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Introduction to Art History
Online course
+44 (0)20 7942 2000
So many periods of artistic developments, styles, and art movements! Have you ever wondered how to unravel these periods and feel confident about the context and history of the art produced? Join a host of popular V&A course tutors on this introductory art history course to explore hundreds of years of evolving artistic developments and styles. Discover how social, historical and technological changes have influenced art from Classical to Contemporary periods in the Western world.
Learn from our world-class experts wherever you are, whenever suits you: watch lectures live or view the recording later in your own time. You can experience the full breadth and depth of the V&A's collections with 20 hours of study over 10 weeks. Learn at your own pace: lecture recordings and study materials, lecture notes, copies of the presentations, and additional study materials are available in our secure Microsoft Teams environment for 10 weeks after the course ends, so you'll never miss a thing. And finally, join the conversation: share your perspective with your fellow students, and support each other in your further enquiries outside of class time.
Course Leader
Dr Jacqueline Cockburn
Jacqueline is an art historian and linguist. After a career in academic teaching at Birkbeck college, University of London and Westminster School, she is now a freelance lecturer. Jacqueline is Managing Director of Art and Culture Andalucía running residential courses in Andalucía, Southern Spain in the art and culture of the region.
The specialists were outstanding in each of their fields. Each talk was detailed and well presented with many visual examples. Previous V&A Academy Online Course Attendee
Course overview
This course offers an introduction to Western Art, from the Classical World right up to the Contemporary. We will explore the many ways Art History helps us to unravel those different movements and styles. You will learn how artists have helped shaped society, and how their techniques have evolved over time. We will explore the impact of literature and music on our artists’ lives and work and how women artists made an increasingly important contribution to the art world. Through study of architecture, sculpture, paintings, metalwork, ivory carving, photographs, drawings, woodcuts, lithographs, and other objects we will explore hundreds of years of Western art and get to know the men and women who made it.
V&A Academy Online. A learning environment you can trust.
Our courses are built using the latest Microsoft software. Tune in to expert lectures live or catch up on demand. Join discussions and continue your learning with downloadable handouts and presentations.
See FAQs to learn more about joining online.
See FAQs to learn more about joining online.
Enrol now
Online course: Introduction to Art History
23 September 2025 - 25 November 2025
£250.00
Call to book +44 (0)20 7942 2000
Need help enrolling? Talk to the admissions team:
+44 (0)20 7942 2000
Open 10.00 - 13.00, Monday to Sunday (closed 24-26 December)
