Learn about the history of art
We live in a world full of images. Students of Art History engage with this world through visual analysis, critical questioning, and direct engagement with visual experiences.
Art History is the study of society, history and culture through art. Art works are a window into the past and a reflection of our future—communicating the ideas and values of the society they were made in. Art reflects the world we live in, it has helped change who we are, and what we value.
Gain skills and experience in writing about art across human history. Learn how curators work with exhibitions, and gain experience talking in front of works of art.
Be part of Te Pātaka Toi Adam Art Gallery
Te Pātaka Toi Adam Art Gallery is the world class contemporary art gallery of Te Herenga Waka—Victoria University of Wellington. It holds regular public exhibitions of local and international art. Students in art history work alongside the gallery.
The Adam Art Gallery manages Ngā Puhipuhi o Te Herenga Waka—Victoria University of Wellington Art Collection, a nationally significant collection of New Zealand art built over many decades. The collection represents the recent history of art in Aotearoa New Zealand.
Choose your study path
You can study Art History as a major or minor in a Bachelor of Arts.
Studying a second subject alongside Art History can give you more employment options. Subjects that work well with Art History include:
- English Literature
- Law
- Environmental Humanities
- Cultural Anthropology.
You could also consider studying a conjoint degree, such as a Bachelor of Arts and Bachelor of Laws.
Degree support and advice
We can help you match your interests and career goals with the right course of study.
If you’re a new student, talk to a Future Student Adviser.
If you’re already studying with us, talk to Tītoko—Student Success.
Study options
Find out how you can study Art History at Te Herenga Waka—Victoria University of Wellington.
Future careers
Art History students use their knowledge and interpretive skills to understand the impacts of art and media on diverse audiences. You'll develop skills in analysis, communication, and visual presentation.
More career information
Find out more about careers.
The government careers website, Tahatū, offers more information about jobs, salaries, and current opportunities.
Scholarships
You may be able to get a scholarship to help fund your studies.
We have first-year and school-leaver scholarships available, as well as specialised scholarships for different groups and subject areas. If nothing fits right now, something may suit you later.
We encourage you to apply. It's a straightforward process, and it could make a real difference.
Scholarships for Humanities and Social Sciences
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The Brian Murray Fox Scholarship in History offers an opportunity to students who are intending to undertake their second, third or Honours year of their degree at Te Herenga Waka—Victoria University of Wellington in the year following application.
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The Brian Murray Fox Scholarship in English Literature offers an opportunity to students who are intending to undertake their second, third or Honours year of their degree at Te Herenga Waka Victoria—University of Wellington in the year following application.
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This scholarship was established in 1980 by the former Prime Minister of New Zealand, the Rt. Hon. Sir John Marshall, GBE, CH, BA, LLM, Hon. LLD, to encourage the study of Political Science at Te Herenga Waka - Victoria University of Wellington. The Scholarship was extended to include International Relations.
Scholarships for international students
We are currently offering a NZ$15,000 VUW Undergraduate International Scholarship to all eligible international students enrolling in a Bachelor’s degree.
Your scholarship will be processed automatically when your programme application is accepted, and the amount will be deducted from your tuition fees.
Other scholarships
We also offer specialised scholarships for different groups and subject areas. If nothing fits right now, something may suit you later.
We encourage you to apply. It's a straightforward process, and it could make a real difference.
Scholarships for Humanities and Social Sciences
-
This scholarship was established in 1980 by the former Prime Minister of New Zealand, the Rt. Hon. Sir John Marshall, GBE, CH, BA, LLM, Hon. LLD, to encourage the study of Political Science at Te Herenga Waka - Victoria University of Wellington. The Scholarship was extended to include International Relations.
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This scholarship was established to encourage students to complete a major in Language Sciences at Te Herenga Waka - Victoria University of Wellington, and continue to further study or careers in this field.
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This scholarship is to assist students in the last year of their first Bachelors degree at Victoria University of Wellington. The scholarship fund will be awarded equally between male and female students.
Globally ranked
Our History subjects are ranked in the top 200 worldwide in the QS World University Rankings 2026.
The QS World University Rankings is an annual global publication that gives overall rankings and subject rankings for more than 1,500 universities worldwide.
Postgraduate study
If you choose to continue to postgraduate study with us after finishing your degree, you’ll join a talented team of internationally recognised researchers doing innovative work.
If you get good results in your undergraduate study, you could continue on to study a Master’s or PhD if you want to do independent research.
Get help to manage your finances
We can help you:
- budget your money
- manage your student loan or allowance
- work out your accommodation payment schedule.
If you're facing financial difficulties, we can help you apply for the Hardship Fund.
You may be eligible for government or community support, too.
Wellington Global Exchange
If you're a current student at Victoria University of Wellington, you can complete part of your degree overseas. Choose from our 140 partner universities worldwide.
Study Abroad and Exchange Programme
If you're an overseas student, you can spend a trimester or a year at Victoria University of Wellington. You'll earn credits at your home university while you study here.