How to Become an Art Historian in the UK
Art historians study art and its context - who made it, why, and what it meant - and apply that knowledge in museums and galleries, auction houses, the art market, heritage organisations, publishing and universities.
It is a competitive field with more graduates than specialist jobs, so the people who succeed combine strong academic training with practical experience: volunteering, internships and research skills employers can use.
Quick facts
- Starting salary
- £22,000 - £28,000
- Mid-career salary
- £30,000 - £48,000
- Senior salary
- £50,000 - £75,000+
- Work environment
- Work is primarily based in museums, galleries, auction houses, or academic research environments.
- Time to entry
- 3 - 5 years
- Degree required
- Often expected
- Category
- Design and Creative
Compare pay across careers in the UK salaries by career report.
What a Art Historian does
Art Historians research and interpret visual culture to understand the historical context, techniques, and aesthetic value of artistic works.
- Art Consultant - Advises private clients and businesses on purchasing art for interior design projects and collections.
- Museum Curator - Manages collections of artworks and organises exhibitions for public education and enjoyment.
- Auction Specialist - Appraises the value and authenticity of artworks for sale in commercial auction houses.
- Art Archivist - Preserves and catalogues records and documents relating to the history of specific artists or movements.
How to become an art historian in the UK
The usual starting point is a degree in History of Art, often followed by a master's in a specialism. Museum and gallery roles value practical experience as much as qualifications, auction houses look for market knowledge and languages, and academic careers require a PhD and publications.
- Study a degree in History of Art, or a related subject such as history, classics or fine art.
- Build practical experience early: volunteer or intern at museums, galleries, heritage sites or auction houses.
- Take a master's in an area you want to specialise in, such as a period, region, medium or curating.
- Develop useful extras: languages, research and cataloguing skills, digital collections and writing for the public.
- Apply for assistant curator, collections, cataloguing or auction house trainee roles.
- For academic work, complete a PhD, publish, and apply for postdoctoral and lecturing posts.
| Route | How long | Cost | Best for |
|---|---|---|---|
| BA History of Art | 3 years (4 in Scotland) | Tuition fee loan | The standard starting point |
| MA in a specialism or in curating | 1-2 years | Postgraduate fees; postgraduate loan available | Museum, gallery and specialist roles |
| PhD | 3-4 years | Funded studentships available but competitive | Academic and senior research careers |
| Auction house or gallery trainee schemes | Varies | Paid | The art market |
How long it takes
A degree takes three years, and most specialist roles also expect a master's or solid experience. Academic careers usually take eight or more years including a PhD.
Key skills
- Visual analysis
- Historical research
- Critical writing
- Archival management
- Design principles
- Restoration knowledge
Art Historian FAQs
How do I become an art historian in the UK?
Study History of Art at degree level, build experience through volunteering and internships at museums, galleries or auction houses, and take a master's in a specialism. A PhD is needed for academic careers.
What jobs can art historians do?
Curatorial and collections roles in museums and galleries, auction house specialist roles, art market research, heritage and conservation organisations, publishing, teaching and university research.
Is it hard to get a job as an art historian?
Yes - there are more graduates than specialist posts. Practical experience, a clear specialism, languages and strong research and writing skills make the biggest difference.
Do you need a master's to work in a museum?
Many curatorial roles ask for one, but experience counts heavily. Volunteering, internships and entry-level collections or visitor roles are common ways in.
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