Program Overview

Program Overview

The Faculty of Philosophy at Heidelberg University offers a Bachelor's degree program in European Art History, which focuses on conveying fundamental knowledge that enables students to perform research within an international art perspective. This includes material and conceptual aspects, with courses covering the history of fine arts, architecture, applied arts, photography, film, performance art, and new media in Europe and western cultural circles from the Middle Ages to the present day.

Facts and Formalities

• Degree: Bachelor of Arts
• Type of program: Undergraduate
• Start of program: Winter semester only
• Standard period of study: 6 semesters
• Language(s) of instruction: German (in exceptional cases English, French)
• Fees and contributions: 161.10 € / Semester
• Application procedure: Subjects with no admission restrictions
• Application deadlines: Information about deadlines can be obtained after putting together a degree program
• Part-time option: Yes

Course Content

The Bachelor's degree program in European Art History provides students with a comprehensive education, encompassing all epochs of art history. Students gain knowledge of art works from various epochs and art forms, developing the conceptual tools necessary to describe, categorize, and interpret these objects. They study fundamental scientific interrelationships and methods, developing skills for independent scientific research. To round out their educational profile, students choose a subject in which to minor.

Course Structure

• From the beginning of their studies, students attend lectures and seminars to gain specific knowledge of European Art History and the ability to collect, process, and present information independently.
• Preparatory courses offered by the Heidelberg Institute of European Art History provide a structured introduction to the fundamentals of European Art History, covering topics such as "Genre and Techniques," "Form and Style," "Iconography," and "Architecture."
• Associated tutorials treat the material in more depth, allowing students to practice independent application of what they have learned.
• Additional tutorials provide skills for creating descriptions of art works and conducting scientific research, establishing competencies in methodology and media use.
• No later than the end of the second semester, two preparatory courses in the major subject must have been completed, and proof of language skills in two modern foreign languages must be submitted.
• The course offering is expanded through practice classes led by practicing professionals (e.g., museum professionals, art collectors, and art dealers).
• Students must take part in two day-excursions.
• An interdisciplinary module provides insight into visual competencies in other subjects.
• Key competencies (such as proficiency in foreign languages) are obtained.
• One semester of study abroad or a semester at a different German university is recommended.

Degree Completion

At the conclusion of the degree program, students must submit a Bachelor's thesis and successfully complete an oral examination.

Additional Degrees

• Bachelor 25%
• Bachelor 50%
• Master, consecutive