MA History of Art and Architectural History

Year 1

You will study History of Art 1, covering the period from the fall of the Roman Empire until the end of the Counter-Reformation. This will include non-Western material. You will also study Architectural History 1, which is a survey from antiquity to the present day. You will also choose an option course from another subject area.

Year 2

You will study History of Art 2, which begins with the 18th century and continues to the present day. You will also study Architectural History 2A, Order in the City, and Architectural History 2B, Culture and the City.

As with Year 1, you will be able to choose an option course from another subject area.

Year 3

Text and Theories in Western Architecture will be studied, and you will also choose from a selection of history of art and architectural history courses. You will undertake an independent research project for history of art. Study abroad is possible in Year 3.

Year 4

You will select courses that build on your subject choices in Year 3. You will also write a dissertation in either history of art or architectural history.

Programme structure

Find out more about the compulsory and optional courses in this degree programme.

To give you an idea of what you will study on this programme, we publish the latest available information. However, please note this may not be for your year of entry, but for a different academic year.

Programme structure (2018/19)

Our facilities

Most of our teaching takes place in the University's Central Area, in Minto House, on Chambers Street, or within Edinburgh College of Art (ECA).

Placements

There is a work placement option in Year 3.

Study abroad

There are opportunities to study abroad in Europe and North America, via Erasmus and other international exchange schemes. For details see the information available at ‘Student Exchanges’ on the Edinburgh Global webpage.

Student Exchanges

Guaranteed study abroad funding for students required to complete a year abroad

How will I learn?

You will be taught through a combination of lectures, seminars, individual supervisions and museum and gallery visits.

In Year 3, you will have the opportunity to pursue supervised independent projects that aim to develop pragmatic skills and experience directly relevant to careers in areas such as galleries, museums, heritage management, auction houses and art journalism.

How will I be assessed?

You will be assessed by coursework and exams. In Years 3 and 4, you will complete at least one independent project and a longer dissertation.

Programme details

Find out more about this programme's aims, what you will learn, how you will be assessed and what skills and knowledge you will develop.

To give you an idea of what to expect from this programme, we publish the latest available information. However, please note this may not be for your year of entry, but for a different academic year.

Programme details (2018/19)

Studying History of Art & Architectural History at the University of Edinburgh prepares you for a range of careers in the art world, architectural/conservation firms and the public sector. Careers include curatorships in galleries and museums, art journalism, publishing, art dealing, tourism, graphics, advertising, heritage management and auctioneering.

Some graduates use their skills and experience for careers in management or teaching, while some choose to go on to further study.

Typical offer range

The typical offer is likely to be:

• SQA Highers: AAAA - ABBB.
• A Levels: AAB - ABB.
• IB: 40 points (grades 766 at HL) - 34 points (grades 655 at HL).

Access threshold

The access threshold for a contextual offer is:

• SQA Highers: ABBB.
• A Levels: ABB.
• IB: 34 points (grades 655 at HL).

Find out more about access thresholds and contextual offers

Detailed requirements for all applicants

To be considered for an offer of a place all applicants must meet the following requirements:

• SQA Highers: ABBB by end of S5 or ABBBB/AABB from S4-S6, with a minimum of BBB achieved in one year of S4-S6. National 5: English at Grade C. (Revised 22/10/2018 to reflect that we no longer require Mathematics or an approved science.)
• A Levels: ABB. GCSEs: English at Grade C or 4. (Revised 22/10/2018 to reflect that we no longer require Mathematics or an approved science.)
• IB: Award of Diploma with 34 points overall and grades 655 in HL subjects. SL: English at 5. (Revised 22/10/2018 to reflect that we no longer require Mathematics or an approved science.)

Find out more about entry requirements

International applicants

We welcome applications from students studying a wide range of international qualifications.

Entry requirements by country

International Foundation Programme

If you are an international student and your school qualifications are not accepted for direct entry to the University you may be eligible for admission to this degree programme through our International Foundation Programme.

International Foundation Programme

Mature applicants

We welcome applications from mature students and accept a range of qualifications.

Mature applicant qualifications

You must provide evidence that your written and spoken English is at a level that will enable you to succeed in your studies.

English language tests

If English is not your first language, you must have one of the following qualifications as evidence of your spoken and written English:

• IELTS Academic module overall 6.5 with 5.5 in each component
• TOEFL-iBT 92 or above with 20 in each section
• Cambridge English: Advanced or Proficiency overall 176 with 162 in each component
• Pearson Test of English (Academic): Total 61 with at least 51 in each "Communicative Skills" section
• Trinity ISE: ISE II with a distinction in all four components

About English language requirements

SQA, GCSE and IB

For SQA, GCSE and IB students, unless a higher level is specified in the stated entry requirements, a pass is required in English at the following grades or higher:

• SQA National 5 Grade C
• SQA Standard Grade 3
• SQA Intermediate 1 Grade A
• SQA Intermediate 2 Grade C
• GCSE Grade C or 4
• Level 2 Certificate Grade C
• IB Standard Level Grade 5 (English ab initio is not accepted for entry)

This information is part of a government initiative to enhance the material that higher education institutions provide about their degree programmes.

It is one of many sources of information which will enable you to make an informed decision on what and where to study.

Please note that some programmes do not have Unistats data available.

Tuition Fees

Tuition fees for MA History of Art and Architectural History

Additional costs

You will bear the costs of printing your work, for example, the final year dissertation, which must be submitted on paper.

In addition, there may be small costs associated with travel to visit exhibitions, but these are usually limited to c£10-£20 per visit.

Funding

For more information on how much it will cost to study with us and the financial support available see our fees and funding information.

Fees and funding

• College of Arts, Humanities & Social Sciences Undergraduate Admissions Office
• Email: CAHSS.UGAdmissions@ed.ac.uk
• Phone: +44 (0)131 650 3565
• Web: History of Art website
• International enquiries