Introduction
The Art History programme at the University of Aberdeen encompasses the study of art, architecture, and curation, covering a wide range of media and techniques. Our research-led teaching situates European art in its global connectedness and its full complexities, while our practical engagement with artworks beyond the classroom develops and enhances both vocational and transferable skills. You will study at a university steeped in 500 years of social and artistic development, and in an Art History department recognised for its high levels of student satisfaction.
Our Degrees
We offer a range of Art History degrees which you can read more about below.
View available degree programmesPathway Programmes
The University of Aberdeen International Study Centre offers preparation programmes for progression to undergraduate degree study at the university.
Discover the International Study Centre
Art History at Aberdeen achieves regular plaudits for its high rates of student satisfaction. Join us for an outstanding student experience at our beautiful historic campus in Old Aberdeen, inspired by academics whose specialisms include environmental and political art, exhibition history and curation, theory and historiography, from the medieval period to the present day.
We believe strongly in the benefits of first-hand engagement with artworks and architecture, with fieldtrips to galleries, museums and heritage collections taking place at every level of study. Students on our third-year course ‘Curation: Theory and Practice’ work in groups to pitch exhibition proposals to museum professionals using materials from University Collections, while our fourth-year students have the opportunity to study, and then visit, a major European city, with recent destinations including Florence and Berlin.
Complementing your studies, you can get involved with the student-led Art History society and undertake paid internships and volunteering opportunities within our nationally significant University Collections, and local arts organisations including Aberdeen Art Gallery, Grampian Hospitals Art Trust and Peacock Visual Arts. And 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 alumni work for employers including the National Galleries of Scotland, Craft Northern Ireland, University of St Andrews Museums & Special Collections, Historic Environment Scotland, and Lyon & Turnbull and Christie’s auction houses.
Available Programmes of Study
Single Honours Degrees
Joint Honours Degrees
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Joint Honours Degrees
Why Study Art History at Aberdeen?
- Our impressive on-campus collections of art and cultural artefacts acquired over the past five hundred years
- First-hand engagement with artworks and architecture, with field trips to galleries, museums and heritage collections taking place at every level of study
- A learning experience at our beautiful historic campus in Old Aberdeen
- Teaching partnerships with museum professionals, developing and enhancing vocational skills through work-related learning
- Aberdeen and the north-east of Scotland’s distinguished architectural heritage from the Middle Ages onwards, including King’s College Chapel, St Machar’s Cathedral and Dunnottar Castle
- Award-winning Aberdeen Art Gallery, with its impressive collections of French and British art, and one of the best collections of Impressionist painting outside London
- A vibrant urban arts scene featuring cultural events across the year including Nuart, the internationally renowned street art festival, and Spectra, Scotland’s Festival of Light
- A packed campus programme of student and public events, departmental research seminars and exhibitions
Aberdeen Global Scholarship
The University of Aberdeen is delighted to offer eligible self-funded international on-campus undergraduate students a £6,000 scholarship for every year of their programme.
View the Aberdeen Global ScholarshipGet in Touch
Contact Details
- Address
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Student Recruitment & Admissions
University of Aberdeen
University Office
Regent Walk
Aberdeen
AB24 3FX