History of Art

Art history is the discipline that examines why images, objects, and spaces look the way they do, and what their visual form communicates about the cultures, beliefs, and social structures that produced them. It develops close looking as a rigorous practice, training you to analyse and interpret visual material with precision and to situate what you see within historical and cultural contexts. The subject encompasses painting, sculpture, architecture, photography, film, and the full range of designed and crafted objects, and it spans every period from the ancient world to the contemporary.

At the University of York, this three-year full-time degree gives you access to an extensive range of modules that build from foundational skills in visual analysis and interpretation toward deeper engagement with art in its many forms, across the globe and from the ancient to the contemporary. You will learn how to assess and interpret visual material, to consider how and why things were made, and what this reveals about the artists and societies that produced them. A sandwich year, year abroad, and work placement opportunities are built into the programme, giving you professional and international experience alongside your academic study.

A typical entry tariff of 120 points applies.

Art history graduates work in museums, galleries, auction houses, publishing, arts journalism, cultural heritage organisations, education, and arts administration. Many go on to curatorial, research, or teaching roles, while others apply their skills in marketing, communications, and the cultural and creative industries. The analytical and written communication skills the degree develops are valued across many professional environments.

Postgraduate study in art history, museum studies, curatorial practice, or cultural management is a natural continuation for those wishing to develop specialist credentials.