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Art History

Art History students develop a broad understanding of interpreting visual information and making valuable historical, psychological and cultural connections.

Art History students use their knowledge and interpretive skills to understand the impacts of art and media on a wide range of audiences. They develop skills in analysis, communication and visual presentation.

Roles and career pathways

Art History graduates may work in a wide range of roles including marketing coordinators, administrators, customers service advisers, website content developers, sales advisers, recruitment consultants, educators and project coordinators.

A postgraduate qualification such as an Honours or Master's degree in Art History is usually required to work in an arts-related role, where research is often valued. Roles may include writers, researchers, curators, exhibition managers, gallery managers, programme managers, arts marketing assistants, gallery educators, arts administration managers and customer service managers. It may be possible to move into curatorial work from roles in customer service or administration. Working as an assistant, coordinator or intern may provise a pathway to more senior roles.

The Master of Museum and Heritage Practice is a popular choice that includes an internship as a component of the programme, which is very valuable for career networking and exploration.

Adding another major or degree in a subject such as Marketing, Media Studies, Communication, History, Pacific Studies, Māori Studies or Law can help you broaden your employment options by improving your commercial or cultural awareness. Completing a postgraduate diploma in secondary teaching (limited entry) can lead to roles as an Art History teacher. At least one other approved secondary level teaching subject is also required.

Where Art History graduates work

Art History graduates work across the private and public sectors. They may work in arts-related environments such as museums, art galleries, libraries, community arts or education organisations.

They also work in a range of areas such as non-profit organisations as well as government departments such as the Ministry for Culture and Heritage. Graduates also work in private business or consultancies such as insurance firms, recruitment agencies or advertising agencies where their ability to understand and connect with different audiences is valuable.

Recent Art History graduates have worked in organisations such as:

Graduate career stories

Rebecca Rice

Dr Rebecca Rice

Now an historical art curator, Rebecca's interest in Art History and eventual PhD in the subject started with a single undergraduate course.

Build relevant skills and experience

Part-time work and volunteering during study all help to increase your job prospects when you graduate and work experience within an arts-related organisation is valuable. The WFHSS Internship course run by the Wellington Faculty of Humanities and Social Sciences helps develop leadership skills and practical workplace experience. Programmes such as Wellington Plus, and Wellington International Leadership Programme (WILP) offer opportunities to gain diverse volunteer and leadership experience.

Make career connections

Making connections with individuals and groups during your degree will expand your network and can help you learn more about career opportunities. Postgraduate students of Art History may join the Art Association of Australia and New Zealand. Wellington Chamber of Commerce and Wellington Young Professionals also offer various events and opportunities for networking. The Victoria University of Wellington Alumni as Mentors programme for final-year students also helps enhance your connections and employability while studying.