Art History

The Art History programme at the University of Aberdeen encompasses the study of art, architecture, and curation, covering various media and techniques. Our research-led teaching situates European art in its global connectedness and its full complexities, while our practical engagement with artworks beyond the classroom develops and enhances both vocational and transferable skills. You will study at a university steeped in 500 years of social and artistic development, and in an Art History department recognised for its high levels of student satisfaction.

Join us for an outstanding student experience at our beautiful historic campus in Old Aberdeen, inspired by academics whose specialisms include environmental and political art, exhibition history and curation, theory and historiography, from the medieval period to the present day.

Beyond the classroom, you can get involved with the student-led Art History society and undertake paid internships and volunteering opportunities within our nationally significant University Collections, and local arts organisations including Aberdeen Art Gallery, Grampian Hospitals Art Trust and Peacock Visual Arts.

As a graduate, you will be ideally placed to pursue a career in the art gallery and museum sectors, arts education, auction houses, publishing and journalism, fine art conservation, or postgraduate study. Our alumni work for employers including the National Galleries of Scotland, Craft Northern Ireland, University of St Andrews Museums & Special Collections, Historic Environment Scotland, and Lyon & Turnbull and Christie’s auction houses.

You will enjoy all the benefits of our friendly and vibrant international community, on our beautiful campus with its own extensive art collections, great facilities for learning, sports and leisure and many opportunities to develop the extra skills to boost your employability, including broadening your horizons through study abroad.

Art History at Aberdeen explores the artistic disciplines in Europe within its global networks. The programme offers a research-led introduction to the analysis of artworks and architecture up until the present day, with an emphasis on comparative thinking and theoretical reflection. You will develop an in-depth understanding of artworks and their historical contexts and will develop cutting-edge analytical skills by studying topics such as Classical Greek art, Renaissance altarpieces, modern and contemporary photography, and British and Scottish painting. By focusing on work with local collections we also aim to teach students relevant vocational skills, in order to train and educate the next generation of art history professionals.

Course Modules

View all modules on the programme page to find out more about what you will be studying and when. University of Aberdeen modules are designed to give you breadth and depth to your degree. The range of modules you study will allow you to become proficient in all subjects which are directly relevant to your degree giving you greater career options.

The use of various forms of assessment and learning environments facilitates the development of generic transferable skills enhancing student employability.

In first year, students attend lectures and tutorials, as well as tutor-led visits, and undertake a combination of essays, reflective reports and visual-based assessments.

In second year, students attend lectures and tutorials and engage in collections-based learning. Assessments include posters, source analyses, essays and presentations.

At Honours level, students are assessed by essays, book reviews, reflective reports and presentations. In addition, all students submit a dissertation.