University of Aberdeen United Kingdom

Art History, MA

Integrated Masters with deeper specialization and research focus
Taught in English
Duration 4 Years
Mode On Campus
Level Undergraduate
Degree Bachelors Degree
Closing soon September 2026

Course Overview

The MA Art History at the University of Aberdeen offers you a comprehensive exploration of visual culture, from ancient artefacts to contemporary installations. You will delve into the complexities of art and architecture, examining their global connections and societal impact through a research-led curriculum. This postgraduate degree is ideal for those seeking to deepen their understanding of art's historical and theoretical underpinnings, and to develop critical skills in analysis and interpretation. Prepare to engage with diverse media and techniques within a vibrant academic community.

This full-time, on-campus MA is studied over one year, immersing you in a dynamic learning environment. Your studies will encompass compulsory courses such as 'Art Matters: Materials and Techniques' and 'Surrealism and Its Legacies in Contemporary Art', alongside optional modules allowing for specialised study in areas like curation or specific periods of painting. You will develop your independent research capabilities, culminating in a significant dissertation project. Graduates are prepared for careers in curatorial practice, heritage management, academia, and the wider creative industries.

Course Curriculum & Details

Detailed information for serious evaluators

Program Overview

This MA in Art History provides a comprehensive exploration of the discipline, beginning with foundational introductions to art history, modern and contemporary art, fashion, and museum studies. Subsequent years delve into art's materials and techniques, theoretical questions about art's definition, and specific movements like Surrealism and the relationship between architecture and power. Students can further specialize through optional courses in curation, women's contributions to art history, or English painting, culminating in a dissertation in the final year.

1 YEAR 1

Introduction to Art History Compulsory
Getting Started at the University of Aberdeen Compulsory
Introduction to Modern and Contemporary Art Compulsory
Fashion: History and Theory Compulsory
Encountering Art: Museums Through History Compulsory

2 YEAR 2

Art Matters: Materials and Techniques Compulsory
What is Art? Compulsory

3 YEAR 3

Surrealism and Its Legacies in Contemporary Art Compulsory
Architecture and Power Compulsory

4 Optional Courses

Curation: Theory and Practice
Women Writing Art History, C. 1850 - 1970
Painting in Tudor and Early Stuart England

5 YEAR 4

History of Art Dissertation Compulsory

Cost & Affordability

A clear picture of what this course will cost you

Program Costs

First Year Fee Tuition fee
USD 28,115.00
Second Year Fee Tuition fee
USD 28,115.00
Third Year Fee Tuition fee
USD 28,115.00
Fourth Year Fee Tuition fee
USD 28,115.00
Total Program Cost Estimated total tuition
USD 112,461.00

Currency note: Program costs shown in USD based on the available tuition breakdown.

Living Costs

Food & Groceries USD 2,256.00 - USD 3,867.00
Transport USD 725.00 - USD 1,009.00
Utilities & Bills USD 1,386.00 - USD 1,732.00
Estimated Total USD 4,367.00 - USD 6,262.00

Living cost estimates are based on Old Aberdeen campus.

Outcomes & Employability

What happens after you graduate

97%
Graduate Employment Rate Within 6 to 12 months of graduation

Common Graduate Roles

Amusement & Recreation ServicesAnimation & Visual EffectsBanking & Financial ServicesBrokerage & Trading & SecuritiesCorporate Finance & TreasuryEducation Policy & AdministrationInvestment Management & Asset ManagementSocial Media & Content StrategyTax & Legal ComplianceVocational & Technical Training

Top Employers Hiring for this course

British Broadcasting Corporation (BBC)

Deloitte

National History Museum

National Trust

Warner Bros

Why Study Art History, MA at University of Aberdeen

What makes this program stand out

September 2026 Closing soon

Next intake is in September 2026

Life at University of Aberdeen in United Kingdom

What daily life looks like for international students

Language

English

Primary language everywhere

Climate

Mild & Rainy

10-20°C average, pack layers

Safety (Numbeo Safety Index)

Very Safe

Exeter is one of UK's safest cities

Frequently Asked Questions

Common questions about Art History, MA at University of Aberdeen

Can I work while studying?

International students in Degree courses can work up to 20 hours per week during term time and full-time during breaks.

What English language score do I need for this course?

Applicants must meet specific English language requirements. Accepted tests include Duolingo, TOEFL, IELTS, and PTE, each with minimum score requirements.

What jobs can I get after studying this course?

Graduates can pursue careers as art curators, museum educators, gallery managers, art historians, or cultural consultants.

What will I actually study in this course?

The Art History programme at the University of Aberdeen encompasses the study of art, architecture, and curation, covering various 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

When can I start — what are the intake months?

The MA in Art History at the University of Aberdeen has an intake in September each year.
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