Art History Mount Allison University

Overview

The Art History programme at Mount Allison University provides a rigorous academic foundation in the examination of visual, cultural, and critical studies. Students engage with an interdisciplinary curriculum that bridges the gap between historical artistic movements and contemporary social issues.

This course of study is designed to foster a deep understanding of how art reflects and shapes human history and philosophy. By analysing diverse media and cultural contexts, participants develop the essential analytical skills required to interpret the complex visual landscape of both the past and the present day.

Why Art History at Mount Allison University?

Mount Allison University is consistently recognised as a leading undergraduate institution in Canada, offering a tight-knit learning environment. Students benefit from the Pierre Lassonde School of Fine Arts, which provides a rich heritage of artistic education and dedicated scholarship opportunities.

The university is home to the Owens Art Gallery, the oldest university art gallery in the country, housing over 3,200 significant works. This facility serves as a vital resource where students can gain practical experience in the Art Conservation Lab, the only paintings conservation facility in New Brunswick.

Distinctive teaching features include small class sizes and direct mentorship from faculty who are active art historians and practitioners. The programme also offers unique paid arts internships and artist-in-residence initiatives that enrich the overall student experience and professional development.

Tuition Fee Breakdown

• International fee: CAD 21800 per year
• National fee: CAD 10800 per year

Visit the Fees and Funding section for a breakdown in your local currency.

Syllabus

The curriculum offers a broad range of modules covering various time periods and thematic issues. Modules may include:

• Art History
• Contexts of Art and Museum Culture
• Canadian Art from its Beginnings to the 1960s
• Women and Gender in Art
• Museum Practicum
• Reading Films
• Aesthetics
• Roman Art and Archaeology

Advanced study areas for upper-year students often focus on specialised topics. These may include:

• Modern to Postmodernism
• Feminism and Gender
• Museum Studies
• Museums and Education
• Collections and Collecting
• Curating and Critical Writing
• Arts and Archives
• Independent Studies
• Museum and Gallery Practicums

Careers with Art History

Graduates of the Art History programme are well-prepared for a variety of professional roles within the creative and cultural sectors. Many alumni pursue successful careers in heritage management, education, and the commercial art market across the globe.

Common career destinations for graduates include:

• Museum or Gallery Curator
• Art Historian
• Conservator or Restorer
• Arts Administrator
• Museum Art Director
• Art Dealer or Appraiser
• Exhibition Designer
• Archivist or Librarian
• Tourism and Cultural Industry Administrator

The strong academic reputation of the university also ensures that graduates are highly competitive when applying for prestigious postgraduate programmes. Many students transition into roles as professors, academic researchers, or editors within specialised arts publications.