Art History is a specialised area of history that examines how culture has changed over time as seen in works of art such as paintings, sculptures, buildings, decorative and graphic arts. It is one of the most diverse subjects in humanities since it examines contemporary concerns such as the production and presentation of art while studying techniques and critical theory.

Art History is an interdisciplinary field that connects to other academic fields like history, philosophy, and the visual arts and students of art history learn how to analyse art critically. Paying thorough attention to details such as the colour and architectural features is necessary while analysing a piece of art and research is also done so as to ascertain its cultural and historical components.

This discipline will help students develop their visual literacy and aesthetic sensibilities. They will learn how to identify the time period that a piece of art comes from and how to detect authenticity. Additionally, students will develop technological proficiency and interpretive skills connected to visual communication. These abilities of art historians are applied in a variety of fields, including public relations, speechwriting, and news reporting, in addition to their analysis of art history.

Study levels:

Courses in Art History are delivered at the undergraduate, postgraduate and doctoral levels by different colleges and universities around the world via degrees, certificates and diplomas which can be pursued under:

• Bachelor of Arts in Art and Design
• Bachelor of Arts in Art History
• Bachelor of Arts in Art History and Criticism
• Bachelor of Arts in Art History and Visual Culture
• Bachelor of Arts in Art History and Visual Culture with emphasis in Pre-Art Conservation
• Bachelor of Arts in Fine Art and Art History
• Bachelor of Arts in History of Art
• Bachelor of Arts in Visual and Critical Studies
• Bachelor of Fine Arts in Art History
• Bachelor of Fine Arts in Criticism and Curatorial Practice
• Master in Contemporary Art, Design and New Media Art Histories
• Master in History of Photography
• Master of Arts in Art History
• Master of Arts in Art History and Curating
• Master of Arts in Art History and Museum Studies
• Master of Arts in Art History and Visual Culture
• Master of Arts in Arts and Culture: Art History
• Master of Arts in Contemporary Art Theory
• Master of Arts in History of Arts and Conservation of Artistic Heritage
• Master of Arts in Modern and Contemporary Art History
• Master of Arts: History of Art and Archaeology
• Master of Science in History and Theory of Arts and Architecture
• Research Degrees (MPhil/PhD) in History of Art and/or Archaeology

Specialisations:

Art History programmes offer specialisations related to a single artistic method, such as architecture, or an era, like the Middle Ages. Each specialisation prepares students for specific Art History career opportunities and these include:

• Painting
• Sculpture
• Architecture
• Graphic Art
• Decorative Art
• Late Antiquity
• Medieval & Indigenous
• Modernism
• Post-modernism
• Contemporary Art
• Pottery & Ceramics
• Applied Arts

Employability:

With a degree in Art History, graduates can work in a variety of fields, including colleges and universities, libraries, museums, auction houses, art galleries, preservation companies, and historical societies. Most of these careers take place predominantly indoors or behind a desk. Research positions require long periods of focused, independent work, while curator and educator jobs require candidates with excellent interpersonal and communication skills.

Possible job titles include:

• Antique Dealer
• Appraisal: Art and Estate
• Architectural Conservator
• Archive Management
• Art Authenticator
• Art crime Investigator
• Art Critic
• Art Director
• Art Economist
• Art Exhibit Installer
• Art Insurance Adjustor
• Art Investor / Lender
• Art Lawyer
• Art Librarian / Visual Resource Curator
• Art Management
• Art Publishing
• Auctioneer
• Audiovisual production
• Book Publisher
• Commercial Art Gallery Managers
• Conservator / Art Restorer / Conservation Scientist
• Curator
• Event Planner
• Fine Arts Expert Witness
• Foreign Affairs
• Market Researcher
• Museum Administrator / Director
• Museum Educator Manager
• Museum Educator Officer
• Museum Exhibition Manager
• Museum Manager
• Museum Reproductions/Retail Manager
• Public Relations
• Salesperson
• State Art Agency Director/Staff Member
• Teacher