Department of History of Art
Source: https://www.york.ac.uk/history-of-art/ Parent: https://www.york.ac.uk/about/departments/
Dynamic teaching and expertise in the visual arts, architecture and art theory.
Study with us
Our courses in history of art offer an unusually rich array of module choices and specialisations. These cover many media, historical periods, geographical locations and art historical debates.
This means you'll be set up to succeed across a diverse range of careers.
Research
We provide theoretically-informed object analysis across a distinctive range of periods and places, from Mesopotamian to modern.
We also have a designated gallery space on campus, as well as innovative object-handling and art storage teaching space.
At York, you’ll be welcomed by our large and dynamic community of art historians and curators. Teaching in History of Art is supported by world-class research, small group teaching, regular study trips, and spectacular historic locations.
Professor Michael White, Head of Department
for impact and environment in history of art - the support we give to researchers (Times Higher Education’s ranking of the latest REF results, 2021).
York Art History Collaborations
has allowed us to develop a range of important partnerships with regional, national and international organisations in order to produce high-quality research and reach a variety of audiences.
for history of art, architecture and design (Complete University Guide 2026).
News
News
History of art, architecture and design at York ranks 8th in The Times and Sunday Times Good University Guide 2026
24 September 2025
The Department of History of Art has placed 8th in The Times and Sunday Times Good University Guide 2026 for the subject of history of art, architecture and design. The ranking recognises the quality of our courses, and the experiences and opportunities they provide to our students.
News
7th in the UK: Complete University Guide 2026
11 June 2025
York is ranked 7th in the UK for history of art, architecture and design in the latest release of the Complete University Guide league tables (2026).
News
PhD student Caitlin Doley's exhibition at Tate Britain
29 April 2025
New display of JMW Turner's watercolours and drawings, now open to visitors at Tate Britain
News
Richard McClary's new book: Stucco in the Islamic World
9 April 2025
A wide-ranging, illustrated exploration of the uses of stucco in Islamic architecture in the pre-modern period
Events
Event
Innovative approaches in Persian Calligraphy
Wednesday 22 April 2026 5pm
Join us for research seminars hosted by the Department of History of Art with a selection of visiting academics, alongside University of York researchers. All students and staff are very welcome.
Event
New “Lesson[s] of a Bas Relief”
Wednesday 29 April 2026 5pm
Join us for research seminars hosted by the Department of History of Art with a selection of visiting academics, alongside University of York researchers. All students and staff are very welcome.
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