“An artist is an explorer”- Henri Matisse
The study of art allows one to explore the world around them and liberate our imagination and creativity to the fullest. Studying abroad, especially for students pursuing subjects like fine arts, literature, or social studies can become an invaluable experience and learning factor. One can learn about a different culture and learn about newer art forms.
Pursuing a master’s from a foreign university also adds to your assets and gives you global exposure for your career. In today’s world, where we have the world at our fingertips, many institutions worldwide offer educational programs and other facilities for overseas students to reside in a new country and pursue the education of their dreams.
Among the many fields of study that help to improve our world, studying the history of art should also be considered significant as it teaches us how art was created and has evolved from the past till today. Here are some foreign universities that offer courses to pursue a master’s degree in art history and related fields.
1. Leiden University | Degree in Art History
Course Name: Art History and Museum Studies
Duration: 1 year
Fee: 19,300 EUR/year
Location: Leiden, Netherlands
Leiden University is one of the leading international universities in Europe. It was founded in 1575 and specializes in research-intensive education programs. Being one of the top-ranked institutions in the academic world, studying here gives graduates an advantage when applying for positions.’
Leiden University also offers excellent scholarships for full-time international students and several general and subject-specific funding schemes. Leiden University offers almost 80 English taught master’s programs, and also actively networks with various other institutions. Also, when learning in the Netherlands, a fact which should not be underestimated is that Leiden is one of the best places to go. It is a real student city, with many student residents, and over 20 student associations, along with many spaces for students to spend time, interact and enjoy. The Hague is Leiden University’s second location and is a rapidly growing city of international allure.
2. The University of Hong Kong
Course Name: Art History
Duration: 1 year
Fee: 24,255 EUR/year
Location: Hong Kong, Hong Kong (SAR)
With a widespread international community, many comprehensive courses and established excellence in research, the University of Hong Kong is one of the top-ranked in Asia. Asia is becoming increasingly important on the global stage and Hong Kong is one of the prominent global cities on the continent. It is one of the world’s leading financial centres, as well as thrives in a vibrant culture. At The University of Hong Kong, the master’s in art history provides dual expertise in both Asian and Western Art History and conducts in-depth studies in Asian art, western art, and intercultural aspects of art. Some skills involved in this course include advanced academic skills in art historical methodology, research, and writing, advanced curatorial skills in techniques and materials, connoisseurship, and aspects of museum work.
3. Victoria University of Wellington | Degree in Art History
Course Name: Masters of Art history (MA)
Duration: 3-4 trimesters (approx. one university year)
Fee: NZ$8,694
Location: Kelburn, Wellington, New Zealand
Located in the lively and sophisticated arts capital of New Zealand, Victoria University of Wellington offers a one year course in Art History. The University engages closely with New Zealand’s capital city and civic activities, and the students benefit from its links with government departments and agencies, research organisations, and cultural and environmental organisations.
The students here can get opportunities to work closely with curators and experts and draw on collections held in galleries and museums around New Zealand. There is an active and dynamic culture of research in Art History at Victoria University of Wellington. This course allows the students to explore contemporary New Zealand art, the politics of art and climate change, the narratives of Oceania in art, or look at how artists write about art. Along with that, through the many public art collections and galleries in Wellington and the University’s own extensive art collection, one can get invaluable opportunities to showcase their talents.
4. University of Birmingham
Course Name: MA History of Art (with an optional pathway in British Art)
Duration: 1 year full-time; 2 years part-time
Fee: £20,430
Location: Edgbaston, Birmingham, United Kingdom
The University of Birmingham is one of the prominent educational institutes in the United Kingdom and lays claim to one of the most diverse campuses in the UK. It encourages a global outlook and is home to 26,000 students, 5,000 of them international.
The master’s in History of Art at Birmingham, allows students to explore art in a vibrant and dynamic research community and facilities related to fine art. The department boasts of a broad range of expertise, from medieval and Renaissance art and architecture to contemporary global art.
Students can also get benefit from access to original works, some even from Van Gogh, Picasso and Monet through a dedicated fine art library and collection of resources, in their own acclaimed public gallery on-campus. On completion of this course, one can pursue careers as museum curators, art critics, art historian, art theory professors, etc. With 31% of its academic staff also from overseas, one can get a truly global exposure and experience here.
5. Koç University | Degree in Art History
Course Name: Archaeology and History of Art
Duration: 2 years
Fee: 0$ (Fully-funded)
Location: Istanbul, Turkey
Koç University is one of the renowned universities in Turkey and was founded in 1993 as a non-profit private university. It is distinguished by notable contributions to the elevation of education, knowledge and service both domestically and beyond. The art history program here is fully funded by the government and is a part of the universities non-profit contributions to society. This course covers a wide historical and geographical scope including prehistoric Anatolia, the Greek and Roman Empires, the Late Antique period, the Byzantine and Ottoman Empires, and the modern period and introduces the students to recent theories and methodologies in archaeology and art history. It can certainly be a unique experience to study outside of Europe. The students here get opportunities to work in government institutions, museums and art gallery curation.
6. University of St. Andrews
Course Name: Art history (M.Litt.)
Duration: One-year full time; two years part-time
Fee: (Overseas) £21,390
Location: Scotland, United Kingdom
The University of St. Andrews is one of the top regarded universities in the UK and is well known for providing a balanced experience of university life. Nestled on the east coast of Scotland, the university is located in a small town, giving it an intimate feel. It also offers a diverse range of social activities, including over 140 student societies and 50 sports clubs. The architecture here has historic buildings juxtaposed against the modern facilities, and the many student traditions truly make studying at St Andrew’s an unforgettable experience. There are also scholarships and funding options available at every level of study.
7. University of London
Course Name: MA in Art History, Curatorship and Renaissance Culture
Duration: 1 year full-time; 2 years part-time
Fee: £16,830
Location: London, United Kingdom
The University of London is a reputed organization affiliated with a variety of institutions, notably the largest university in the United Kingdom. Located in the heart of London, you can get a global experience with a wide variety of students and faculties. Studying in London can be a memorable experience for you, filled with an array of activities, historically significant locations, and rich art and culture. It provides an unrivalled scholarly community in which to pursue postgraduate study and research. You can learn from leading specialists in the fields, hone their research skills in highly regarded training programmes, expand their knowledge through an extensive calendar of events, and become part of a community from all over the world.
8. John Cabot University | Degree in Art History
Course Name: Art History
Duration: 1½ years
Fee: 14,206 EUR/year
Location: Rome, Italy
John Cabot University, founded in 1972, is an independent, liberal arts university offering undergraduate degrees, graduate degrees, and study abroad programs to English-speaking students worldwide. Located in the heart of Rome, while studying here one is surrounded by the extraordinarily rich offerings of art and culture that Italy offers. The country has been home to many prominent artists of the past and also has great examples of art and architecture that one can see and experience. John Cabot University also offers internships as well as work opportunities at multinational companies, NGOs and museums in Italy and beyond.
9. The University of Sydney
Course Name: Master of Art Curating
Duration: 1 – 1.5 years
Fee: NR 2,153,212
Location: Sydney, Australia
This course offered by the University of Sydney is about the study of art that is displayed in museums, along with the methodologies and knowledge required to be an art curator. Art curating goes beyond studying art and involves a different type of study. It enables students to possess a strong foundation in the history of art museums, their cultural impact and the role of curators in society. A master’s degree in art curating would make you well equipped for employment in a gallery or curatorial organisation. Studying here can provide you with a great campus experience as well as exposure to the variety of art and culture of Australia.
10. George Mason University | Degree in Art History
Course Name: MA in Art History
Duration: one year
Fee: 40,699 EUR/year
Location: Fairfax, Virginia, United States
George Mason University is one of the largest public research universities in the United States, and we set the standard for a bold, progressive education. George Mason University’s master’s degree in Art History provides training in a broad range of art-historical professions, including in museums, arts education, galleries, and auction houses. The program is updated to the latest developments in the field and studies a broad range of art-historical periods, theories, and research methods. The faculty here specialize in the art history from ancient to contemporary times, and in areas covering Europe, North and South America, Asia, and the Middle East.
As it is located close to Washington, D.C., there is an abundance of opportunities for internships and career options for students in art galleries, exhibitions or museums in prominent cities.
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