School of History of Art

Here you’ll find more information about studying the following degrees with us:

• MA History of Art  
• MA Fine Art  
• MA History of Art joint honours programmes including:
  • History of Art and Architectural History  
  • History of Art and Chinese Studies  
  • History of Art and English Literature  
  • History of Art and History of Music  
  • History of Art and Scottish Literature  

 Watch our programme video to find out more about your degree:

Learn from world-leading academics

All of our teaching is research-led. You will work alongside world-leading academics, who have extensive publication records and curatorial experience, exhibiting both nationally and internationally. At ECA, history of art works alongside academics and researchers who are actively involved in all areas of studio practice - making art, design of all kinds, and constructing buildings.

Live in a city brimming with culture

As a UNESCO World Heritage city and the capital of Scotland, Edinburgh has world-class historical collections, galleries, historic architecture, and archives as well as an active and dynamic cultural sector. Our courses typically take advantage of the city’s unique resources by featuring on-site visits. We also frequently invite expert guests such as curators from the city’s national galleries and museums to speak to our classes.

Benefit from breadth and flexibility

Our distinctive degree structure allows you to take elective courses from other subject areas across the University in your first and second years. This aligns well with History of Art’s identity as an outward-looking discipline. Your chance to forge connections with subjects such as philosophy, literature, history, geography, biology, economics and politics will give you new perspectives on how visual culture fits within the wider world.

A diverse curriculum

Within History of Art, our range of teaching specialisms is one of the broadest in the UK and covers everything from Celtic and early Islamic art, to contemporary art and the current global art market. We have specialisms in medieval and Renaissance, early modern and both 19th and 20th Century art. We also teach about Chinese, Japanese and Indian art and have broad and up-to-date coverage of contemporary art theories and politics.

Gain practical experience ready for industry

History of Art students will have the opportunity to apply a placement in one of the city’s collections, and gain behind-the-scenes access to Edinburgh’s renowned art galleries and museums. Alternatively, you can choose to complete a major independent project that focuses on skills relevant to careers in history of art.  

Facilities and resources

Edinburgh is home to world-class collections of historic and contemporary art that are integral to our teaching. In addition, the University’s own gallery, the Talbot Rice Gallery, is one of Scotland’s leading public spaces for contemporary visual art.  

The University is also home to an exceptional Fine Arts Collection, containing more than 1,200 items, notable for its Dutch and Flemish art of the 17th and 18th Centuries, Scottish portraits, and modern Scottish art.

You will also have access to the vast University library, one of the largest academic libraries in the world, open 24 hours a day.

Fine Art students work alongside students from our BA programmes and make use of our spacious and well-lit studios. Here you will quickly build a supportive, creative community.

ECA offers a diverse range of studios and workshops, libraries and collections, and places to perform and show your work. These include our foundry and casting room, our metal workshop, purpose-built studios, our photography suite, printmaking suite and wood workshops (to name a few). 

Explore our facilities