This programme offers you the opportunity to explore the history and theory of art and its display in exhibitions and museums across a wide range of historical and geographical boundaries. Based in one of the largest art history departments in the UK, it is perfect for providing you with a comprehensive overview of the discipline, as well as giving you access to an exceptionally wide range of art-historical expertise across time and place.

The city of Edinburgh is a World Heritage Site of leading museums and galleries with a rich range of collections and exhibitions, while its Scottish setting gives you access to an exceptional wealth of historic properties, buildings and sites, from medieval castles to the palace and parliament of Holyrood.

Within the University there are also research collections and noted museums and galleries ranging from contemporary art to the history of medicine as well as rare illustrated books and manuscripts. You will also have access to the National Library of Scotland with exceptional collections in rare books and manuscripts and their exhibition display.

You will examine art in its historical contexts, the theoretical frameworks of interpretation and their relationship as physical objects to practices and concepts of display. You will have the opportunity to put your learning into practice through an optional Work Placement in one of Edinburgh’s many museums, galleries or archives.

The programme content will allow you to develop an excellent knowledge of the discipline of art history, advanced research abilities and the possibility of gaining valuable vocational experience.

Programme structure

The programme is underpinned by two compulsory courses over the academic year, called:

• Research Theories and Methods
• The Cultures and Politics of Display. 

You will also take option courses ranging across Chinese and Islamic art, European art from Roman, Medieval, Renaissance and Modern times, right up to the most recent art being made in the UK and abroad today. 

In the end, you will have developed strong research abilities, a wide knowledge of art in its many contexts, an ability to communicate your ideas, and, for those who study the work placement, first-hand experience of some of the practices and concepts of museology and contemporary curating.

Part-time study

If you choose to study part-time, you will take half the usual number of courses. Typically this will mean you study four courses in your first year (for example, one core course and three option courses), and then two courses (for example, one core course plus an option course), plus the Dissertation in your second year.

Teaching

Teaching includes a mixture of small-group teaching, individual tutorials, research seminars, and lectures. Tutorials are discussion-based, and you will be asked to join in with a discussion of key texts, images and objects which are relevant to the course.

This programme is heavily based in reading academic texts, writing essays, and class discussion of ideas. Courses require students to read and prepare notes on up to 12 academic articles or book chapters per week, and a high level of personal and group participation in class discussions is expected. Approximately half of the working week involves independent study and research.

Assessment

Formal assessment is through essays, project work, presentations, and a dissertation.

Course assessment is through a mix of 4,000-word essays, presentations, and other academic tasks. Overall, students are required to write 12,000 words for their assessment each semester, as well as the 15,000-word Dissertation in the summer.

Learning outcomes

Students who successfully complete the programme will have developed:

• Knowledge and understanding of the History of Art across a wide range of geographical and chronological periods.
• Up-to-date theoretical understanding of the latest methodological developments in the study and display of art.
• The ability to complete a major piece of original, independent art historical research for their dissertation.
• The capacity for further research in the History of Art.
• Transferable skills in the analysis of images and texts, research, academic writing, public presentations, and IT.

Graduates have found the History of Art, Theory and Display programme the ideal stepping-stone to pursue more in-depth study (such as a PhD), or to gain invaluable experience towards finding a position in the museum world and cultural sector.

If you'd like to study on a postgraduate programme at Edinburgh College of Art, you must apply through EUCLID, our online application system. You can find out how to do this on the University of Edinburgh website, where you'll also be able to:

• see detailed entrance requirements for each programme on the Degree Finder
• get information on what to expect after you apply
• find out about study modes, start dates and fees
• find out if, and how, you need to submit a portfolio, showreel or research proposal
• find out where to go for further advice and guidance.