Cambridge International Level 3 Pre-U Certificate in Art History (Principal)
Qualification summary
This syllabus encourages development of skills required at university. It enables students to develop as reflective and independent learners, capable of thinking laterally, critically and creatively. This focus on independent thinking and study skills, combined with a strong subject base, means that Cambridge Pre-U promotes the development of successful students – equipped to succeed once they are at university.
Assessment at the end of a two-year course promotes coherence in assessment, allowing for maturity in understanding and enabling schools to structure courses appropriate to their needs.
Art History is a highly inter-disciplinary subject. The Cambridge International Pre-U Certificate in Art History introduces the student to the philosophical, political and social aspects of painting, sculpture and architecture. The syllabus allows the student to study non Western art and is innovative and contemporary in its thematic approach. The student will be rigorously and carefully assessed in preparation for university work while being stimulated and excited by a broad and mature approach to the final years of school.
A course of study in Art History should actively seek to develop the following abilities and qualities:
• a high level of visual and/or other forms of awareness;
• a critical understanding of works of art from a range of familiar and unfamiliar cultures;
• the skills of research and critical analysis;
• the ability to effectively communicate understanding and knowledge of art history, including an awareness of art historical terms, concepts and issues.
Qualification details
OG - Other General Qualification
Accreditation start date:
Operational start date in centres:
For information on the approval of qualifications for funding in England, Wales and Northern Ireland, see the links to DCSF, DIUS, DCELLS, DELNI and DENI below.
When undertaking a qualification that does not appear on the governments' lists as eligible for funding for specific age ranges, users must be aware of legal requirements. Not all qualifications are suitable for all age ranges.
For further information on 14-19 qualifications offered in England, please refer to the DCSF
Section 96 website.
For further information on 19+ qualifications offered in England, please refer to the DIUS
Section 97 website.
For further information on Wales, visit the
DCELLS website.
For further information on Northern Ireland, visit the
DELNI and
DENI websites.
Botswana - Canada - Finland - France - Greece - Guernsey - India - Scotland - Spain - Uganda - United States
This syllabus aims to encourage the development of generic skills of independent study and research, and to promote critical thinking and self-directed learning – all of which are intended to provide for successful progression to Higher Education and employment. In addition, the syllabus provides deep learning in terms of knowledge and understanding that will provide a sound basis for progression to higher study in cognate subjects.
No specific job occupation
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09 Arts, Media and Publishing
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09.2
Crafts, Creative Arts and Design
D1, D2, D3, M1, M2, M3, P1, P2, P3
The qualification is assessed using independent and holistic assessment.
The Cambridge International Pre-U Certificate in Art History is assessed through four compulsory components. The assessments all take place at the end of the two-year course and a single grade is awarded.
Paper 1: Analytical Studies in Western and Non-Western Art: candidates will be expected to study 48 named art works divided into four sections and listed in curriculum content. The examination question paper will contain four sections, each with two compulsory questions on one of the named art works. Candidates to answer from three of the sections. Questions will address both skills of formal/visual analysis and knowledge of the context of the chosen work of art.
Paper 2: Historical Topics: divided into nine Topics which range from Classical Antiquity to 20th Century Modernism and Post Modernism. Candidates must answer three questions from at least two different Topics.
Paper 3: Thematic Topics: Candidates will be expected to study one topic from a choice of five which are listed in the curriculum content. In the examination they must answer three questions from one Topic area. They are expected to be familiar with a wide range of historical texts and should demonstrate the ability to respond to and interpret pluralistic readings.
Paper 4: Personal Investigation. Candidates choose one area of research on any Art Historical Topic and write an essay of about 3,000 words. The title and scope of the personal investigation must be individual to the candidate and differ from material given in response to the thematic and historical topics studied for Papers 2 and 3. Proposals for areas of study, set texts and titles must be submitted to CIE for approval. The Personal Investigation is externally examined, and after marking the examiner will visit the school to conduct a viva, or appropriate interaction, with the candidate.
Further details about the schemes of assessment and the content of the course can be found in the subject syllabus, available on www.cie.org.uk or direct from CIE.
The Cambridge International Pre-U Certificates in Principal Subjects can act as standalone qualifications but are also intended to form a part of the Cambridge International Pre-U Diploma, along with Global Perspectives and an Independent Research Report. It is expected that this Principal Subject will require a minimum of 380 Guided Learning Hours. This is a notional measure of the substance of the qualification. It includes an estimate of the time that might be allocated to direct teaching or instruction, together with other structured learning time such as directed assignments or supported individual study and practice. It excludes learner-initiated private study.