Applying

All candidates must follow the application procedure as shown in applying to Oxford. The information below  gives specific details for students applying for this course. 

Written test

You do not need to take a written test as part of an application for this course.

Written work

Description:

Two pieces of written work: one marked essay of up to 2,000 words written for an A-level or equivalent course, which will demonstrate ability to construct a sustained written argument; one personal response, written in no more than 750 words, to a piece of art, architecture or design.*

Deadline:  

Usually mid-November

*Applicants should have first-hand access to their chosen object so that they may examine it closely in person.  When submitting their response essay, they should include a photograph of their chosen object if possible. In writing their response applicants may focus, as they wish, on whichever aspects of the object they consider to be most significant. These might include the medium, the design or style, the technique, the subject matter, and/or the location. No special preparation or research is required. The 750-word response should demonstrate curiosity, sensitivity and clarity in response to the chosen object and visual culture more generally. It should be a new piece of writing, not previously submitted for another programme.

What is an Oxbridge History of Art interview like?

The typical structure involves two interviews: a discussion and an unseen picture interview.

Interview 1 - Discussion of:

Your application (personal statement, object essay and submitted work). You might be asked to expand on things mentioned in your personal statement, so make sure you feel comfortable talking about everything you’ve said in more depth. A recent book or exhibition you have enjoyed. Topical issues in art history.

Interview 2 - Picture interview:

A visual analysis of an unseen artwork. Remember, this is not about getting the ‘right’ answer, but a chance to show how you approach looking at an artwork. When might it have been painted? Who might have commissioned it? Why has the artist chosen to paint their subject in this way? You could practice this by buying some postcards of artworks and spending some time discussing them with a family member of friend.

What are tutors looking for?

Candidates should show evidence of lively engagement with visual culture, both contemporary and historical. Prior knowledge of art history is absolutely not a requirement: many successful applicants have never studied the subject before university. What is looked for in applicants is a keen and critical observation of art and of the material environment in general. At interview, candidates are invited to demonstrate willingness to engage in focused discussion and debate about visual issues, and in addition to respond to one or more photographs of unfamiliar images, which applicants will not be expected to recognise.

For more detail on the selection criteria for this course, please see the History of Art website.

Past Oxbridge Interview Questions: 

1.     Why do you want to study art history? 

2.     What is the definition of ‘art’? 

3.     How do museums impact the way we look at art?

4.     What are we trying to reveal when we study art? 

5.     How do we determine the value of art?

6.     Who should own art?

7.     Why is art important? 

8.     What role do galleries/museums play in society today?

9.     Talk about a recent book or exhibition that has made you think differently about art.