About Art History
Art History is a core specialization within the discipline of Art and Design, itself part of the broader academic field of Humanities & Arts. It examines visual culture across time and place, studying artworks, material culture, iconography, and the social, political, and economic contexts that produce them. Students learn methods of critical analysis, close looking, archival research, and theoretical interpretation. Coursework covers periods and traditions from ancient to contemporary, including painting, sculpture, architecture, photography, film, new media, and global visual cultures.
Art History contributes to understanding cultural heritage, identity, and the circulation of images and objects. The field increasingly engages with digital humanities, museum studies, heritage conservation, and critical approaches to colonialism, gender, and global art markets. Graduates work in museums, galleries, auction houses, heritage organizations, publishing, and education, as curators, researchers, critics, conservators, and educators who interpret and preserve visual culture.
Online Study Options
Online pathways in Art History span short courses, certificates, and full degree programs. Bachelor's programs build foundations in periods, methodologies, and critical writing. Master's programs enable specialization in specific periods, regions, or curatorial/museum studies tracks. Doctoral programs emphasize original research contributing to art historical scholarship.
Online Courses
MOOCs & Self-Paced Learning
Short online courses (often a few weeks) in art history periods, movements, or methodologies are excellent for exploring visual culture. Ideal for art enthusiasts, collectors, or professionals seeking cultural knowledge.
Certificates
Professional Credentials
Professional certificates (often several months) in Art History, Museum Studies, or Curatorial Practice provide structured pathways for career advancement in cultural institutions.
Semester Programs
Credit-Bearing Study Abroad
Credit-bearing semester programs with art history coursework and museum access at international institutions. Excellent for experiencing different collections and curatorial traditions.
Bachelor's Degrees
Undergraduate Programs
BA Art History provides comprehensive training in visual analysis, research methods, and critical writing. Strong preparation for graduate study or careers in museums, galleries, or cultural industries.
Master's Degrees
Graduate Programs
MA Art History enables specialization in periods, regions, or museum/curatorial studies. Research dissertation typically required. Strong pathway to doctoral study or curatorial careers.
Doctorate Programs
PhD & Research Degrees
PhD Art History trains scholars for academic careers in research and teaching. Original dissertation contributes to art historical scholarship, theory, or museum studies.
Career Opportunities
Academic & Research
University faculty, research scientists, postdoctoral researchers, and laboratory directors in art history.
Industry & Private Sector
Specialists, consultants, managers, and technical experts in companies related to art history.
Government & Policy
Policy advisors, program managers, and regulatory specialists in government agencies and international organizations.
Extension & Consulting
Extension agents, technical advisors, and independent consultants providing expertise in art history.
Sources
Information as of: 16 October 2026
- Online courses: typical length (most courses 2 to 6 weeks), edX, accessed on 16 October 2026
- Professional Certificates: 2 to 10 months to complete, edX, accessed on 16 October 2026
- The three-cycle system: bachelor 180 to 240 ECTS, master 60 to 120 ECTS, European Higher Education Area (EHEA), accessed on 16 October 2026
- Section 3 Bavarian Study Accreditation Ordinance: standard periods of study (bachelor 3 to 4 years, master 1 to 2 years), Bayerische Staatskanzlei, BAYERN.RECHT, accessed on 16 October 2026
- anabin: assessment of foreign qualifications in Germany, Kultusministerkonferenz, Zentralstelle für ausländisches Bildungswesen, accessed on 16 October 2026
This content was created with the help of AI, mainly for research and first drafts. Reviewed and approved by our editorial team.
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