Art History, Master 2 subject

Imke Kuhn is a fourth-year student of Art History. She is pursuing the Bachelor of Arts degree, 2-subject programme. Imke's second subject is Comparative Literature Studies.

Wieso haben Sie sich damals für Ihr Studienfach entschieden?

In order to study a subject that is close to my heart and that I enjoy a lot – even though the career opportunities are rather mediocre.

An welchen Stellen haben sich die Erwartungen an Ihr Studienfach erfüllt, an welchen nicht?

My expertise regarding art history has been naturally enhanced – not, however, through seminars as such but rather through the efforts I poured into writing my theses. I’d never expected seminars to focus on oral presentations so much. The quality of the presentations very much depends on the people giving them, so there are sometimes dry spells to be sat through. 

Was macht Ihnen in Ihrem Fach am meisten Spaß?

Being able to work and research autonomously, discovering the bigger picture in the arts of the different centuries. In fact, I’ve liked just about everything about my degree course, because I have relatively free choice of seminars and, therefore, can follow my interests.

Was war bisher die größte Herausforderung?

Completing two degree programmes with optional modules in six semesters. I have not succeeded, either, which was perhaps caused by the fact that I’d had a baby at that time. Studying with a child has been my biggest challenge so far, as leaves of absence are handled differently in every degree programme.

Was wollen Sie einmal damit werden?

I could well imagine working in the field of museum pedagogy, but I’m not fully decided yet. Perhaps I will do something completely different after finishing my degree.

Welche Tipps geben Sie den Leuten, die auch überlegen, Ihr Fach zu studieren?

Pop by at the university and sit in a few seminars or lectures in order to get an impression of how they work. Consider whether you are able to do a lot of reading. In the optional module, you should attend seminars that will advance your understanding of art history as well, thus acquiring additional competencies.