History of Art University of Leeds

Overview

The emphasis of the course is on social and political approaches to art history, whether looking at the most recent and contemporary, or in the study of the deeper roots of the cultures we inhabit. From Medieval and Renaissance art to live practices now, from the study of our most local environments to the arts of Africa, Asia and beyond, we approach art as central to the production and reproduction of our shared and different social worlds.

Building on over 70 years of academic programmes in the study of art history, and with an international reputation for innovative, critically engaged and globally conscious approaches to the discipline. The course has well-established strengths in areas including:

• feminist and gender studies

• climate and environment

• relations between art and capitalism

• the legacies and critiques of colonialism

• Jewish studies

Career opportunities:

In this Masters degree you’ll develop your visual, critical and cultural awareness and expand your subject knowledge in history of art. You'll graduate with sophisticated research, analytical, critical and communication skills that will support you to succeed in a variety of careers.

Our graduates have pursued careers as curators and education staff in museums and galleries and worked for national heritage organisations, as well as in journalism, publishing, arts marketing, public relations, university administration and teaching.

Others have transferred the skills they gained into industry, the charity sector, and the full range of professions where high-level analytical and communication skills are in demand.

Many of our graduates have also continued with their research at PhD level and secured external funding to support them – including AHRC scholarships. Some of our former postgraduate researchers are now developing academic careers in the UK, Europe, Asia, USA and Canada.