The Department was founded in 1967 as part of the Power Institute of Fine Arts and teaching began in 1968. For the decade following, it was still feasible to regard its central discipline as the history of painting, sculpture and architecture of Europe (with some reference to Australia). Since then, the Department has responded not only to radical transformations in the nature of art history itself, but to the explosion of 'visual studies' into the areas of film, television and the computer, into photography, design, costume, style and cultural studies.

The Department has not only been responsive to this new development, but has actively helped to shape current thinking about the nature of art and the visual. The Department has also responded to its geographical and cultural location by introducing the study of Aboriginal and Asian Art.

Undergraduate Program

In a new century when visual images increasingly challenge text as a means of communication, the history of art and film provides a bedrock of visual literacy. With strengths in European, American, Asian and Australian art and film, units of study offered by the department provide an understanding of different cultures and times. Studying not only the ‘high art’ of the museums and private collections, the department engages with the vitality of popular culture: design, photography, and the medium of film that so defines contemporary experience.

A degree in Art History and Film Studies has a wide range of real-world applications. Beyond the rigorous training in argument and writing the degree provides, it gives a pathway into several arts industries. Many commercial galleries, public art spaces, public galleries and museums are staffed by our graduates. Many art critics, film critics and programmers working in the print media, radio and television have trained in art history and films studies. The department’s excellence in theoretical as well as historical studies has encouraged young researchers who have gone on to find work at the university level around Australia and overseas

Candidates for the Bachelor of Arts may count up to 72 credit points (12 Junior and 60 Senior) from Art History and Theory toward degree requirements. There is no entry requirement for Art History and Theory 1001 or 1002. Students intending to major in Art History and Theory must complete both ARHT 1001 and ARHT 1002.

Majoring in Art History and Theory

To do a major in Art History and Theory, a student must complete a total of 12 junior credit points, and at a Senior level, a minimum of 36 credit points, and a maximum of 48 credit points.

Students can choose a wide range of units of study to create a generalist degree or chose units of study to create a more specialised major (for example, with a focus on Art History before 1900, or Film Studies or Asian Art. Whatever the case, in order to ensure that all students attain the range of knowledge necessary for a depth of understanding of the visual arts, and to maximise opportunities for future employment or research, students are advised to choose units of study from at least three of the six areas available for study, not including ARHT2601.

Students can choose additional units according to whether they wish to achieve a specialist or a generalist degree. For example, those hoping to work in an art museum might choose to specialise in European and Australian art or in Asian art with relevant courses in European art history.

Postgraduate Coursework Programs

The Department of Art History and Film Studies offers postgraduate coursework degrees in art history, art curatorship and film studies.

Art Curatorship

The postgraduate coursework program in Art Curatorship trains the art curators of the future.

Art History

Coursework studies in Art History allow students to develop a strong foundation in the discipline as well as specialist expertise.

Film Studies

Film Studies focuses on the study of film, film culture, film criticism and film history.

Other Related Courses

The Museum Studies course encompasses the study of museums, museology, and the development of the knowledge and skills necessary for museum practice and research.

Master of Museum Studies

For more information, please contact one of our offices

Last Updated: 29 September 2012

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