Undergraduate degrees in history of art

Choose from an exciting range of modules. Experience our expert teaching from staff at the forefront of art history research.

Why study history of art at York?

As an undergraduate history of art student, you'll enjoy a rich selection of module choices ranging across times, places and approaches. You'll study in small-group classes in a friendly atmosphere that encourages active discussion among your classmates and tutors.

We also offer you opportunities to work with external organisations and attend exciting field trips throughout your degree. Discover spectacular art collections and historic locations in Yorkshire and beyond.

Contact us

histart-admissions@york.ac.uk

Our courses

Single-honours degrees

Joint-honours degrees

Cross-faculty courses

Liberal Arts (BA)

Or search all undergraduate courses

Course options

There are opportunities for you to spend time abroad during your course. You'll also have the chance to take a placement year.

If you're studying at a university outside the UK, you may be able to spend up to a year in York as a visiting student.

Scholarships and funding

Find out about scholarships and studentships that are available to students in the Department of History of Art.

Undergraduate funding

Learn a language

as part of your course, which could benefit your future career.

7th in the UK

for history of art, architecture and design (Complete University Guide 2026).

Wellbeing support

is available to all students whenever you need it. We're here to help with financial, pastoral or academic worries and more.

Gold-standard education

Our teaching, learning and student experience is outstanding, recognised by a Gold rating from the Office for Students in the 2023 national assessment (Teaching Excellence Framework).

Why York's gold-rated

Our facilities

Our campus boasts an impressive 900-piece art collection, with many works on display across the University. Our students also curate a range of unique exhibitions, available to view throughout the year.

York is a city rich in architecture, with examples from medieval guildhalls through to contemporary developments. The surrounding region is home to several impressive galleries, including the Hepworth in Wakefield and the Yorkshire Sculpture Park, as well as numerous stately homes, such as Castle Howard and Harewood House.

Discover our facilities

Careers

Our graduates go on to a wide range of careers within and beyond the art world, to further study, and to other pursuits. These include curators, museum educators and learning officers, conservators, art sales specialists and researchers.
Our degrees provide you with many valuable transferable skills, such as interpersonal, analytical and presenting skills. These will benefit you both in your career and beyond.

Discover our careers support

Student and graduate stories

Hear what our students and graduates have to say about studying with us.

Aida, BA History of Art. Read Aida's blog post.

Lucia, BA English/History of Art. Read Lucia's blog post.

Free online courses

Have you ever taken the time to really look at the sculptures in your town? This course will equip you to analyse, criticise and learn from public artworks.