Program Overview

Introduction to Art History and Theory

Art History and Theory is a subject that helps individuals find messages encoded within the visual world and think about the effects they have in and on society. This subject traces history and culture using artefacts, architecture, photos, and more. Students learn to find meaning through objects and see how these affect our experiences.

Program Overview

The Art History and Theory program involves learning in the main and city centre campuses. Students get hands-on experience with the James Logie Memorial Collection of ancient artefacts in the Teece Museum of Classical Antiquities in the city, and Aotearoa New Zealand's cultural collections at Te Puna Rakahau o Macmillan Brown | Macmillan Brown Library on campus. The program also includes internship courses where students can gain practical skills and build connections.

Combining Art History and Theory with Other Subjects

Students can combine Art History and Theory studies with other subject interests like:

• Classics
• Anthropology
• Languages

Courses

Art History and Theory Major

For the major in the Bachelor of Arts, students must complete the following courses:

• 100-level: Two 100-level ARTH courses
• 200-level: Three 200-level ARTH courses
• 300-level: Two 300-level ARTH courses

Art History and Theory Minor

For the minor in the Bachelor of Arts, Commerce, Digital Screen, Health, Product Design, Science, Social and Environmental Sustainability, Sport, or Youth and Community Leadership, students must complete the following courses:

• 75 points in 100 to 300-level ARTH courses, with at least 45 points above 100-level

Postgraduate Diploma in Art Curatorship

The Postgraduate Diploma in Art Curatorship provides opportunities for those with a Bachelor of Arts in Art History and Theory or a Bachelor of Fine Arts to specialise in a mix of theoretical and applied courses to prepare for work in the art gallery and museum sector.

Career Opportunities

Throughout their studies, students practice skills like:

• Critical analysis
• Attention to detail
• Perspective
• Cultural awareness
• Research By examining artworks, students gain 'visual' literacy, a skill that is applicable to many areas and careers. Career pathways could include:
  • Museum and gallery curatorship
  • Heritage conservation
  • Publishing
  • Library science

Qualifications

The Art History and Theory program is available in the following qualifications:

• Certificate in Arts
• Diploma in Arts
• Bachelor of Arts
• Bachelor of Arts (Specialisations)
• Bachelor of Commerce
• Bachelor of Digital Screen with Honours
• Bachelor of Health
• Bachelor of Product Design
• Bachelor of Science
• Bachelor of Social and Environmental Sustainability
• Bachelor of Sport
• Bachelor of Youth and Community Leadership