Careers in Art History | Art History Courses and Career Opportunities | Art History degree in University | What Jobs are Available for History of Art Students | What can a Degree in Art History Do in the Art World?

By Jessica Sanneal

What kinds of careers are open to me if I have History of Art Degree?

You will have access to a wide range of professional options, including those that do not require a degree in the humanities. A degree in art history is required for many essential positions in museums, galleries, auction houses, and fine art publishing organisations. These occupations require specialised knowledge and skills. Because you will have acquired additional visual literacy skills, it will also provide you with the abilities, knowledge, and views applicable to a wide variety of employment outside of the art industry.

 

A degree in art history will set you apart in a world that is becoming more visual since it teaches you how to comprehend and analyse visual representations. History of art tutors supports students online to help them achieve their goals and develop positive study and work routines. Online lessons with history of art tutors can get you on track to achieve the career of your dreams.

Job options like Museum Curator or Auctioneer | Art History Degree Job Opportunities | Postgraduate Degree in Art History | Undergraduate Art History

Jobs directly related to your degree include:
  1. Commercial art gallery manager
  2. Conservator
  3. Heritage manager
  4. Museum/gallery curator
  5. Museum/gallery exhibitions officer
  6. Curator

 

Jobs where your degree would be useful include:
  1. Academic librarian
  2. Archivist
  3. Arts administrator
  4. Estates manager
  5. Further education teacher
  6. Higher education lecturer
  7. Museum education officer
  8. Talent agent

 

Remember that many employers accept applications from graduates with any degree subject, so don't restrict your thinking to the jobs listed here.  

Postgraduate Study Work experience for Art History Majors | Studying Art History and the Skills you Gain

Practical experience is very valuable and will make you a more attractive candidate in the world of art galleries and museums. Having the right skills and knowledge will help your application, so you should do a work placement whenever you can.

As part of your course, placements are often set up for you, but you should also try to get as much extra experience as you can. Try applying to small, local museums. They might not get as many requests for work experience and can give you a wide range of experience. Think about the things you've done that will help you in your career, like teaching or helping people.

For help with work placements and volunteering, check out the Museums Association. Volunteers can join at a discounted rate. As a member of the MA, you have access to training, events, and chances to meet other people and find volunteer opportunities.

Typical employers

Many graduates work in museums and galleries. As well as curatorial work, you can find opportunities in areas such as:
  • education
  • events management
  • marketing
  • outreach
  • public relations (PR).
 

Another viable alternative is to pursue a career in academia at a higher education institution. Key employers in this industry include specialised booksellers, antique dealers, and auctioneers.

Alternate professions include working for the government or entering the entertainment industry in a position such as a researcher or editor in the film or television industry.

Skills for your CV

Learning about art history enables one to investigate the visual arts by considering them in relation to a variety of different historical, social, geographical, cultural, and psychological settings. You will think about the significance that may be derived from the subject matter and aesthetic of many forms of art, as well as the influence that art can have on our everyday lives.

You will also acquire a number of general skills that will be desirable to potential employers in the future. Some examples of these skills include:

  • the ability to analyse and interpret information obtained from a variety of sources, using critical thinking and deductive reasoning to formulate opinions and persuasive arguments, and so on.
  • putting up facts in a manner that is intelligent, coherent, and well-balanced
  • abilities in both verbal and written communication
  • listening skills, the ability to work independently as well as in teams, and effective time management are all necessary.

 

Further study

The field of art history requires a significant amount of post-graduate education for many positions. For instance, you have the option of obtaining a Master of Arts degree in museum and gallery studies, curating, or conservation science. These qualifications may be necessary for obtaining employment in galleries and museums.

Arts and heritage management are also popular options since they provide a larger skills foundation and open the door to a variety of professional prospects, most of which are at a higher level of responsibility.

 

If you want to have a career in academia and you need to build knowledge in a certain subfield of art history, getting a research degree like a PhD or an MPhil might be helpful, and in some cases it is absolutely necessary.

What do history of art graduates do?

Graduates of art history programmes go on to work in a wide variety of fields, including but not limited to the following: artistic, literary, and media occupations; teaching professionals; business, research, and administrative professionals; and media professionals. Popular roles include sales, marketing, and related associate professionals.