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Faculty of PhilosophyEuropean Art History – Bachelor 75%

The focus of the academic programme in European Art History is to convey fundamental knowledge that enables students to perform research within an international art perspective, including material and conceptual aspects.  Courses include instruction on the history of the fine arts, architecture, applied arts, photography, film, performance art, and new media in Europe and western cultural circles from the beginning of the Middle Ages to the present day.

Facts & Formalities

DegreeBachelor of Arts
Type of programmeUndergraduate
Start of programmeWinter semester only
Standard period of study6 semesters
Language(s) of instructionGerman (in exceptional cases English, French)
Fees and contributions151.05 € / Semester
Application procedureSubjects with no admission restrictions
Application deadlinesInformation about deadlines can be obtained after you have put together a degree program.
Part-time optionYes

Course Content

The Bachelor’s degree programme in European Art History at Heidelberg University provides students with a comprehensive education, encompassing all epochs of art history. In the lectures and excursions offered, students will gain knowledge of art works from a wide variety of epochs and art forms and will develop the conceptual tools necessary to describe, categorise, and interpret these objects. In the process, students will study fundamental scientific interrelationships and methods and will develop the skills required for performing independent scientific research. To round out the individualised educational profile of the Bachelor’s degree programme in European Art History, students choose a subject in which to minor.

Course Structure

From the beginning of their studies on, students will attend lectures and seminars in which they will gain both specific knowledge of the individual topics included in European Art History as well as the ability to independently collect, process, and present information. In addition, the preparatory courses offered by the Heidelberg Institute of European Art History provide a structured introduction to the fundamentals of European Art history. These four courses include the topics “Genre and Techniques”, “Form and Style”, “Iconography”, and “Architecture”. They provide students with the opportunity to obtain an overview of basic knowledge in a focussed manner. In associated tutorials, the material will be treated in more depth and there will be opportunities to practice independent application of what has been learnt. Additional tutorials provide students with skills for creating descriptions of art works and for conducting scientific research as well as establishing competencies in methodology and use of media. No later than the end of the second semester, two preparatory courses in the major subject must have been completed and proof of language skills in two modern foreign languages must be submitted. 

The course offering is expanded through practice classes led by practicing professional (e.g. museum professionals, art collectors, and art dealers.) Students must additionally take part in two day-excursions. An interdisciplinary module provides students with insight into visual competencies in other subjects. To round out the educational profile of the degree programme, key competencies (such as proficiency in foreign languages) will be obtained. One semester of study abroad or a semester at a different German university are recommended. 

At the conclusion of the degree programme, students must submit a Bachelor’s thesis and successfully complete an oral examination.