect data. You will also discover more about some of the most appreciated art throughout history.
Course Info
- Duration
- Study Hours
- Difficulty
- Outcome
- UCAS Points
- Syllabus Code
- Units
-
9–24 months
(Fast Track available)
-
300
-
Level 3
-
Edexcel A-level
-
56
-
9HT0
-
6 units (view units)
Awarding Body: Edexcel
Edexcel is the UK’s largest awarding organisation offering academic and vocational qualifications in schools, colleges and workplaces in the UK and abroad. Edexcel is a multinational education and examination body covering A-Level Courses and GCSE Courses.
UCAS
This course carries UCAS points. This means that it can be used to gain direct access to university courses and other higher education qualifications, through the UCAS system.
What you will learn
Below is an outline of the course material you will study:
Unit 1: Visual Analysis
- Visual analysis of paintings
- Visual analysis of sculpture
- Visual analysis of architecture
Unit 2: Identity
- The Divine
- 2D portraits
- 3D portraits
- Gender identity
- Ethnic identity
- Identity in architecture
- Vincent Van Gogh
- Grayson Perry
- Christopher Wren
Unit 3: Nature
- Landscape or seascape in 2D
- Animals in 2D or 3D
- Plants in 2D or 3D
- Elements in 2D or 3D
- Relationships between humans and Nature
- Architectural works influenced by Nature
- Albrecht Dürer
- Barbara Hepworth
- Antoni Gaudí
Unit 4: Rebellion & Revival: The British & French Avant-Garde (1848-99)
- Painting of working life by British and French artists
- Painting of leisure by British and French artists
- Religious paintings by British and French artists
- Mythological/literary works (painting or sculpture) by British and French artists
- The female figure (painting or sculpture) by British and French artists
- Landscape painting scenes by British and French artists
- Commemorative sculpture by British and French artists
- Public architecture by British and French architects
- Domestic architecture by British and French architects
- Paul Gauguin
- Edgar Degas
Unit 5: Pop life: British and American contemporary art and architecture (1960‒2015)
Portraits (in any medium) by British and American artists
The object in 3D by British and American artists
Non-objective (or abstract) work (in any medium) by British and American artists
Figurative work (in any medium) by British and American artists
Performance or video work by British and American artists
Installation works by British and American artists
Land or earth art by British and American artists
Commercial or public architecture by British and American architects
Domestic architecture by British and American architects
David Hockney
Rachel Whiteread
Unit 6: Preparation for the Exam
- Practice Paper 1
- Practice Paper 2
Course Outcome
Upon successfully completing this home learning course, you will receive the qualification: A-Level History of Art, issued by Edexcel (9HT0). Your certificate is identical to that issued to students at any other school, college or university.
This syllabus has been chosen specifically because it is best suited to distance learning.
Enhance your understanding of historical art as you earn a qualification that both universities and employers respect highly.
Progression Routes
A-level History of Art will provide you with a solid foundation for both higher education and career pursuits. Related degrees include:
- Archaeology
- Politics and International Relations
- Law
- Sociology
There are also several career opportunities available upon completion of this course:
- History Teacher
- University Lecturer
- Academic Researcher
- Museum Curator
- Archivist
- Heritage Manager
Examinations and Assessments
You will be required to complete the two written assessments for written A-level History of Art:
- Paper 1: 3 hours, 50% of A-level, 110 marks.
- Paper 2: 3 hours, 50% of A-level, 110 marks.
Exam FAQs
Are exams required to pass the course?
For A-levels and GCSEs you will need to sit an exam. You can purchase your exams when you enrol on a course, or you can book them later via MyOxbridge. Either way, once you're on board with us, your tutor will guide you through the process.
Where are the exams held?
Exams will require attendance at a physical exam centre, with detailed information available on our Exam Centres page. We offer guaranteed exam spaces at our partnership centres across the UK, or you can register as a private candidate at a centre of your choice, keeping in mind that fees may vary by location.
When do exams take place - are there set dates?
Exam dates are set nationally and cannot be changed, so it's important to plan accordingly. They are usually late spring to early summer. For example, forthcoming A-level exams are scheduled from 1st March to 31st May 2025, while GCSE exams will run from 5th May to 25th June 2025.
Can exams be taken online?
For A-level and GCSE courses, exams must be taken in person at a designated exam centre.
Are mock exams available? Are they compulsory?
Yes, we offer both compulsory Internal Mocks in the autumn (included in your course fees and delivered online) and optional External Mocks in the spring (for an additional fee, taken at an exam centre). Mock exams are a great way to prepare for the real thing, and we encourage you to take advantage of them.
How and when do I register for exams?
Exam registration opens in the autumn before the summer exam period, so if you plan to take exams next summer, you should register by November of the preceding year. You can complete the exam registration form in your student portal, and our Student Support team is available to help with the process.
Can you take exams outside of the UK?
While our MyOxbridge learning portal is accessible worldwide, most exams must be taken within the UK. Check with us for specific exam requirements to avoid any surprises.
Do I have to buy the exam from Oxbridge in order to study with you?
No, you are not obligated to purchase your exam through Oxbridge. You can either book your own exam centre independently, or take advantage of our partnerships with exam centres for a more streamlined process.
Entry Requirements
There are no formal entry requirements for this Art History course. However, it is recommended that you have an intermediate ability to read and write English. This History of Art A-level syllabus is a difficulty level three: the equivalent difficulty of an A-level or BTEC, which is usually suitable for most learners of all ages.