Program Overview

In studying the BA in Art History at the School of Art in Aberystwyth University, you will not only be studying the history of art, but will become actively engaged in it. The School is housed in a magnificent listed building where history meets practice. Here, art is made, curated and exhibited. The study of art history has many practical applications. It promotes critical thinking and provides a sound foundation for careers in education and publishing, in journalism and advertising, as well as in curating and art administration.

This degree will equip you with essential research and writing skills. This ensures that you not only learn how to read art history but that you know what it means to be an art historian.

Why study Art History at Aberystwyth?

So, what gives us the edge?

• Studying at the School of Art, you will have access to an internationally renowned collection of art and artefacts. Our collection consists of some 20,000 prints, photographs, drawings, paintings and ceramics. We actively draw on those original works of art to build a practical knowledge of art history.
• The School of Art is a government-accredited art museum that runs its own galleries. There are only two such schools in the UK. This means a hands-on study of art in a museum environment. It gives you the opportunity to engage creatively with art history by curating works from our collection as part of your degree scheme. For examples of a student-curated exhibition, visit our Museum and Galleries blog.
• As a student here, you will be joining one of highest-ranking art departments in the UK. The School of Art is the only university in Wales that awards an Art History degree.
• Our staff are actively engaged in research, and their findings inform our teaching in the School of Art. Our team of experts include well-known art historians, practicing curators and exhibiting artists.
• During your time in the School of Art, you will have the opportunity to work with and study our internationally renowned collection of prints, photographs, paintings and ceramics.
• All students in our school have access to our teaching facilities which include a MAC suite, studios and learning spaces.
• The highlight for all students in our department is curating an exhibition in our galleries as part of their degree scheme.
• On our doorstep is the National Library of Wales. One of only five copyright libraries in the United Kingdom, the National Library in Aberystwyth holds over six million books, maps, prints and manuscripts, and has an outstanding collection of paintings and works on paper.