Studying art history at university
Example course modules
- Approaching the past
- From medieval to early modern art
- Introduction to art since 1990
- Histories and theories of art
- Ideas of renaissance
- Arts and the industrial revolution
- Form and function
- Makers and making
- Elements of visual culture
- A story of art
Teaching hours / week
Average for this subject
Average for all subjects
Average hours for this subject: 8 (Low 6 - High 14). Average hours for all subjects: 14.
The time you'll spend in lectures and seminars each week will vary from university to university, so use this as a guide.
Who studies this subject
What students say about art history
What you need to get on a course
Subjects you need
A-levels (or equivalent) usually required
- No Specific Requirements
Useful to have
- history
- Art
- English literature
- Religious studies
- Modern foreign language
Application checklist
Here's a guide to what to expect from the application process - also check individual university entry requirements, as these may differ.
- January application
- October application
- Personal statement
- Portfolio
- Interview
- Entry test
- Work experience
- Audition
Personal statement advice
Your personal statement is a core part of your university application, and getting it just right takes time. Before you start work on yours, take a look at our five quick tips on writing a personal statement. We'll help you past that writer's block!
Six months after graduating
- Other elementary services occupations
Longer term career paths
Jobs where this degree is useful
- Museum curator
- Fine artist
- Exhibition manager
Other real-life job examples
- Public relations officer
- Periodical editor
- Interior designer
What employers like about this subject
An art history student can expect to learn a number of subject-specific skills, including criticism and analysis of art, ideas and visual culture, the ability to clearly and concisely express ideas and to appreciate the impact art has on society - and vice versa. You can also develop useful transferable skills including communication, team-working, critical thinking and observation skills. Industries employing art history graduates include museums, galleries, the creative arts, universities, the government, design agencies, management consultancies, advertising agencies and publishing.
Explore these related courses...
University of Reading | Reading
Oxford Brookes University | Oxford
University of York | York
SOAS University of London | Camden
University of East Anglia UEA | Norwich
University of Brighton | Brighton and Hove
Open University | None
Royal Holloway, University of London | Egham
Cardiff University | Cardiff
Bangor University | Bangor (Wales)
University of Chester | Chester
Liverpool Hope University | Liverpool
Ulster University | Londonderry
University of Sheffield | Sheffield
Durham University | Durham
