MA History of Art
About this course
MA (Hons) in History of Art is a history of art degree examining visual and material culture across various historical periods, incorporating non-Western material and international gallery collections. The first year covers the period from the fall of the Roman Empire until the end of the 17th century through study History of Art 1, alongside visual analysis and critical reading. The second year continues with study History of Art 2, which covers the period from the year 1700 to the present day. The fourth year serves to refine interests developed in earlier stages.
Written by AI from the university's course page and module list. It can get details wrong, so check the official course page before you rely on it.
Entry requirements
A level: ABB (required: no specific A level subjects required) IB: 34 points with 655 at HL
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Real offers for this course
Applicants have posted 2 UCAS decisions for MA History of Art (V350) at the University of Edinburgh for 2027 entry so far. The published offer is ABB at A level.
Admissions (2022 entry, home applicants)
Offer rate 40%: 131 offers from 324 applications, from the university's Freedom of Information return.
What students say
Based on about 42 final-year students who answered
- Teaching on my course: 91%
- Learning opportunities: 77%
- Assessment and feedback: 70%
- Academic support: 86%
- Organisation and management: 66%
- Learning resources: 87%
- Student voice: 75%
Do students stay on the course?
Based on about 70 students who started
- Continued on course: 94%
- Left higher education: 4%
- Moved to a lower qualification: 1%
Where graduates work (5 years on)
Based on about 80 graduates, across similar courses at this university
- North East: 4%
- North West: 3%
- Yorkshire and the Humber: 3%
- East Midlands: 1%
- West Midlands: 2%
- East of England: 3%
- London: 56%
- South East: 9%
- South West: 3%
- Wales: 1%
- Scotland: 16%
Who gets in
Based on about 75 students who started
- A levels: 88%
- Baccalaureate: 3%
- Access course: 1%
- Other HE qualification: 1%
- No formal qualifications: 7%
Modules
- study History of Art 1, covering the period from the fall of the Roman Empire until the end of the 17th century, including the unique focus on non-Western material
- choose up to four option courses, subject to availability and discussion with relevant course organisers
- visual analysis
- critical reading
- information literacy
- communicating complex ideas clearly and accurately
- study History of Art 2, which covers the period from the year 1700 to the present day
- choose up to four option courses from related fields such as architectural history and classical art, or from other subjects across the University
- to refine interests you develop from Years 1 to 3
- or, as a springboard for something completely new
Questions about this course
How much do graduates of MA History of Art at University of Edinburgh earn?
The median salary is £27,500 after 3 years, £37,500 after 5 years. After five years the middle half of graduates earn between £28,500 and £49,500. The £37,500 median after five years is £8,000 more than the UK median for History of art, architecture and design.
Are students happy with the teaching on MA History of Art at University of Edinburgh?
91% of final-year students were positive about the teaching in the National Student Survey 2025-26.
What grades do I need for MA History of Art at University of Edinburgh?
The typical offer is ABB at A level, or 34 points in the IB. The average entrant had 162 UCAS points.
What is the offer rate for MA History of Art at University of Edinburgh?
40% of home applicants received an offer for 2022 entry: 131 offers from 324 applications, according to the university's Freedom of Information return.
Does MA History of Art at University of Edinburgh include a placement year or year abroad?
The course has an optional placement year and an optional year abroad.
How many students continue on MA History of Art at University of Edinburgh?
94% of students continued into their second year, and 4% left higher education.