University of Aberdeen

University of Aberdeen

Master of Arts in History of Art

The Master of Arts in History of Art in History is offered by University of Aberdeen.

Program Length: 4 YEARS.

Master of Arts in History of Art offered by the University of Aberdeen

The History of Art programme at the University of Aberdeen provides students with an extensive knowledge of the history of art from the Middle Ages to the present day, covering a wide range of media and techniques. Our curriculum aims to situate European art in its global connectedness and its full complexities. You will study at a university steeped in 500 years of social and artistic development and rated top in Scotland for the impact of the work of its History of Art researchers.


History of Art research at Aberdeen was ranked top in Scotland for its impact and second in the UK, in the latest UK Research Excellence Framework.

You will study in buildings centuries old, inspired by teachers and researchers whose cutting-edge research ranges from medieval religious art and early modern prints to art theory, exhibition history, and Scottish and British painting from the 17th to 20th centuries.

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 recent graduates are working for Christie’s London, Sotheby's in Zurich, the Weiss Gallery in London, Aberdeen Art Gallery, the Pier Arts Centre in Orkney and the McManus Gallery in Dundee. You will acquire transferable skills including teamwork, time management, personal initiative and highly developed enquiry, analytical and presentational skills ideally suited to a range of careers.

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.

What You'll Study
History of Art 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.

Year 1
Compulsory Courses
Introduction to Art History (HA1004)
Modern Art (HA1508)
Academic Writing for Divinity, History & Philosophy (AW1007)
Getting Started at the University of Aberdeen (PD1002)

Optional Courses
Select further courses of choice to make up 120 credit points.

Year 2
Compulsory Courses
Object Lessons: Ten Works in Context (HA2012)
Art Matters: Materials and Techniques (HA2511)

Optional Courses
Select further courses of choice to make up 120 credit points.

Year 3
Compulsory Courses
Critical Perspectives in Art History (HA3079)

Optional Courses
Select 90 credit points of which at least 60 must be from level 3 History of Art courses.

Year 4
Compulsory Courses
Fieldwork 2 (HA408A)
History of Art Dissertation (HA4588)

Optional Courses
Select 60 further credit points of honours level History of Art courses to include at least 30 at level 4.



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