The master's programme in History of Art equips graduates with comprehensive knowledge of art history and research methodologies. Students will engage deeply with topics ranging from medieval to contemporary art, allowing for both specialized and broad explorations. Graduates are prepared for a range of careers in academia, cultural heritage conservation, and art communication.
The curriculum focuses on developing critical analysis of art history, enhancing skills in research methodology, and exploring diverse historical contexts of art. Courses cover a range of artistic periods and cultural influences, providing a broad foundation for advanced studies.
Organized into four semesters, the programme includes compulsory modules, field trips, and the completion of a master's thesis. Students will also participate in seminars and workshops to enhance their practical skills in art history research and criticism.
Graduates gain analytical skills in art research, knowledge of a variety of art historical contexts, and practical experience in art criticism and curation. They are also trained in critical thinking and independent research methodologies.
Periods can differ for EU/EEA and non-EU applicants. Always confirm on the official site before applying.
Winter 2026/27
No tuition
EU/EEA students, within the standard study period (plus the ~€25 ÖH student union fee per semester).
€727 / semester
Non-EU / third-country rate. Always confirm on the official site.
€ 25,20 ÖH-Beitrag plus gegebenenfalls anfallende Studiengebühren im Umfang von € 363,36 bzw. € 726,72
Third-country (non-EU/EEA) applicants generally need to have their prior qualifications legalised and translated for the admission application. Exact rules depend on the country that issued each document — always confirm with the university's admissions office.
Program-specific items — a CV, letter of motivation, an entrance exam (e.g. GMAT, GRE, SAT) or a portfolio — vary by degree. Check this program's requirements above and its official page.
The level of legalisation your certificates need depends on your country of origin:
Apostille
If your country is part of the Hague Apostille Convention, an Apostille from the competent authority of the issuing country is sufficient.
No legalisation
A small number of countries have a bilateral agreement with Austria and need no further legalisation.
Full diplomatic legalisation
For all other countries: the full chain — pre-certification by the issuing country's authorities (e.g. Ministry of Education and Ministry of Foreign Affairs), then legalisation by the competent Austrian representation (embassy/consulate).
Translations are usually done after legalisation. Check the required order with the issuing authorities and the Austrian representation.
After admission: proof of sufficient funds, health insurance and the student residence permit are part of the visa process — not university admission. We cover those in the guides.
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