Art history courses

Understand the story of humanity by exploring art movements of the past

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Introduction to Art history

Art has been used as an expression of human emotion for centuries. Artists have long sought to interpret what they see in the world by creating imagery, performance, sculpture and installation pieces. Studying art history helps us make sense of their work and our world more broadly.

Whether you want to study art and fashion, Aboriginal art, contemporary, modern, or classical art, there’s an art history course sure to interest you. Discover the short courses, standalone subjects and full qualifications you can study with leading universities through Open Universities Australia.

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Classic painting

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Online art history subjects and short courses

University of South Australia

UndergraduateUSA-HUMS1058

Introduction to the GLAM sector

100% online

No ATAR required. Start with a subject.

Starts 01 Apr 2024, 16 Sep 2024

La Trobe University

100% online

No ATAR required. Start with a subject.

Starts 29 Jul 2024

La Trobe University

UndergraduateLTU-ART2001

Icons and Anti-Icons: Ten Works of Art

100% online

No ATAR required. Start with a subject.

La Trobe University

100% online

No ATAR required. Start with a subject.

Online art history degrees

Griffith University

UndergraduateGRF-ART-DEG

Bachelor of Arts

Innovators, communicators and creators start here!

Develop critical thinking, writing, and research skills in demand across all industries. You can follow your passion with majors and electives that interest you. Develop connections through peer learning, networking, and work experience.

100% online

3 years full time or part time equivalent

No ATAR required. Start with a subject.

Available majors

  • Art History,  
  • Creative Writing,  
  • Criminal Justice,  
  • History,  
  • Journalism,  
  • Literature,  
  • Public Relations,  
  • Screen and Media Studies,  
  • Sociology,  
Curtin University

UndergraduateCUR-ART-CTF

Undergraduate Certificate in Art History

Glimpses of the history of art and design

Gain a head start in fine arts studies with this introduction to art history’s key ideas and events. You’ll explore Australian art, modernism, and issues in contemporary art. Build your appreciation of art and design and work towards a fine arts degree.

100% online

6 months full time or part time equivalent

No ATAR required. Start with a subject.

La Trobe University

UndergraduateLAT-ART-DIP

Diploma of Arts

Start with the subjects you’re passionate about

Follow your interests on this humanities pathway into university. Choices range from languages to history, politics, and philosophy. Pick up important skills like critical thinking and collaboration. Shape your future in the arts and social science.

100% online

1 year full time or part time equivalent

No ATAR required. Start with a subject.

University of Southern Queensland

Create, innovate, and adapt your visual art

Work with the forms of art you can see. You’ll build your technical skills and explore new media. Dive into historical and cultural concepts. Become a well-rounded visual artist ready for both creative work and arts administration roles.

Online & on-campus

3 years full time or part time equivalent

Discover 39 ways to study art history with leading Australian universities.

Explore art history courses

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