What you should consider beforehand
Having or developing a passion for the subject matter you want to study is important and right. However, having a passion for art does not mean having a passion for studying art history - which is why false expectations sometimes arise among first-year students.
The study of art history deals with works of art of all genres (painting, graphics, sculpture, film, photography, video art, performance, installations, interactive art forms, digital art, architecture, etc.). It explores the work processes, the forms of design, the meanings as well as the materials, techniques and action strategies of artworks and the reception history of artworks. In addition, the course is devoted to the ideational, functional, political, social, institutional or individual circumstances of the creation of works of art and writings in art history.
The goal of the Bachelor's program is to provide a reliable foundation in art historical, scientific, and theoretical knowledge, including an overview of the epochs, styles, and media of art history and the ability to critically apply the methods commonly used in the discipline. In addition, the student is trained to recognize systematic connections. The program also aims to develop the ability to flexibly apply the acquired knowledge and methodological tools to concrete tasks. In contrast, the scientific research profile is to be sharpened in the Master 's program, and knowledge is to be broadened and deepened beyond the basic knowledge acquired in the Bachelor's program.
The practice-oriented study components (exercises in front of originals, teaching excursions, working groups, exercises with a thematic focus, internship, project seminars, etc.) are intended to facilitate the transition to professional life.
Voluntary Transition from Curriculum Version 2017W to 2026W for the Bachelor’s and Master’s Programs in Art History
The new curricula (BA in Art History / MA in Art History) will take effect in the winter semester of 2026/27. Please review them carefully and consider whether a voluntary switch to one of the new curricula would be appropriate for you.
If you have any questions about the curricula, please contact the chair of the Art History Curriculum Committee (CuKo).
- A voluntary switch to the Bachelor’s program – or to the Master’s program in Art History (Curriculum 26W) – must be requested from the Office of Academic Affairs during the general admission period (by September 5 for the winter semester, by February 5 for the summer semester). To do so, send an email with the subject line “Change of Study Plan” to studienabteilung@uni-graz.at. This change is also possible at a later date, provided it is still within the general admission period.
- IMPORTANT: Before applying for a voluntary switch to curriculum version 26W, all coursework for on-campus courses must be completed (e.g., seminar papers must have been submitted by the course’s exam date).
- A complete overview of all eligible course credits can be found in the Equivalency List for the BA in Art History or the Equivalency List for the MA in Art History (appendices to the 26W curricula).
- After switching to UNIGRAZonline, please check in the “My Studies” app to make sure you can assign your completed courses to the correct modules. Correct assignment is required for the modules and courses to be displayed as “successfully completed” and to be taken into account during the prerequisite check when registering for courses. You can find instructions for assignment here. If assignment is not possible, you must submit an application for recognition of the exams. Information on how to apply can be found on the GEWI Dean’s Office website.
If you intend to complete your studies under the old bachelor’s degree program for the time being or at all, then no action is required on your part. You must complete your studies by September 30, 2030, at the latest. After that, you will automatically be subject to the new curriculum. Before this deadline, you may voluntarily switch to the new curriculum at any time within the general admission period.
