Director of Studies
Dr Meredith Hale
(1 to 2 students each year)
The course
Cambridge's resources are outstanding and the course in History of Art takes full advantage of them. During your first year of study considerable emphasis is laid on direct contact with works of art and architecture in Cambridge, and on the understanding of certain traditions fundamental to the art and architecture of Western Europe. For example, you will be asked to submit a 'Long Essay' of 5,000 words (maximum) on a work of art or architecture in or around Cambridge. The subject is chosen in consultation with the Director of Studies.
You will be expected to attend lectures, classes and supervisions, and prepare weekly written work. You will have different supervisors during the course, these are generally organised within the Faculty and monitored by the Director of Studies.
Parts of the course will attempt to study the careers of individual painters and will relate theory to practice, taking account of the relevant social and political pressures. The following broad topics are touched upon: after Impressionism, Symbolism, the impact of non-Western cultures, Cubism, the machine aesthetic and the emergence of abstraction.
You won't find buying expensive art books a problem: you will have access to the University Library, which has world-class holdings, the Department's library, which covers all student needs, and Homerton library. There might be opportunities within Homerton to develop practical skills in art (including photography; this can be discussed with Dr. Hickman).
Homerton admits around two students each year for the History of Art Tripos.Application and Interviews
If you are following an A-level curriculum (we can certainly consider equivalent qualifications such as the International Baccalaureate), usual conditions of the offer will be that you obtain specified grades at A-level: typically A*AA (without specifying which should be A*). Any academic subjects are suitable for the History of Art course (a modern language can be advantageous). We do not expect applicants to have a detailed knowledge of the History of Art when they apply, but they must show a potential for academic excellence, as well as motivation and curiosity.
Those who are invited to attend for interview will have a general and a subject-specific interview as part of the admissions process: one interview will be with a Tutor or college officer who may well have an academic interest in one element of your subject, and your second with the Director of Studies in History of Art. We try to conduct our interviews in a friendly and informal manner and no special preparation is necessary. We ask, in advance, for one piece of written work.
