University of Edinburgh

What you'll study

The programme introduces chronological and thematic approaches to visual culture, combining lecture courses, seminar discussion, and hands-on work with objects and collections. In early years you will take core courses that provide foundations in methods, critical theory, and key periods (for example medieval, Renaissance, early modern, modern and contemporary art), together with modules on the history of collecting and museums.

As you progress into Honours years you choose from a wide range of options to build a specialised pathway: medieval and Byzantine art, Renaissance and Baroque, Asian and non-Western visual cultures, modern and contemporary art, architectural history, art and science, gender and visual culture, and material culture studies. Teaching methods include object-based learning in museums and the university’s collections, site visits, seminar presentations, source analysis, and supervised independent research.

The final honours year is focused on advanced seminars and a major independent dissertation supervised by a member of staff, allowing sustained research on a specialist topic. Assessment combines essays and source-based assignments, oral presentations, practical/practical-interpretative tasks, occasional exams and the dissertation.

Entry requirements

Entry is normally on the basis of academic achievement in recognised qualifications. Typical offers for UK applicants are expressed in terms of A-levels or Scottish Highers (for example, a requirement around three strong A-levels or the equivalent in Scottish Highers), while other UK and international qualifications are also considered. Applicants should demonstrate strong written and analytical skills and a genuine interest in visual culture; some background study in related humanities subjects is advantageous but not always mandatory.

International students must meet the University’s English language requirements. The programme welcomes mature students and applicants with non-traditional backgrounds; further information and guidance on acceptable qualifications and contextual offers is available from the University admissions pages.

Career prospects

Graduates go on to a wide range of careers across the cultural and creative sectors. Common destinations include roles in museums and galleries (curating, collections management, learning and outreach), heritage and conservation (often combined with professional training), arts administration and cultural management, and the auction and art market. Other graduates work in publishing, cultural journalism, education, arts policy, and public history, or continue to postgraduate study in art history, museum studies, conservation or related disciplines.

The degree also develops transferable skills valued by employers: research and writing, critical analysis, project management, and public communication. The University’s links with national collections and placement opportunities can help students gain practical experience and build professional networks.

Why study at University of Edinburgh

Studying History of Art at Edinburgh gives you access to a rich array of local and national cultural resources: the National Galleries of Scotland, university collections, and independent galleries provide regular opportunities for object-based learning and placements. The city’s architectural and historic environment complements teaching across medieval to modern periods.

The School of Art History is research-active and offers supervision across a broad range of specialisms, while interdisciplinary connections across the University enable collaborations with departments such as Classics, History, Architecture, and Museum Studies. Small-group seminars, opportunities for independent research, and strong links with museums and cultural organisations make the programme particularly suited to students seeking both academic training and practical experience in the cultural sector.