History of Art Degree Course

It explores how people have expressed beliefs, identities, power and emotion through paintings, sculptures, architecture, photography, performance and design. At its core, Art History is about understanding artworks not just as objects, but as reflections of the societies and moments in which they were created. It is a subject that develops visual literacy, critical thinking and cultural awareness — all highly valuable in today’s image-saturated world.

Here’s what you can expect when studying Art History at university in the UK, with a look at international options, the typical course content, recommended A levels, and possible career paths.

Studying Art History in the UK

In the UK, Art History is offered as a BA (Bachelor of Arts) degree, usually lasting three years in England, Wales and Northern Ireland, and four years in Scotland. It can be studied as a single honours subject or combined with others such as History, English, Philosophy, Archaeology, or a Modern Language. The study of Art History is not limited to traditional art forms — it covers everything from ancient temples to contemporary digital installations.

What You Study in an Art History Degree

The content of an Art History degree is broad and intellectually rich, covering multiple periods, regions and methods of interpretation. While each university has its own structure and specialisms, most programmes share common features:

1. Survey Courses
These introductory modules cover key periods and movements such as Ancient Greek and Roman art, the Middle Ages, the Renaissance, Baroque, Enlightenment, Modernism and Contemporary art. These give students a chronological and thematic foundation.

2. Thematic or Regional Modules
As you progress, you’ll explore more focused topics, such as:

• Women in art and feminist art history

• Art and politics

• Non-Western art, including Islamic, Chinese, African and Indigenous traditions

• Art of the Global South or postcolonial perspectives

• Art and technology or media

• Architecture and urban space

• Museums and collecting history

• Iconography, symbolism and visual meaning

3. Critical and Theoretical Approaches
Art History is not just about looking at art, but understanding how it is interpreted. You’ll be introduced to major thinkers and approaches including:

• Formalism and stylistic analysis

• Semiotics and structuralism

• Marxist, psychoanalytic and feminist interpretations

• Postmodernism and decolonial theory

4. Visual and Material Analysis
You’ll develop practical skills in analysing works of art — closely observing composition, technique, materials, and context. Many courses include gallery visits, field trips or even overseas study.

5. Dissertation or Independent Project
Most final-year students complete a dissertation, choosing a topic that reflects their interests. This is a chance to conduct in-depth research and demonstrate independent thinking.

Teaching and Assessment
Art History is typically taught through lectures, small-group seminars, tutorials and museum-based teaching. Assessment is often through essays, presentations, image analyses, exams and research projects.

Well-known UK universities offering respected Art History programmes include the Courtauld Institute of Art (University of London), Oxford, Cambridge, UCL, Edinburgh, Glasgow, York, Bristol, and Leeds, among others.

Useful A Levels for Studying Art History

Not all schools offer Art History at A level, but universities do not require it. Instead, they look for strong performance in related subjects. Helpful A levels include:

• History – essential for understanding historical context

• English Literature – supports essay writing and analysis

• Art or Art and Design – builds visual understanding

• Classical Civilisation – useful for ancient art and mythology

• Philosophy – relevant for aesthetics and theory

• Religious Studies – helpful for interpreting symbolic or sacred art

Essay-based and humanities subjects are especially valued. Some universities may require a portfolio for joint degrees involving studio art, though Art History itself is non-practical.

Career Prospects

An Art History degree offers many career opportunities, especially for students interested in culture, heritage, visual media or research. Graduates develop analytical, research and communication skills that are widely transferable. Popular career paths include:

• Curating – working in museums, galleries or private collections

• Art conservation – with further scientific or conservation training

• Arts administration – managing arts organisations or funding bodies

• Auction houses – cataloguing, valuing and selling works of art

• Publishing and journalism – specialising in arts writing and editing

• Education – teaching or academic research

• Heritage and tourism – working in historical sites or cultural consultancy

• Marketing and communications – visual literacy is a key asset in design and branding

• Film, fashion and design – often in research or creative direction roles

Some graduates pursue further study in Art History, Museum Studies, Conservation or Art Business, or use their analytical skills to enter fields like law, consultancy or civil service.

Studying Art History in the USA

In the United States, Art History is commonly offered as a major in liberal arts colleges and universities. Students follow a four-year programme and may combine Art History with studio art, archaeology or cultural studies. Teaching often involves close engagement with museum collections, and the US has a strong emphasis on writing, critical theory and independent research.

Studying Art History in Canada

Canadian universities offer Art History as part of a four-year BA degree. Students typically explore Canadian, Indigenous, European and Asian art traditions, with emphasis on contemporary issues such as decolonisation and global visual culture. Programmes are research-focused and may include museum internships and fieldwork.

Studying Art History in the EU

European universities have a long tradition of Art History education, especially in countries with rich artistic heritage like Italy, France, Germany and the Netherlands. Degrees usually follow the Bologna Process and last three years at undergraduate level. Many programmes are taught in English, particularly in the Netherlands and Scandinavia. Students often have access to renowned museums and monuments as part of their studies.

Studying Art History in Australia and New Zealand

Art History is available as a major within a three-year Bachelor of Arts degree. Programmes often examine local visual culture, including Indigenous art, as well as European, American and Asian traditions. There is a growing emphasis on interdisciplinary study and museum partnerships. Students may also take modules in visual culture, film, and digital arts.

Final Thoughts

Studying Art History at university is both intellectually rich and visually engaging. It allows students to explore human culture through images, objects and built environments, asking how art reflects and shapes the world around us. Whether you’re passionate about medieval manuscripts, street art or feminist theory, Art History gives you the tools to interpret the visual world with clarity and depth.