History of Art

If you're interested in art and visual culture, and the histories and ideas that they embody, MA (Hons) History of Art is the programme for you.

You do not need to have studied art history before, but you should be curious to learn about new ideas, places and times that will challenge how you see the world.

As a history of art student, you will gain an informed and nuanced understanding of the artistic practice and visual and material culture in different historical periods.

You will be taught by experts in specialist subjects. Many of our academic staff curate, or exhibit in, major international art exhibitions.

On this programme, you will:

• learn how, and for whom, works of art were made and why

• understand the place of artworks within visual and material culture more broadly

• explore the meanings of works of art and visual culture and the ways they continue to be interpreted

Edinburgh is a culturally rich and active international city. We enjoy world-class museum and gallery collections and a busy contemporary arts scene.

As a student, you will have the chance to make the most of the art and culture that is on offer, and if you choose a work placement in your third year, you may experience life behind the scenes in one of the city’s collections.

Within the University, history of art is part of Edinburgh College of Art so you will study alongside practising artists, designers, architects and musicians.

Programme benefits

• As a University of Edinburgh History of Art student, you will gain an informed and nuanced understanding of the artistic practice and visual and material culture in different historical periods.

• Our graduates have extensive knowledge and understanding of art history and its methods of study, and the necessary skills to demonstrate this.

• You will be taught by experts in specialist subjects. Many of our academic staff curate major international art exhibitions.

• You will also have access to Edinburgh's renowned art galleries and museums as well as specialist archives and cultural events.