History of Art and Museum Studies

Overview

About the Programme

Students analyse the role of art and heritage in our modern societies through deep analysis of museums’ general organisation, cultural or scientific enhancement methodologies, administration and preservation processes alongside the role of technologies and media. Curators or heritage officers and museums’ professionals give courses from Sorbonne University or Ecole du Louvre in Paris.

Students will learn about collections management, loan and acquisitions processes, exhibition planning and design, communication techniques and educational programmes organised by museums. Students will also develop critical thinking and analysis tools to understand art and archaeological objects from a mediator or researcher perspective.

During the three first three semesters, the History of Art and Museum Studies programme of Sorbonne University Abu Dhabi focuses on a presentation to the history of occidental, oriental and Islamic art and on museums’ management, preservation careers, museography, heritage law and art market. During the fourth and last semester, students participate in a twelve week mandatory internship in France, in one of the prestigious museums to gain a unique and considerable experience.

There are abundant rewarding career opportunities on a regional and global scale in museums, galleries, heritage centers, cultural institutions, art fairs and auction houses with varied areas of expertise ranging from collections and acquisitions, preservation, scientific and cultural programming, exhibition, education and mediation, art publishing and journalism. Graduates can look forward to interesting positions such as Production Managers, Cultural Programmers, Curators, Literature Reviewers, Collection Supervisors, Registrars, Educational Managers, Editorial Managers, Public Policy Advisors and Communication Officers amongst others.