Applications are now open for Art History Link-Up (AHLU) September 2023

The Courtauld continues to strengthen its collaboration with Art History Link-Up (AHLU), a programme designed to introduce students to the world of art history through A level and Extended Project Qualification (EPQ) courses. This marks the second year of the partnership.

Art History Link-Up provides free accredited courses to state-educated sixth-form students, many of whom come from widening participation backgrounds. The programme opens up the world of art history to a whole new generation of young people and provides access to careers seminars, work experience and other opportunities within the art world. Past placements including Art UK, Christie’s, Inigo House, the Royal Collection, the Victoria and Albert Museum and more. For the 2023-4 academic year, the programme will once again be based at The Courtauld’s Leon Kossoff Learning Centre in Somerset House, with an option for hybrid learning.

Noting that few state schools offer Art History A level, Rose Aidin, AHLU’s Chief Executive, says: “Pleasure in learning and cross-curricular connections are something that art history can offer all students, irrespective of their background or long-term goals.”

“Art history enables students to develop a critical voice, to view art and history from various perspectives, and to present their ideas succinctly and persuasively,” said Professor Alixe Bovey, Dean and Deputy Director. “Art sparks conversations that cross historical, geographic, religious, and political boundaries, and which speak to some of our deepest creative drives: ALHU’s art history programmes open these conversations up to young people in new ways that connect to all the subjects they are studying.”

Craig Clunas, FRA Professor Emeritus of the History of Art, Honorary Fellow of Trinity College, the University of Oxford, and AHLU volunteer visiting lecturer, added: “AHLU’s imaginative use of remote learning has brought the enrichment of art history within reach of even more of their terrific students, students from very diverse backgrounds whose enthusiasm and commitment remain hugely encouraging to everybody who cares about the future of the discipline.”

Since 2016, AHLU has been based in museums and galleries and, as a result of the pandemic, has developed expertise in online delivery. Over 400 students from over 200 state schools across the UK have studied with AHLU, with alumni going on to study at leading universities, including The Courtauld.

The deadline for applications is Saturday 9th September at 5pm. Students have the option to attend class in person or join online. Find out more here: https://arthistorylinkup.org/apply/student-application/

AHLU receives core funding from the Rothschild Foundation and Christie’s. Registered Charity, no. 1172792.