Art History and History (MA)
University of Aberdeen Campus, United Kingdom
Art History and History (MA)
University of Aberdeen
Art History and History
Program Overview: Art History and History (MA) at Aberdeen
The Art History and History MA at the University of Aberdeen offers a compelling joint honours programme that immerses you in all aspects of human activity in the past, combining in-depth study of buildings, sculptures, drawings, paintings, prints, and decorative arts with rigorous historical inquiry. You will study at Scotland's third oldest university, founded in 1495, where over 500 years of social and artistic development provide an unparalleled learning environment.
This programme is delivered by the School of Arts and Social Sciences, where Art History research was ranked top in Scotland for its impact and second in the UK in the latest UK Research Excellence Framework. You will be inspired by teachers who are leaders in their fields, with expertise ranging from medieval Scandinavia and early-modern Poland to modern East Asia, while also gaining specialised knowledge of European painting, sculpture, architecture, and decorative arts from the Middle Ages to the present day.
The Scottish MA (Honours) is a four-year undergraduate degree that provides both breadth and depth. In your first two years, you will build foundational knowledge across both disciplines, while your honours years allow you to specialise through advanced modules, independent research, and an honours dissertation. The programme equips you with analytical, research, and communication skills valued across many career paths.
Key Program Highlights
- Art History research ranked top in Scotland and second in the UK for impact in the Research Excellence Framework
- History teaching rated Highly Satisfactory with 95% student satisfaction, well above the national average of 86%
- Access to the university's nationally significant art collections and Aberdeen's award-winning Art Gallery
- Founded in 1495, the University of Aberdeen is Scotland's third oldest and the UK's fifth oldest university
Curriculum and Modules
The Art History and History MA is structured across four years, with each year requiring 120 credit points. The first two years provide a broad foundation in both art history and history, while the third and fourth years allow you to pursue advanced honours-level study, specialised topics, and independent research culminating in a dissertation.
Introduction to Art History: Medieval to Early Modern
30 creditsAn introductory survey of European art from the medieval period through the early modern era, covering painting, sculpture, architecture, and decorative arts. You will develop foundational skills in visual analysis and art historical methodology.
Introduction to Art History: Modern and Contemporary
30 creditsThis module explores the development of art from the modern period to the present day, examining movements, media, and theoretical frameworks. Topics include photography, contemporary installation, and the global art world.
History: Themes and Approaches
30 creditsA foundational history module introducing key historical themes, periods, and methodological approaches. You will study diverse topics spanning medieval, early modern, and modern periods across European and global contexts.
Curation: Theory and Practice
30 creditsA hands-on module where you work in groups to develop exhibition proposals using materials from the university's own collections, gaining practical curatorial and museum skills alongside theoretical knowledge.
Art History Special Subject
30 creditsAn advanced honours-level module allowing in-depth study of a specialised art history topic, such as Renaissance altarpieces, Scottish and British painting, or modern photography, guided by research-active academics.
Honours Dissertation
30 creditsThe culminating project of the programme in which you undertake independent research on a topic of your choice, producing a substantial written dissertation under the supervision of a specialist academic.
Elective Modules
Admission Requirements
Entry to the Art History and History MA at the University of Aberdeen is based on academic qualifications, English language proficiency, and supporting documentation. All applications and inquiries are handled through Uni4Edu, your single point of contact throughout the admissions process.
Academic Requirements
- A Levels (First Year Entry)Minimum of 3 A Levels at BBC
- A Levels (Second Year Entry)Minimum of an A in the subject selected for Single Honours plus BB, or AB in subjects selected for Joint Honours plus a further B
- IB Diploma (First Year Entry)Minimum of 32 points, including at least 5, 5, 5 at Higher Level
- IB Diploma (Second Year Entry)Minimum of 36 points, including 6, 6, 6 at Higher Level in subjects selected
- Scottish HighersFive subjects at Higher at H3; BBBB typically receives an unconditional offer
English Language Requirements
- IELTS AcademicOverall 6.0 with no component below 5.5 (Writing 6.0 or above)
- TOEFL iBTContact Uni4Edu for current accepted scores
- GCSE EnglishGCSE English or English Language at Grade C/4 or above
Required Documents
Application Deadlines
For personalized admission guidance, document verification, and application support, please contact Uni4Edu
Scholarships and Funding
The University of Aberdeen offers a range of scholarships and financial support to help students fund their studies. Uni4Edu can guide you through the available funding opportunities and assist with your scholarship applications.
Aberdeen Global Scholarship
GBP 6,000 per yearAvailable to eligible self-funded international on-campus undergraduate students for every year of their programme, awarded as a tuition fee waiver. Students must be registered full-time and on-campus, and cannot hold other University of Aberdeen scholarships.
For detailed tuition fee information, please contact Uni4Edu — we will guide you through the costs and available funding options for this program.
Career Prospects
Graduates of the Art History and History MA are well prepared for a diverse range of careers. The University of Aberdeen achieves strong employment outcomes, with more than 95% of undergraduate students finding work or entering further study shortly after graduation. Your specialist knowledge in art history and history, combined with transferable skills in research, analysis, and communication, will open doors across many sectors.
Potential Career Paths
Where Aberdeen Graduates Work
Rankings and Recognition
The University of Aberdeen is consistently ranked among the top universities in the United Kingdom and globally, with particular strength in arts, humanities, and research impact. Founded in 1495, it combines centuries of academic tradition with a commitment to research-led teaching and international engagement.
| Subject | Ranking Body | Rank |
|---|---|---|
| Art History Research Impact | UK Research Excellence Framework | #1 in Scotland, #2 in UK |
| History | Complete University Guide | #41 |
| Arts and Humanities | QS World Rankings by Subject | Top 300 |
| Overall UK Ranking | Complete University Guide | #30 |
How to Apply
Applying for this program is easy with Uni4Edu. Our team will guide you through every step of the process — from document preparation to final enrolment.
Contact Uni4Edu
Reach out to our team via email or phone. We will assess your profile and confirm your eligibility for this program.
Prepare Your Documents
Our advisors will provide you with a personalised checklist of required documents and help you prepare your application package.
Submit Your Application
Uni4Edu will submit your application on your behalf and keep you updated on its progress throughout the review period.
Receive Your Offer
Once accepted, we will help you understand your offer, arrange visa support if needed, and guide you through the enrolment process.
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