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Introduction to Majors

A major is the main subject area that you choose to study in your degree. You will study courses up to Stage III level in this subject.

As well as gaining skills, knowledge and experience in your chosen area, you will learn how to think creatively, solve problems and communicate effectively, all essential skills to help you thrive in any career you choose.

Please see the main programme link below to see further details for the programme.

Subject Overview

Visual intelligence is crucial in navigating the world of images conveying coded messages and ideas' history. How do we read such images? Art History provides the skills to decode and analyse how experts move the eye around artworks, photographs, advertisements, digital images, buildings, and monuments—and in different historical periods. Students learn how to identify and discuss the visual styles of many cultural traditions around the world and to connect deeply with Aotearoa New Zealand, and the Pacific.

Art invites us to experience culture and history through the senses, producing empathy, passion, and contemplation. It trains students to recognise how power in social media, news and entertainment manipulates vision and shows how artists have challenged this power. Art sharpens our perceptions and therefore strengthens our abilities to think independently.

Potential Careers

Degrees in Art History make job applicants stand out from the crowd, enhancing what employers seek: dynamic personality traits such as independent thought, creative problem-solving and impactful visual and textual presentation skills. Art History has provided access to careers in communication, media and marketing companies, journalism, and the management and design of national and international music, multimedia and digital festivals and exhibitions.

Our Art History graduates have gone on to careers in the cultural sector, museums, galleries, biennales and tourism. They work in auction houses, as intellectual property and copyright law lawyers, and in government ministries such as Business, Innovation and Employment, Culture and Heritage, Conservation, and the Foreign Office. They are also some of the most inspiring teachers in our schools and universities.

Plan Schedule / Plan Rules

Complete 120 points comprising:

  • 45 points from Bachelor of Arts major in Art History Stage III Courses, and
  • At least 15 points from Additional Courses from the Bachelor of Arts major in Art History, and
  • 0 to 60 points from Courses from the Bachelor of Arts or Bachelor of Arts (Honours) Schedules

Selected courses must include at least 75 points at level 300 or higher.

Additional Courses from the Bachelor of Arts major in Art History

Complete at least 15 points from the following:

Courses from the Bachelor of Arts or Bachelor of Arts (Honours) Schedules

Complete 0 to 60 points from the following:

Disclaimer

Please note that while regulations and programme rules for future academic years may be displayed or made available in advance, they remain subject to change. Official, final approved programme regulations for the upcoming academic year will be available when the University Calendar is published in late October of the preceding year. Any information available prior to Calendar publication should be treated as provisional.