History of Art (Architectural History and Theory)

Architecture is fundamental to human survival and living in the world. You'll investigate the exact nature of our relationship with art and architecture, which has been much disputed by architectural historians and theorists. At York we enable you to explore the most exciting and cutting-edge, as well as traditional and accepted, ideas and theories around art and architecture.

Our flexible course has exceptional historical and geographical breadth and depth. You’ll learn to read architecture critically, and to think about it beyond the study of individual buildings. We encourage you to engage with architecture as metaphor, and with interiors, exteriors, materials and materiality, urbanism, patronage, and design process. You’ll explore the relationships between architecture and power, religion, gender and sexuality, education, and imperialism.

We are among the largest History of Art departments in the UK, with one of the widest-ranging groups of experts in architectural history and theory. We have developed successful partnerships with museums, galleries and country houses that will enrich your studies and may offer you placement opportunities and privileged access to collections.