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.

Joint degrees 

You can study History of Art as a joint degree in the following areas:

• MA (Hons) History of Art and Architectural History
• MA (Hons) History of Art and Chinese Studies
• MA (Hons) History of Art and English Literature
• MA (Hons) History of Art and History of Music
• MA (Hons) History of Art and Scottish Literature
• MA (Hons) French and History of Art
• MA (Hons) German and History of Art
• MA (Hons) History and History of Art
• MA (Hons) Italian and History of Art
• MA (Hons) Russian Studies and History of Art
• MA (Hons) Spanish and History of Art 

You can also study History of Art combined with a practical art element with our five-year MA (Hons) Fine Art degree. 

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 at different historical periods.

You will gain extensive knowledge and understanding of art history plus its methods of study, and the necessary skills to demonstrate this.

This programme prepares you for a range of careers in the art world, including:

• curatorships in galleries and museums
• art journalism
• publishing
• art dealing
• tourism
• graphics
• advertising
• heritage management
• auctioneering

Some graduates use their skills and experience for careers in management or teaching, while some choose to go on to further study.

Careers Service

Our Careers Service can help you to fully develop your potential and achieve your future goals.

The Careers Service supports you not only while you are studying at the University, but also for up to two years after you finish your studies.

With the Careers Service, you can:

• access digital resources to help you understand your skills and strengths
• try different types of experiences and reflect on how and what you develop
• get help finding work, including part-time jobs, vacation work, internships and graduate jobs
• attend careers events and practice interviews
• get information and advice to help you make informed decisions

Visit the Careers Service website

Further study

After you complete your programme, you may want to go onto further study at Edinburgh or a different university. You could progress to:

• a masters degree
• a postgraduate diploma or certificate
• a PhD
• a second undergraduate degree

Find out about options for further study 

Postgraduate degrees you might be interested in could include:

• Contemporary Art Theory MA
• Global Premodern Art: History, Heritage and Curation
• History of Art, Theory and Display MSc
• Modern and Contemporary Art: History, Curating and Criticism MSc
• Collections and Curating Practices MScR
• History of Art MScR
• History of Art PhD, MPhil

If you'd like to study on an undergraduate programme at Edinburgh College of Art, you must apply through UCAS. You can find out how to do this on the University of Edinburgh website, where you'll also be able to: 

• See the structure of the programme and what you will study each year
• See detailed entrance requirements for each programme on the Degree Finder
• Get information on what to expect after you apply
• Find out about fees
• Find out where to go for further advice and guidance.