Dutch taught programmes
| Language of instruction | Dutch |
| Duration of programme | 3 Years |
Art History
Contents of the programme
Kunstgeschiedenis
Have you ever taken a good look at a painting by Picasso? Maybe you love his colours or his compositions. Or you might be wondering how Picasso makes a painting like that. Why? Who does he do it for? And why did he paint in different styles? If you have ever read a book about Picasso, you might have some of the answers, and you saw the efforts researchers have made to find out more.
If you do a bachelor’s in Art History, you can learn all about a work of art, an exhibition, or the role of art in society. You use your eyes and by consulting the literature, you see through the eyes of others as well.
The full-time and part-time Art History programme at the UvA is the largest in the Netherlands. The university takes advantage of the numerous museums and other sites where art is on display in Amsterdam. The Rijksmuseum, Stedelijk Museum and Van Gogh Museum are all known for their art collections and fine libraries. They are significant supplements to the large collection of the University Library and the library, slide collection and reproductions room at the Art History department.
During the bachelor’s programme students learn to approach art and literature on art critically and analytically. They take courses in visual analysis, where they learn to describe works of art, an introduction to art history (painting, sculpture, architecture and graphic art), the theme of art imitation where they study copies, quotations and parodies in medieval to contemporary art, and a methodological course on architecture and art as bearers of meanings and stylistics. Students also go on excursions. And there is ample opportunity to take elective courses at other departments or to do internships.
When you complete the bachelor’s programme, you will graduate as a Bachelor of Arts.
Master's programmes and afterwards
After you get a BA degree in Art History, you can specialise and do a master’s degree in Art History.
The UvA offers several other types of master's programmes for which graduates can apply:
- Duale masters: Professional master's programmes, which are vocationally oriented programmes at an academic level of a year and a half to two years including work experience
- Onderzoeksmasters: Two-year research master's programmes for which there is a selection procedure
- Lerarenopleiding: Teacher training for students who would like to become a teacher
- Other options: You might be able to enrol in other master's programmes depending on the minor courses you have taken during the bachelor's.
Follow the link below for a complete overview of master's programmes offered by the UvA (in Dutch).