Your degree in Art History

Skills you’ll develop

While studying Art History, you’ll learn to understand works of art and visual media in their historical development and cultural significance. You’ll develop important skills of visual analysis, interpretation, and critical observation applicable to wider political, social and historical contexts of art and visual culture.

These skills may include:

  • Conducting critical and historical analyses of artworks, visual media, buildings, objects, spaces, artistic practices, traditions, and ideas
  • Recognizing patterns, accounting for transformations, and conducting comparisons between works of art and across different geographic and cultural contexts in the past and present
  • Attending to dimensions of form, technique, materiality, symbolism, social use, and cultural value in evaluating visual artifacts and media
  • Assessing and synthesizing diverse types of sensory, physical, conceptual, historical and theoretical evidence
  • Researching, producing, and presenting arguments about art, perception, visual experience, and social history
  • Communicating effectively in written and oral contexts: critical thinking, research and citation skills, composition of arguments and long-form essays, facility with respectful dialogue, sensitivity in conversations about cultural differences and definitions of art and heritage

Explore career possibilities

Career opportunities vary across a range of fields including professional roles in art galleries, museums, media, publishing, arts administration, conservation, cultural heritage, and education, among others.

There are many career paths that can combine your academics, skills, and experience with your different interests. Read through the job titles below for ideas.

Visit the Job Bank Canada website to research basic requirements and responsibilities of jobs in your field. Some career options may require further education or training.

  • Archives manager
  • Art critic
  • Art director
  • Art gallery manager
  • Art legal advisor
  • Art restoration technician
  • Art underwriter
  • Claim examiner
  • Arts administrator
  • Bibliographer
  • Charitable organization director
  • Communications manager
  • Community arts coordinator
  • Curator
  • Editor
  • Estate appraiser
  • Exhibit designer
  • Exhibition coordinator
  • Festival organizer
  • Fundraiser or grant writer
  • Gallery exhibition designer
  • Heritage interpreter
  • Journalist
  • Manuscript editor
  • Market research analyst
  • Marketing coordinator
  • Multimedia manager
  • Museum coordinator
  • Museum educator
  • Museum technician
  • Publisher
  • Teacher or professor
  • Visual merchandiser
  • Writer

Make the most of your program

Your experiences will open doors to new opportunities, develop your skillset, and help you clarify your values and interests.

Build your network

Employers often hire people they know, so help them get to know you. You can build your network through clubs, classes, informational interviews, and more. There are so many ways to make connections and find mentors.

The professional associations below are also great resources for meeting people, learning about specific industries, and finding job and volunteer opportunities. Most have reduced membership rates for students and new grads.

Connect with alumni

Learn about possible career paths by browsing alumni stories or viewing the profiles of UBC Art History graduates on LinkedIn.

As you read, take note of interesting job titles, organizations, and experiences you may want to explore. If a particular story or profile aligns with your goals, consider reaching out for an informational interview.

More information

Throughout your Arts degree, you’ll develop skills and experiences that can translate into many career paths. Check out other things you can do with your Arts degree.