Master 1 subject

Art History, Master 1 subject

Which scopes and methods does this subject entail?
How can a work of art be described, analysed and classified within a cultural and historical context?
In which way and to what effect is art used as a communication medium?
How is art perceived and theorised?
Which role does art play in society and which production and distribution requirements are there?

Being able to work and research autonomously, discovering the bigger picture in the arts of the different centuries – this is what I enjoy most!

– Imke Kuhn, Bachelor's degree

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Profile
Degree	Master of Arts
Start	Winter- and summer semester
Duration	4 semesters
Classroom language	German
Admission	Not restricted, application at the faculty required

Information on enrollment/application for German applicants

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Application information for international applicants

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What's it all about?

This degree programme is unique, because ...

it offers the chance of deepening the expertise and competencies acquired in the B.A. course by choosing a specialist subject and receiving interdisciplinary input, with the aim of conducing scientific research. Moreover, collaborating institutions provide workplace-related training.

It provides the opportunity to specialise in the following fields ...

Understanding of cultural heritage
Expertise and method canon and autonomous compilation of current scientific position
Problems pertaining to historical eras, their boundaries and the crossing of boundaries
Categories, media, functions, techniques, contexts, forms and styles
Factors affecting development, functional, social and heritage-related contexts, plus informative intentions inherent to the artefacts
Professional practice

Course schedule

Module handbook

Who is suited?

Those who wish to enrol in this degree programme,

has: basic understanding of general art history, the ability of communicating relevant facts and interpretations orally and in writing
enjoys: discussing art history in view of scientific and historical developments and current discourses, communicating knowledge, developing individual research position
struggles through: comprehensive foreign-language (e.g. English, French, Italian, Dutch and Spanish) literature, preparing advanced-level written papers and oral presentations

This degree programme is suited for graduates in the following subjects

Humanities and Cultural Science

Graduates from this degree programme frequently work

at universities and in academia in general
in museum and exhibition management and the art trade
in heritage protection and urban planning
in media companies and the publishing industry
in adult education and tourism

And else?

An internship ...

is recommended. It is done during the degree course.
Duration: min. 4 weeks

Studying abroad ... is recommended. It is done from the 2nd-3rd semester.
Duration: between a few weeks and one semester

Where do I find help?

Academic advisory office

Studienberatung Kunstgeschichte
Building, Room: GA 2 / 57
Phone: +49 (0)234 / 32-22556
Email: studienberatung-kgi@rub.de
Website academic advisory office

Contact students

Fachschaft Kunstgeschichte
Building, Room: GA 2/53
Phone: +49 (0)234 / 32-24741
Email: fachschaft-kunstgeschichte@rub.de
Website Fachschaft

Other degree programs in the subject

Bachelor 2 subject

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.

What made you choose this degree programme?

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.

In which respect have or haven’t your expectations been fulfilled?

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.

Which aspect of your degree programme do you enjoy most?

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.

What has been your biggest challenge to date?

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.

What would you like to become after completing your degree?

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.

Which advice would you like to give to students who consider enrolling in this degree programme?

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.