Graduate Certificate in Art History

Works of art are portals of discovery that offer insights into past and present societies and cultures.

Images and objects are repositories of our histories, revealing the things that seduce us, challenge us, inspire us, and communicate the complexity of human creativity.This six-month (full-time) or one-year (part-time) program provides an introduction to the study of art and visual culture.

We offer courses on campus and online that explore Renaissance art in Italy and Northern Europe, eighteenth-century European art during the Enlightenment, and global perspectives on contemporary art.

You will be introduced to the discipline of Art History with in-depth study undertaken in two courses. You will develop foundation knowledge and critical skills in visual analysis, contextual research, and art historical methods and theories.  The Graduate Certificate in Art History is an AQF Level 8 qualification with a standard full-time duration of 0.5 years. 

Academic Program Rules

The Calendar is a comprehensive handbook of the University's academic program rules.

Graduate Certificate in Art History

Example Study Plan

Study plans are available on the Faculty of Arts website.

For those who are based in Adelaide, we will be offering a blended delivery mode that combines face-to-face with remote learning in as many courses as possible, taking into consideration social distancing and hygiene. All lectures will continue to be delivered online for the remainder of the year, with some exceptions.

For our students who are studying offshore for the remainder of the 2020 Academic Year, the University will continue to offer high-quality access to the learning resources remotely. This includes all lectures, tutorials and other support material. Students will be advised in advance if there are course components that cannot be provided in remote mode and, wherever possible, offered alternative courses.

Career Readiness

Graduates are equipped with transferable knowledge and skills in art historical methods and theories, and critical thinking, writing, and speaking, as a pathway for careers in private and commercial galleries and museums, marketing and communications, auction houses, arts journalism, arts policy development, and a creative foundation area for primary and secondary teaching.

The University of Adelaide Careers Service prepares, inspires and empowers students to achieve successful career transitions and connect with industry.

Graduate Attributes

Adelaide Graduate Attributes

1. Deep discipline knowledge
2. Critical thinking and problem solving
3. Teamwork and communication skills
4. Career and leadership readiness
5. Intercultural and ethical competency
6. Self-awareness and emotional intelligence

Potential careers

Arts Administrator, Art Gallery Education Officer, Art Historian, Artist, Arts Educator, Arts Management, Curator