History of Art

History of Art examines the art of all periods. This includes buildings, sculptures, drawings, paintings, prints, and the products of the decorative and industrial arts. At Aberdeen we focus on the Western European tradition, with options in Latin-American art.

Why Aberdeen?

• Aberdeen is an excellent location in which to study History of Art, with the city possessing a wide range of galleries and museums.
• The Department believes in first-hand experience, so fieldtrips take place at each level to visit major galleries and architecture. Subsidised tours are led to Edinburgh, London and Paris. Third year students attend a Reading Party at a country house in Kincardineshire where they are coached in visual and presentation skills.
• The Department is small, friendly and accessible to students.

Programmes

You may also be interested in

Film and Visual Culture, History

Study Abroad

Study abroad information

The opportunity to take Enhanced Study options as part of your degree and participate in co-curricular activities. See www.abdn.ac.uk/thedifference for more information.

Courses are available from first to fourth year. There is an Honours degree and a Designated degree in History of Art.

First Year

Students aiming for an Honours degree normally take two of our three first year courses.

Introduction to Art History offers an introduction to the history of art from prehistoric cave paintings to nineteenth-century photography. Focusing on key moments and locations, this course introduces many ‘landmark’ works to new students.

Modern and Contemporary Art is concerned with the period 1850 to the present day. Through an examination of themes such as the changing role of the artist, and the relationship(s) between the artist and society in a time of great change, the emergence and development of Modernism in Western art is discussed.

In the Flesh: Art on Location takes students to a range of locations to view art 'in the flesh'. The course is based on a series of visits to see original works (including architecture, sculpture and painting) in Aberdeen and Edinburgh.

Second Year

Goths to Gothic: Roman to Renaissance covers painting, sculpture and architecture from the period 200-1600, with a special emphasis on the Mediterranean and Northern Europe.

Renaissance and Baroque: from Michelangelo to Rembrandt examines in detail European art of the 16th to 18th centuries.

Making Masterpieces: Ten Works in Context will analyse the creation and context of ten major works and critically consider their status as 'masterpieces'

Third and Fourth Year (Honours)

Topics currently available include: Scottish Painting; American Modernism; Early to mid- 19th Century Art; Late 19th and early 20th Century French Art; Caravaggio; Netherlandish and Venetian Painting; Italian and Northern Renaissance; Michelangelo; Romanesque and Country House Architecture; Garden Design; Early Insular Art (British 600-900); Modern Russian Art; Performance Art; Postmodernism.

All single Honours students take a third year course entitled Critical Perspectives in Art History and submit a dissertation on a topic of their own choice in fourth year. Honours students also follow an assessed programme of fieldwork which includes tutor-led visits to London and Paris.

Teaching and Assessment

In first year, students attend lectures and tutorials and make a series of tutor-led visits to see art 'in the flesh'. Students take image-based tests, write essays and undertake online assessments for each course.

In second year, students attend lectures and tutorials as well as working in small groups to give group presentations. There is also a  tutor-led fieldtrip to Edinburgh. Students are assessed by a combination of essay and image-based examinations and continuous assessment.

Honours courses are generally taught in seminars held twice a week. Students are assessed by a combination of written examinations and continuous assessment. In addition, all single Honours students submit a dissertation.

Careers

A good number of our graduates have obtained work in museums and galleries, art publishing, the art trade, art tours, conservation of wall paintings and historic buildings, theatre design, libraries and universities.

Finding your direction

There are many opportunities at the University of Aberdeen to develop your knowledge, gain experience and build a competitive set of skills to enhance your employability. This is essential for your future career success.  The Careers Service can help you to plan your career and support your choices throughout your time with us – from first to final year – and beyond.

• More information on employability at the University of Aberdeen.
• More information on the Careers Service.
• More information on careers prospects and employability with a degree in History of Art.

Entrance Requirements

SQA Highers - BBBB
A Levels - BBB
IB - 30 points, 15 points at HL
ILC - BBBB

For further details of entrance requirements click here

Please click on the links below to find out more information on funding in your area.

• Scotland and EU (Excluding England, Wales and Northern Ireland)
• Rest of UK (England, Wales and Northern Ireland)
• International
• Scholarships

Related Links

• Scholarships
• Entrance Scholarships
• Funding Database
• England Wales and Northern Ireland Finance Guide