Students being taught infront of a painting in The Courtauld

Art History Link-Up

Art History Link-Up (AHLU) offers two free courses for state school students 鈥 an introductory art history qualification for Years 9 and 10, and a fast-track EPQ and A level programme for sixth formers 鈥 both taught at the Courtauld Gallery using its world-class collection, with hybrid and online options also available.

HPQ Introduction to Art History (in person)

Who: State School students in Y 9 and 10

When: Term-time Sundays: 19th April 2026 – 28th June 2026 (excluding 31st May). 10.30am-1pm.

Delivery: will be based at the Courtauld Gallery, Somerset House, The Strand, WC2R 0RN.

Applications:听 The deadline for applying for the in person course was 5pm, Wednesday 1st April 2026.

HPQ Introduction to Art History (online)

Who: State School students in Y 9 and 10

When: Term-time Sundays: 3rd May 2026 – 12th July 2026 (excluding 31st May). 3pm – 5:30pm

Delivery:听Online

Applications:听 Deadline 5pm 19th April 2026.

Benefits of the Course:

  • Learn about art from across history with a different theme each week, ranging from gender to ethnicity.
  • Exciting and dynamic activities, including curating your own gallery.
  • The opportunity to achieve either a Higher Project Qualification or a Foundation Project Qualification with Pearson Edexcel.
  • Completely free of charge including exam entry.
  • Taught at the renowned institution for art history – the Courtauld at Somerset House using their world-class and extensive art collection
  • Snacks!
Lead Teacher Nicola Hepworth teaching the HPQ Introduction to Art History

Free fast-track Art History Extended Project Qualification (EPQ) & A level courses.

Who: State sixth form/college students

When: Saturdays during term-time in the 2025-26 academic year. The term runs from the 27th of September 2025 to the 4th of July 2026. The courses are taught by a team of subject experts in 2.5 hour sessions (morning or afternoon slots).

Support: AHLU offers students weekly online homework clubs and individual EPQ and study support from AHLU鈥檚 Student Officer plus individually assigned specialist mentors from across the sector. We also offer our students support with university applications, access to work experience, information about careers in the arts, and membership of our alumni organisation.

Delivery: AHLU courses will be based at the Courtauld Gallery, Somerset House, The Strand, WC2R 0RN.听 Courses can also be taken by students from anywhere across the UK 鈥 hybrid options can be attended in person in a dedicated teaching space, or听online.

Applications:听Applications are closed.

Two students in the Leon Kossoff learning centre, part of AHLU

We offer two separate Saturday sessions鈥攎orning and afternoon鈥攂ased around The Courtauld Gallery鈥檚 famous collection, which you will be able to study first-hand.

The morning A level modules will cover 鈥淣ature in Art and Architecture鈥 and 鈥淧ower and Persuasion: the Baroque in Catholic Europe 1597-1685鈥; the separate听afternoon course will explore 鈥淚dentities in Art and Architecture鈥 and 鈥淩ebellion and revival: the British and French Avant-Garde (1848鈥99)鈥. Both classes will explore visual analysis and wider issues around Art History.

The subject offers a unique perspective and approach to history, culture, critical thinking and more. All places are offered at听no charge听to state-maintained sector sixth form students, with priority given to candidates from a widening participation background, and to those with aptitude and ability for the course.

Please note the course is now run at the Courtauld Gallery

Student Feedback

鈥淎rt 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!鈥

鈥淚t 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鈥檛 feel like going to school on Saturdays: it is actually fun!鈥

鈥淚 don鈥檛 think I have enjoyed anything as much ever 鈥 it turned out to be a combination of all my passions and interest 鈥 art, ancient history and just learning!鈥

students taking a selfie from AHLU infront of Mant

To learn more

For more information please contact:听info@arthistorylinkup.org

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Photograph credit: Ed Hands and Marysa Dowling
Registered Charity No. 1172792

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