History of Art

About this programme

Are you interested in how art shapes our understanding of the world? How does visual culture build social identities and influence the environments we live in? As a student you’ll benefit from Oxford’s wealth of art and architecture, with exclusive access to the Ashmolean collections and curator-led tours at Modern Art Oxford. On the course you’ll build critical visual analysis and communication skills, preparing you for success after graduation. The course includes practical learning on trips to galleries and heritage sites in London, Oxfordshire and Warwickshire. On our field trip to Paris you might debate Renaissance masterpieces in the Louvre, or consider the social significance of feminist performance art in the Pompidou. Choose from a rich variety of modules – options from the Renaissance to 21st century. You can also shape the course, choosing to pursue your own interests, or even curate your own exhibition, while being supported by experts who are world-class researchers. We want you to enjoy art and architecture first hand, so we provide plenty of opportunities throughout the course. If you haven’t studied art history, we’ll get you up to speed. If you have, we’ll introduce you to new topics. You’ll develop your logical and critical thinking skills, learn advanced research techniques, and become a great communicator. The city has renowned museums, galleries, and auction houses to not only visit, but volunteer or work in to gain experience of the sector. History of Art is ranked 8th in the Guardian History of Art subject league ranking 2025.