Art History Link-Up’s FREE A level and EPQ courses for state supported students at the Courtauld Institute and online – application deadline 5pm Friday 6th September
APPLICATIONS NOW OPEN
What: Free fast-track Art History Extended Project Qualification (EPQ) & A level courses
Who: State sixth form students
All places are free for state sixth form students, with priority given to candidates from a widening participation¹ background, and to those with exceptional aptitude and ability for the course.
When: Saturdays during term-time (morning or afternoon courses)
Courses taught by a team of subject experts in 2.5 hour sessions. Students can either attend the morning class between 10am and 12:30pm or the afternoon class between 1:30pm and 4pm. The term runs from the 28th of September 2024 to the 5th of July 2025.
Delivery: In-person and online
A hybrid and ‘in real life’ course, with in-person classes at The Courtauld, Somerset House, The Strand, WC2R 0RN. Our courses can be taken by students from anywhere across the UK with hybrid options offered online.
Application for the 2024-2025 academic year: application now open
Deadline: Friday 6th September 5pm. Students are encouraged to apply as soon as possible. The application should only take 5 minutes. If you have any queries please email info@arthistorylinkup.org
Benefits for students:
- Courses taught by a team of subject experts in 2.5 hour sessions. The Saturday morning course covers two A level modules, ‘Nature in art and architecture’ and ‘Power and Persuasion: the Baroque in Catholic Europe (1597–1685)’, and the afternoon course covers ‘Identities in Art and Architecture’ and ‘Rebellion and Revival: the British and French Avant-Garde (1848–99)
- Students have the option of continuing to study a further two modules, sitting the Pearson/ Edexcel A level Art History exam at the end of a second year of the course.
- Additional qualification: Extended Project Qualification (EPQ) which is equivalent to half an A level in UCAS points
- Students are supported in their EPQ by mentors from across the sectors, including head teachers, curators, editors and academics. The students are further supported by Dr John Taylor, a chief examiner for the EPQ.
- Access to careers seminars, work experience placements and membership of alumni club as well as support with university and apprenticeship applications.
- Relevance and application for Art & Design students, at A level and beyond, and a wide range of other subject.
- Previous students have achieved outstanding results and are studying Art History – and other subjects – at Russell Group universities across the UK, including the Universities of Cambridge and Oxford, and The Courtauld.
- AHLU’s expertise in online course delivery means that students joining on-line have the same learning opportunities as their in-person peers.
- Access to, familiarity with and understanding of, great works of art in the capital’s public collections. The course is structured around the art and architecture in some the UK’s greatest collections, in particular The Courtauld Gallery.
- Exam entry, and other administration, is organised by Art History Link-Up.
¹ Widening participation indicators include eligibility for Pupil Premium (i.e. free school meals) and/or a parent who has not attended FE/HE
What AHLU students say:
“Art History and AHLU has benefitted me inside and outside the classroom. Not only has the subject reignited my passion and love for art, it has also illustrated to me the impact of art onour society. As for AHLU, they have provided me with opportunities and skills that have rounded me as a person and broadened my horizons: filling in that application form two years ago was hands down the best decision I have ever made in my life!”
“I came into the programme not knowing what to expect, and I was completely blown away as to the breadth and depth of artists, cultures, movements and histories I have been exposed to. Likewise, the EPQ was a great opportunity for me to research artworks that I resonate with, and my mentor helped me through the whole process….I know students taking EPQs at my school don’t have anything like this!“
“Art History Link-Up dealt with the pandemic amazingly: the way the lessons have been executed and the resources we have been provided with have been excellent. I found both in real life lessons and online lessons equally fun and fulfilling. The expert visitors to class, who we were so lucky to have, made up for the loss of gallery time during the pandemic!”
“Our online lessons have been just as engaging and enlightening as they were before. Of course it is a great shame to not spend time in the galleries, and experience some of these works in person, but the use of gallery style activities in our virtual lessons makes up for this!”
“I want to thank AHLU dearly for such a wonderful and eye-opening two years in the Wallace Collection and the National Gallery. You have instilled a love of art in me that I will cherish forever.”
“My experience with Art History Link-Up was spell-binding and eye-opening. My time doing the A-level course taught me so much more than just the History of Art. It taught me valuable transferable skills to use in my subjects at school.”
“Art History A Level is by far my favourite subject. It is really great to learn in such depth about specific case studies. It is definitely by far the most engaging and overall enjoyable A Level and even fun to revise!:
“My experience of Art History Link-Up exceeded all the expectations I had when I applied in the best way possible. I had never studied art history at all or even gone to many galleries despite living in London my whole life. The atmosphere was so welcoming and the lessons so accessible that I felt at home almost immediately. Classes were laid back and more informal than average school lessons which helped even quieter students like myself feel comfortable enough to ask all the questions and voice any opinions we had allowing us to fully immerse ourselves in the art. Now that I have pretty much completed the full A-level I can say that this was a brilliant decision and I am equipped with so many skills, experiences and a confidence that I would not have had otherwise.”
“I had no idea that Art History was offered as an A level until this course was recommended to me, so just being able to have this opportunity is really important. Being able to head to London’s best galleries to learning inside their walls, and something completely new, and then to head out to put into a real life context is such an effective way to learn. I’ve been leaning French since Year 1 and until this day, at Y13 I still can’t speak it… But if you ask me to analyse a painting or describe the formal features of a sculpture/building, then I can talk for hours!”
“It is so refreshing that we are not taught with the sole purpose of doing well in an exam but because there is a shared interest and enthusiasm for Art History. It doesn’t feel like going to school on Saturdays: it is actually fun!”
“As someone who typically doesn’t enjoy school I really appreciate how very interesting and enjoyable this course has been: it has had me re-think further education as an option for me.”
“I don’t think I have enjoyed anything as much ever – it turned out to be a combination of all my passions and interest – art, ancient history and just learning!”
“This course has really opened my eyes and helped me to appreciate the incredible art heritage in our museums and galleries. The breadth and scope of the course equipped me with the skills and curiosity to continue in the world of Art History.”
“Art History really seems to have been the missing piece in my puzzle, combining my interests and opening my eyes to see the world around me differently each time I go outside. This course has without a doubt been the best opportunity I have been given, not only have I learnt vast amounts and will continue to do so, it has given me a focus and stability. This truly has been an immeasurably valuable experience.”
“You’ve helped transform me from an absolute novice to someone who can spot Classical references in buildings, talk about paintings with confidence, and an absolute Art History fan girl”
“The lessons changed the way I look and the way I think about art, and opened a whole new door for me, towards a subject I never dreamed I’d like this much and now will study at university!”
Art History for Everyone is managed by Art History Link-Up.