The University Diploma in the History of European Painting is a foundational Art History programme.  Over the course of two years this part-time diploma is devoted to examining the history of European painting from late Antiquity to the turn of the twentieth century. Aimed at students of diverse ages and interests, with a strong awareness and curiosity towards art, the Diploma serves as a return to education pathway or as a means to continuing education.

Focussing on painting the Diploma seeks to foster original thought, interpretative and analytical skills, critical enquiry, and visual acuity. Students are encouraged to examine artworks critically and understand the conditions of their making, meaning and influences, as well as to consider the process of looking itself. Students are enabled to interpret and assess the meaning, development and context of works of art of different ages using a range of approaches including historical, stylistic, and formalist analysis.  The programme uses a range of teaching and learning methods such as lectures, small group teaching, web-based learning and site visits. The latter are exceptionally important for an object and context-based discipline such as Art History. Learning outcomes are assessed in a range of approaches including essays, catalogue entries, class and site-based presentations, glossary journals and slide tests.

1 - be conversant with the general timeline and main stylistic developments in the history of European painting from late Antiquity to the turn of the twentieth century
2 - Recognise and fully comprehend key works of art, movements, schools and artists and place them within their wider aesthetic, art historical, social and cultural contexts
3 - Understand and assess the dynamics of the production, marketing and reception of art in different historical periods and across different cultural frameworks
4 - Communicate responses to works of art in a clear and scholarly fashion that is informed by the varied analytical approaches adopted by art historians
5 - Show originality of thinking, and a willingness to challenge, modify, or support accepted ideas in a manner that fosters communal learning and invigorates discussion
6 - Have an awareness of the socio-economic aspects of the patronage, consumption and manufacture of art works, objects and buildings

Module ID	Module Title	Trimester	Credits
Stage 1 Options - A)MIN 6OF: Year One cores
AH1013E	Art in the Making: I	Autumn	5
AH1020E	Studies I	Autumn	5
AH1024E	Western Art from late Roman Antiquity to the late Middle Ages	Autumn	5
AH1014E	Art in the Making: II	Spring	5
AH1015E	From the van Eyck to the Bellini: the age of the Renaissance	Spring	5
AH1021E	Studies II	Spring	5
Stage 1 Options - A)MIN 6OF: Year One cores
Stage 1 Options - B)MIN 6OF: Year Two Core
AH1016E	Reformation & Counter-reformation: from the High Renaissance to the Baroque	Autumn	5
AH1018E	Themes in Art I	Autumn	5
AH1022E	Studies III	Autumn	5
AH1017E	The Age of the Baroque to early Modernism	Spring	5
AH1019E	Themes in Art II	Spring	5
AH1023E	Studies IV	Spring	5