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Our Director of Studies in History of Art is David Oldfield.

If you regularly visit art exhibitions and galleries, or look critically at buildings; if you make art yourself and wonder why and how other artists have made it, then art history may well be the most stimulating subject for you at Churchill. For those interested in the modern period Churchill has the edge on other Cambridge colleges for its modern architecture and its important collections of modern sculptures, painting, prints and stained glass. It is also close to Kettle's Yard, the University's modern gallery, and to the collection of modern women's art at Murray Edwards.

No particular subjects at A-level (or equivalent) are required for the History of Art course, but subjects should be primarily academic. Subjects like History, English, Modern Languages, History of Art, Religious Studies and Classics are ideal. Mathematics and experimental sciences are acceptable if accompanied by one or two arts A-levels. Art/History of Art do not necessarily confer an advantage. The standard entry requirements are available here. As Part of the application process, you will need to submit 2 essays which demonstrate your ability to to think critically and independently. Candidates accepted for interview will be given one interview based on art history and one more general college interview. We are looking for students with general intellectual interests. Intelligence, motivation and visual sensitivity are essential.

Teaching draws substantially on the outstanding collections of art and architecture in museums and Colleges, and is directed particularly at developing a critical eye and a sense of visual history. The University also has several student art societies, and a life-class is held weekly in the Faculty of Architecture and History of Art.

The department of History of Art is located in a row of historic buildings in Trumpington Street, near the Fitzwilliam Museum. Most lectures and seminars, and many supervisions, take place in the department. Its facilities include the comprehensive Faculty Library, a rich collection of books especially relevant to the teaching of the department. Though the department has always been comparatively small, its teaching covers a wide spectrum of art and architecture from the medieval to modern periods. Its national and international standing is high. Particular attention is paid to the study of works of art at first hand. Students receive an exceptional level of attention and support throughout their degree. Academic standards are also very high, and in return for the level of attention they receive, students are expected to undertake a demanding but fair workload and to show corresponding levels of motivation and commitment. Courses aim to foster a wide and deep understanding of art and architecture, and to help you develop visual literacy and awareness, as well as a range of critical and analytical skills. Weekly supervisions give you the unique opportunity to put forward your point of view, and to receive feedback on your work from a specialist. Seminars are particularly important in providing encounters with works of art throughout Cambridge's museums and Colleges.