University of Edinburgh

What you'll study

This programme brings together theoretical study of art history with hands-on approaches to display, interpretation and curatorship. You will study core themes in visual culture and art-historical method alongside practice-led modules that address exhibition-making, collections management and interpretation strategies.

• Theory and Methods of Art History: critical approaches to scholarship, historiography, visual analysis and research methods.
• Museums, Galleries and Display: principles of exhibition design, public interpretation, object display and visitor experience.
• Curatorial Practice and Project Lab: practical curatorial workflows, from concept development and loans to installation, labelling and evaluation. Often includes group projects or a mock exhibition.
• Collections, Provenance and Care: legal, ethical and practical issues around collecting, documentation and care of objects, including considerations of provenance and repatriation.
• Digital Methods in the Visual Arts: use of digitisation, databases, online display and digital engagement for research and public access.
• Research Project / Dissertation: an extended independent research project with the option to anchor work in an archive, collection or exhibition context.
• Optional modules: possibilities often include topics in contemporary art, material culture, conservation practice, heritage policy, or interdisciplinary modules offered across the College of Arts, Humanities and Social Sciences and Edinburgh College of Art.

Entry requirements

Applicants are normally expected to hold a good undergraduate degree (equivalent to a UK upper second-class honours) in history of art, fine art, archaeology, history, museum studies, or another relevant humanities or social science discipline. Candidates with substantial relevant professional experience in museums, galleries or heritage organisations may also be considered.

Selection typically takes account of academic performance, references, and a statement of purpose that outlines research or professional interests. Some applicants may be asked to submit a short portfolio or evidence of relevant project work where appropriate.

International applicants must meet the University's English language requirements; evidence of proficiency (for example an IELTS score in line with University guidance) is required where English is not the applicant's first language.

Career prospects

Graduates combine critical art-historical skills with vocational training that is attractive to employers across the visual cultural sector. Typical career paths include:

• Curator or assistant curator in museums and galleries
• Exhibitions producer or project manager
• Collections manager, registrar or accessioning officer
• Education and public programmes officer
• Heritage officer, interpretation specialist or visitor experience manager
• Roles in auction houses, art advisory, cultural policy and fundraising, or further academic research such as doctoral study

Why study at University of Edinburgh

The University of Edinburgh combines a long-established tradition in art-historical scholarship with practice-focused training. Students benefit from close engagement with the city’s rich museum and gallery landscape, strong links with national institutions, and access to major library and archive resources.

Teaching draws on active researchers and practitioners and the programme sits within an interdisciplinary environment that includes Edinburgh College of Art and other humanities departments. The combination of rigorous theoretical teaching and work-based skills development makes the degree well suited to those aiming for professional roles in the cultural sector or further academic study.