Oxford Brookes University

What you'll study

The programme brings together core approaches from literary study and art history. You will read literary texts across periods — from medieval and early modern writing through Romantic, Victorian and modernist literatures to contemporary fiction and poetry — while studying the visual arts in social, historical and theoretical context. Modules typically cover close reading, literary history, critical theory, visual culture, the history of painting and sculpture, and museology.

• Year and credit structure: The degree is normally taken over three years full-time, with an option to extend to four years with a work placement or study abroad year where available.
• Core components: introductory modules in literary and art-historical methods; thematic and period modules such as Shakespeare and his contemporaries; Romantic to modern literature; Renaissance and Baroque art; nineteenth-century painting; modern and contemporary art; visual culture theory.
• Optional modules: you can usually choose specialised options in areas such as women’s writing, Romanticism, visual theory, photography, museum and curatorial studies, and heritage practice.
• Independent research: a dissertation or major project in your final year allows sustained research on a topic that crosses literature and art history, supervised by academic staff.
• Assessment methods: assessment is a mix of essays, source analyses, seminar presentations, practical projects where relevant, and a final-year research project.

Entry requirements

Applicants are expected to have strong qualifications in relevant subjects. Typical offers are expressed as an A‑level profile or equivalent undergraduate entry qualification; for A‑levels this is commonly in the mid-range of standard offers for humanities programmes. The university also accepts BTEC, Access to HE Diplomas, the International Baccalaureate and a wide range of international qualifications. Applicants without traditional qualifications but with appropriate experience or mature-student status are considered.

• Subject requirements: there is no single required subject combination, but a background in English, history, art, or a related humanities subject is advantageous.
• English language: if English is not your first language you will need to meet the university's English language requirements; typical thresholds align with common qualifications such as IELTS or equivalent.
• Portfolio/interview: a portfolio is not normally required for this programme, though some applicants may be invited to interview or provide a writing sample.

Career prospects

Graduates leave with strong analytical, research and communication skills valued across the cultural and creative sectors. Common graduate destinations include museums and galleries, heritage and conservation organisations, publishing, writing and journalism, arts administration, marketing and public relations, and education.

• Museums, galleries and heritage: roles in curatorial work, collections management, learning and outreach, and heritage interpretation.
• Publishing and media: editorial, copywriting, commissioning and cultural journalism.
• Creative industries and marketing: arts marketing, digital content, cultural policy and events programming.
• Further study: many graduates progress to postgraduate study in literature, art history, museum studies, archive management or teacher training.

Why study at Oxford Brookes University

Oxford Brookes offers a humanities environment with small-group teaching and strong links to the cultural resources of Oxford. The university emphasises applied learning and employability, providing opportunities for placements, internships and project work with local museums, galleries and cultural organisations.

• Location: based in Oxford, students can access nationally and internationally significant libraries, archives and collections, enhancing research and study opportunities.
• Teaching and support: modules are delivered by staff active in research and public engagement, and students benefit from dedicated academic support and careers services focused on the cultural sectors.
• Practical experience: placement and study-abroad options help you build professional experience and networks during your degree.