Postgraduate study in Art History

What can you study in Art History?

Postgraduate courses in Art History explore a variety of approaches and methodologies in relation to European and American, New Zealand and Australian, Māori and Polynesian arts.

The topics you can study range from individual artists such as Rembrandt to the social and cultural significance of public art and art galleries.

Postgraduate study in Art History is not limited to the traditional fine arts. You can also investigate the forms, meanings and values of different images and objects in the visual cultures (both contemporary and past) of various societies.

Our research interests inform both taught courses and student research. We have particular research strengths in the following areas:

  • Aotearoa New Zealand's unique history of art
  • Māori, Pacific and indigenous art
  • Cross-cultural and inter-cultural representation and post-colonial theory
  • Portraiture from the early modern to the modern period
  • European early modern painting, tapestries and prints
  • Gender, ethnicity and visual culture
  • The psychology of art and critical theory

Entry requirements

Bachelor of Arts (Honours) in Art History

A BA or Bachelor of Global Studies with a major in Art History. You must have a Grade Point Average of 5.0 or higher in 45 points above Stage II in the major.

The following subjects may also be considered for entry: Humanities, Media, Museums and Cultural Heritage, Museums Studies.

Master of Arts in Art History

120-point (one-year) MA

A BA(Hons) or PGDipArts in Art History with a Grade Point Average of 5.0 or higher (you should have completed a research component as part of the PGDipArts). The research masters has higher requirements.

The following subjects may also be considered for entry: Humanities, Media, Museums and Cultural Heritage, Museums Studies.

180-point (18-month) MA

A BA with a major in Art History. You must have a Grade Point Average of 5.0 or higher in 75 points above Stage II including at least 45 points in the major.

The following subjects may also be considered for entry: Humanities, Media, Museums and Cultural Heritage, Museums Studies.

Structuring your specialisation in Art History

Bachelor of Arts (Honours) in Art History

Consult the BA(Hons) schedule for how to structure your study and for the courses you may take.

2023 BA(Hons) schedule for Art History

Master of Arts in Art History

Consult the MA schedule for how to structure your study and for the courses you may take.

2023 MA schedule for Art History

Courses

Explore the courses you can take as part of a specialisation in Art History:

Postgraduate courses

Graduate career: Renisa Maki

Renisa works as a consultant at Kerridge & Partners, an executive search and leadership consultancy firm renowned for appointing senior leaders, CEOs and board directors across New Zealand. Her work on GLAM-sector leadership appointments has been underpinned by her postgraduate study in Art History.

Scholarships and awards

Help and advice

Our friendly staff will provide you with advice on planning your degree and enrolling in your courses at Student Hubs.

If you would like to find out more about studying Art History, you can contact a Postgraduate Adviser.