MA (Hons) in History of Art, University of Glasgow

48 Months

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About this course

The History of Art MA explores how and why paintings, sculptures, buildings, and design works come to look the way they do. Students benefit from extensive resources such as the University Library and Archives, The Hunterian museum and art gallery featuring collections from Hunter, Whistler, and Mackintosh, as well as Kelvin Hall. The program includes visits to relevant museums, galleries, and buildings, supported by a third-year grant. The course begins in September and is designed to give students an accessible yet comprehensive foundation in art history, including non-western material, techniques, materials, and key issues like art theory and patronage. In later years, students undertake specialized studies, projects, and a dissertation, with options for studying abroad and including work placements.

Why this course is highly recommended

This program is highly recommended for students passionate about understanding visual culture and art history across different eras and regions. Its extensive resources, including world-famous collections and collaborations with major institutions like the Smithsonian, provide unique learning opportunities. The course’s flexible modules and options for studying abroad or doing work placements prepare students for diverse careers in museums, galleries, art dealing, publishing, and education. Furthermore, the university’s strong research links and scholarships support academic excellence and future career development.

Specialisation

The course offers a wide range of modules specializing in periods, artists, and themes such as Early Impressionism, Modernism in Central Europe, Art and Politics in Weimar Germany, and Chinese Painting History, among others. Students can focus on specific areas like Renaissance architecture, Medieval art, or contemporary digital art, tailoring their studies to personal interests through optional modules and research projects. The program emphasizes both Western and non-Western art forms, and students can select specialized options in later years, including research, methodology, and thematic approaches.

Course fees

Application fees

1st year tuition fees

28.06L

Living cost

Degree requirements

Applicants should meet specific academic requirements such as BBBB at S5, or AAAAA by S6 from SQA Higher, with additional English and Humanities subjects. The programme accepts A-levels, IB, and other qualifications with designated subject criteria. For advanced entry, students need AAA in Advanced Highers, A*A*A in A-levels, or 38 points in IB, with relevant subject focus. English language proficiency is required, with tests like IELTS (6.5 overall, no subtest below 6.0), TOEFL, and others accepted. The university also considers qualifications from English-speaking countries if recent and relevant.

English language test

IELTS

6.5

TOEFL

PTE

DUOLINGO

Want to learn more about the admission process, eligibility criteria, and acceptance rates for international students? Visit the University of Glasgow admission page for complete details.

Career prospects

Graduates can pursue careers in publishing, journalism, teaching, librarianship, museums, galleries, heritage, art dealing, and auction houses. Some notable destinations include internships at Getty Collections and roles at institutions like Dulwich Picture Gallery and Handel House. The degree also opens opportunities in curatorial, research, and administrative positions within the art world and cultural sectors.

FAQs

What if my language qualifications are below the requirements?

The university’s School of Modern Languages and Cultures offers pre-sessional courses accredited by BALEAP to help students reach the required English level, or alternatively, students can contact External Relations for more options.

What are the English language test requirements?

Applicants from non-English speaking countries need an IELTS score of 6.5 overall (no subtest under 6.0), with other tests like TOEFL, PTE, and Cambridge accepted at specified minimum scores. The university also considers qualifications from majority-English speaking countries if studied in English for at least 2 years in the last 6 years.