Are you fascinated by art, architecture and cultural landscapes, modern, and old? Are you curious about the meaning, history, and impact of art? Then Art History is your program.
The Department of History of Art, Architecture & Landscape in Groningen is unique because it combines the study of the visual arts, urbanism, architectural history and the history of landscapes, and examines the relationships between artwork, city and landscape. Our bachelor program offers a combination of historical, theoretical, and practice-based courses in which our international faculty collaborates with experts in the field. You are introduced to the professional field from the beginning. Art historians study artworks on-site. You will therefore go on excursions to Florence in your first year and to a large European metropolis like Berlin, London, or Vienna in your third year. The Department also organizes many excursions in the Netherlands.
After your Bachelor degree you can continue your studies in the Master program Arts and Culture. You can choose between the following tracks:
Art speaks all languages. Since the academic year 2017-2018 our department offers all courses in English. English will therefore be our official language.
Read moreThe study makes you experience things that you've always been surrounded by in a completely new light!
My name is Nicky, I’m 24 years old, and a third year Art History student. I’m originally from Fryslan and I have been living in the beautiful city of Groningen for four years now. In my spare time, I love to meet up with friends in one of the many nice cafes in the city, read, and of course visit museums and other nice cities.
Before I started Art History, I followed other studies for a couple of years. Because of that, I figured out what I did and did not want to be part of my degree. This made me ultimately choose Art History. Museums have intrigued me since I’ve been a small child. When I started university, I realized that I found architecture as interesting as museums. The landscape courses of my degree are also a very valuable addition. Groningen provides me with the opportunity to experience all three aspects when riding a bike, walking through the city, or visiting the museum. This makes you experience things that you’ve always been surrounded by in a completely new light!
Read more about Nicky Bouma and why she chose to study Art History in Groningen.
This programme encourages you to develop an analytical perspective and apply it outside the lecture halls, too. You learn a critical approach which enables you to see art and architecture in a wider context. The world of art is very dynamic, making it an exciting field of study. What I like about the degree programme at the University of Groningen is that you can specialize in an area that appeals to you. For me that is contemporary art. For my Bachelor’s thesis I’m investigating how the Groninger Museum supports regional artists. My supervisor is the director of the museum, who is also professor in Art History. I am also assisting a well-known Dutch artist in preparing his exhibition in the museum. This is a unique opportunity for me to get to know the museum world from the inside.
An exciting field of study
After my Bachelor’s degree in Art History I decided to do the Art History Curator Studies Master’s track. I’m working at the Groninger Museum as a trainee curator and learning all about the profession. I am part of the museum’s team of curators and work on exhibitions from concept to realization. I also carry out research on the collection and contribute to publications. One of the projects I worked on was the exhibition on the life and work of H.N. Werkman (1882-1945). I worked with the guest curator to develop the concept, I arranged the loans of exhibits and everything relating to the logistics, design and construction of the exhibition. I really like the fact that my work is so varied. One day I’m busy setting up an exhibition, and the next I’m busy researching the collection.
I like the diversity
Read moreA lot of excursions during the first year
I became interested in art history because I was curious about the stories behind works of art. In the first year you learn about artistic movements, artists and their cultural context. The lecturers specialise in a wide range of subject areas. Because it is a small-scale degree programme, you are in close contact with the lecturers and other students. There are a lot of excursions during the first year and it’s great to see in real life what you learned about in class! I recommend joining Meander, the study association, which organizes lectures, excursions and get-togethers all year round. Groningen is a fantastic place to live and study.
Read moreI am particularly fascinated by the broad links between art, culture and politics.
I came to Art History through studying Italian. I found Italian art and culture so interesting that I decided to study these as well. I am particularly fascinated by the broad links between art, culture and politics. The link between Picasso and Apollinaire, for example, but also the importance of art for society, and the political message in art.
I was the chair of Meander, the Art History study association and am now headings its advisory board. This enables me to gain administrative experience and extend my network, but above all it is very instructive and enjoyable. Meander adds to the degree programme by organizing excursions and career days, and also parties and get-togethers.
Because I think it’s important to be actively involved in the degree programme I am a student member of the Degree Programme Committee. It is also useful to learn more about how the University operates.
I like to spend my free time with friends – going out for a meal, going to festivals and concerts. Luckily there is enough time to do this alongside studying and working for Meander.
Are you at secondary school and want to know what studying at university is like? The Art History programme is offering a web class! This online course from the University of Groningen is specially designed for secondary school students.
Are you interested? Please register here.
