Art History and Visual Studies at The University of Manchester

Art History and Visual Studies (AHVS) is one of the UK’s foremost art history departments. Ranked fourth nationally in research, we have a thriving intellectual community that includes 11 full-time members of staff, three postdoctoral fellows, and some 30 PhD students.

We are noted for our strong interdisciplinary orientation, with particular strengths in modern and contemporary art, architectural history, museum studies, and the intersections of art and science.

As a student here, you will benefit from an in-house teaching library as well as the John Rylands Library in Manchester city centre, which houses renowned collections of pre-modern manuscripts and early printed books. Other nearby resources, such as the Manchester Art Gallery and Tate Liverpool, make Manchester an exciting place to study art history.

Why study Art History and Visual Studies with us?

Founded in the 1950s, Art History at The University of Manchester is one of the oldest departments in Britain. We have developed rich resources for teaching and research, which few other UK universities can rival.

We naturally enjoy close ties with the Whitworth Art Gallery, which is undergoing a spectacular £12 million refurbishment. In addition to its teaching collections, the Whitworth also offers placements and volunteering opportunities, giving insight into one of the main career avenues arising from an art history degree.

We’re a vibrant and welcoming department and our student society, the Manchester Art Group, organises social events, talks and exhibitions throughout the year.