Our art history seminars for sixth form and college students introduce learners to university-level ways of studying art history. Led by expert educators at the Courtauld, these sessions encourage discussion, close looking, and critical thinking, helping students build confidence and deepen their understanding of artworks.
Applications are OPEN for Seminar Sessions (Autumn Term 2026).
We are offering TWO Seminar Session programmes, one for Year 12 / College students and another for Fine Art Foundation students (aged 18+).
Join us for our Seminar Sessions series giving students the chance to learn and discover Art History through live discussions with fellow art historians from across the UK. Selected attendees will join small, online seminars led by two current research (PhD) students, and each week will take a look at a different discussion topic within Art History.
These sessions provide an exciting opportunity for students who wish to gain experience of learning at university, expand their knowledge of art history and meet fellow art historians. Each seminar session will be supported by a 15-minute video and a short reading, which students will be requested to engage with prior to attending each seminar.
Seminar Sessions (Year 12 / college students only)
Session One:聽Identity聽-Tuesday 10th聽November
Session Two:聽Materials聽–聽Wednesday 11th聽November
Session Three:聽Portraiture聽–聽Thursday 12th November
Seminar Sessions Autumn (Art Foundation Year – over 18s only)
Session One:聽Identity聽–聽Tuesday 17th November
Session Two:聽Materials聽–聽Tuesday 24th November
Session Three:聽Portraiture聽–聽Tuesday 1st December
All sessions take place聽between 5:00pm – 6:15pm, online, via MSTeams.
Students must be able to attend all three sessions.
Students will be required to interact during the seminar using a microphone and camera.
What are seminars?
Seminars are a style of teaching, typically found at higher education (degree) level. They typically attended by a small number of students (10-15) and a teacher. Throughout the seminar, students discuss what they have learnt prior to attending, usually talking about a different theme each week. Conversation is guided by a teacher, but a successful seminar requires all attendees to participate.
To apply students must meet the below criteria:
- Students must be 16-17 years old (unless programme is stated for another audience – such as Fine Art Foundation students).
- Students must be currently studying in Year 12 or equivalent in a state funded UK school, college or sixth form.
- You must commit to attending all three seminar sessions.
Some Seminar Session course are aimed at selected groups that therefore criteria might differ from the above.
‘I really enjoyed Seminar Sessions and was really grateful for the opportunity to discuss and talk about art with likeminded people.
I’ve learnt a lot and I now have an even greater resolve to study art history at university.
The tutors were excellent mentors and speakers throughout and I found their presentations extremely engaging and enjoyable.’
– previous seminar session attendee