This programme offers students the opportunity to explore the history and theory of art, and of its display in exhibitions and museums. Based in one of the largest art history departments in the UK, it is perfect for providing students with a comprehensive overview of the discipline as well as giving students access to an exceptionally wide range of art-historical expertise across time and place.

The city of Edinburgh is a World Heritage Site of leading museums and galleries with a rich range of collections and exhibitions, while its Scottish setting gives students access to an exceptional wealth of historic properties, buildings and sites, from medieval castles to the palace and parliament of Holyrood. Within the university there are also research collections and noted museums and galleries ranging from contemporary art to the history of medicine as well as rare illustrated books and manuscripts. Students will also have access to the National Library of Scotland with exceptional collections in rare books and manuscripts and their exhibition display.

Students will examine art in its historical contexts, the theoretical frameworks of interpretation and their relationship as physical objects to practices and concepts of display. Students will have the opportunity to put their learning into practice through an optional internship within one of Edinburgh’s many museums or galleries.