Postgraduate courses in Art History

If you’re looking to immerse yourself into the world of art looking at specific time periods as well as developing your own skills and inquiries, you might have come to the right place!

There are a range of different postgraduate Art History courses across the UK, all unique to their own specific areas of study or topics and content covered. 

There is a lot to consider when taking up a new course but the information below might help to guide you in the right direction. 

What is Art History?

Art history is the study of aesthetic objects and visual expression in historical and stylistic context. Objects of art are considered within their time period. 

Courses

There are quite a number of Art history courses to choose from across the UK and some differ in their content and titles. Each course may cover differing material. All specific course overviews can be found online. Some courses also offer a choice of studying part time or full time.  An example courses available are: 

Fine Art and Art History 

Courses in Fine Art and Art History allow for a balance of technical practice and study and are suited to students who wish to work as an artist or in an art academics in future. Such a course trains students in research methods and inspires inquisition. Practice and individual creativity are  important in these courses. Specific time periods, styles, materials and locations are all choices of areas that can be specialized in and delved into.

History of Art and Architecture Graduate Certificate

A course in History of Art and Architecture delves into the critical analysis of objects and buildings and engages values, concepts and debates to inform the study of art history. A broad range of topics are covered from medieval to contemporary, painting, sculptures, architecture and digital art to name a few. Field trips to museums are also included. 

History of Art

Courses in History of Art often explore the relationship between art and human experience from the 15th to the 21st century. The course will look at conceptual tools which derived from disciplines such as anthropology, philosophy and art history. Students will study artistic production, visual representation and modern cultural experience. 

Entry Requirements

Each course may differ in their specific entry requirements, however, most require a undergraduate degree (2.2 or above). Some courses may prefer a 2.1 honours degree in Art History. Those who have a bachelor’s degree from a University outside the UK may be required to take an English proficiency test in some cases. 

Each individual course requirements can be found on course overviews or on University websites. 

Job options and Employers 

There are a few directions you can take your career aside from being an artist. Some examples are:

• Teacher
• Art gallery manager
• Conservator
• Museum/Gallery curator
• Museum/Gallery exhibitions officer
• Arts administrator

Skills and requirements

• Interest in reading
• Good research skills 
• Good writing skills
• Analysing and interpreting information
• Critical thinker 
• Ability to work with others and alone
• Strong communication and verbal skills
• Good presentation skills
• Good time management