Art History

The BA in Art History at the International Business School at Budapest offers students an interdisciplinary and comprehensive understanding of the evolution of visual culture from ancient to contemporary times. This program is designed to cultivate a deep appreciation for art across different periods, regions, and styles, fostering critical thinking and analytical skills necessary for careers in museums, galleries, cultural management, and academia. Throughout the curriculum, students explore a wide range of topics including European painting, sculpture, architecture, and modern visual practices, as well as non-Western art forms, providing a global perspective on artistic developments. The program emphasizes historical context, artistic techniques, iconography, and the socio-cultural influences shaping artworks, enabling graduates to interpret and evaluate visual material with sophistication and scholarly rigor. Students will engage in lectures, seminars, and practical activities such as visiting exhibitions and participating in research projects, enhancing their understanding through experiential learning. The program also encourages interdisciplinary approaches, integrating insights from history, philosophy, and media studies to broaden analytical frameworks. Our faculty comprises experienced scholars and practitioners who bring academic expertise and industry knowledge, offering personalized mentoring to support students’ academic and professional growth. Graduates of the BA in Art History will be equipped with strong research skills, a nuanced understanding of art’s role in society, and the ability to communicate complex ideas effectively. Whether aiming for further academic study, museum curation, art journalism, or cultural policy, students will find this program to be a solid foundation for diverse career paths. Our unique location and partnerships within Budapest’s vibrant cultural scene provide valuable opportunities for internships, exhibitions, and collaborative projects, enriching students’ practical experience and professional networking. The program’s flexible structure allows students to tailor their coursework to their interests, fostering a personalized educational journey. Upon completion, graduates will possess a critical eye, a rich knowledge of art history, and the skills necessary to contribute meaningfully to the arts and cultural sectors both locally and internationally.

Course outline

PhD in Art History students will be encouraged to explore and engage with the current discourse within the discipline of art history and supplement their understanding of art and its cultural context. The academic focus at IBS is on research within a chronological span from ca. 1500 to the present in relation to the art of the western tradition and its global encounters.

The PhD in Art History is an advanced research degree during which students undertake supervised but independent research that leads to a thesis of not more than 100,000 words embodying the results of that research. The thesis must demonstrate extended familiarity with and a comprehensive understanding of the subject and the academic literature in the area; show an ability to construct and execute a plan for primary research, including the collection and critical analysis of data; and embody an original contribution to knowledge in the field of art history.

Postgraduate students on our PhD programme will first be enrolled on a Probationary PhD Status. All students enrolled onto the programme will be supported by supervisors who will help them develop a research and writing plan and guide them through the preparation of a formal final research proposal during their first two semesters of study. All research students must also subject their work to an annual progress review. Upon demonstrating satisfactory progress at the Annual Review exam at the end of their first year, which includes successfully defending a feasible research proposal, students are upgraded to Full PhD Status. If students should not be successful at their first Annual Review, they may either be asked to resubmit an amended proposal, have their registration changed to an MPhil (Master of Philosophy) degree or, in extreme cases, have their registration terminated.

Recommended PhD topics for art history

IBS welcomes research proposals that match or are similar to IBS staff’s current research topics and/or fall within the potential supervisors’ areas of expertise. Please consult the guide to writing a research proposal below before submitting an application.

We encourage and welcome proposals that are working in interdisciplinary fields and connect art, business, art institutions, institutional critique, public relations, marketing, branding in the contemporary world of global economy, and a globalized art world. Traditional art historical approaches should be critically addressed, and extended towards approaches worked out in visual culture. (Representation, realism, myths, media, global flow of information, gender, cultural politics, cultural heritage, heritage and tourism, etc.)

Below is a list of PhD topics that our academic staff have suggested as research opportunities for PhD in Art History students to undertake. IBS encourages PhD candidates to develop a proposal around one of these topics.

• New visual trends in advertising /marketing (moving images, photos, changing media, ads in social media)
• Art investment. From patronage to art investment and state subsidy / Connoisseurship and art, research for investment in art
• Art administration (theory and local case studies, examples, changing role of curators, curators as fund raisers, cultural institutions)
• Technology and art / Design thinking and the role of artistic thinking
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3. PhD programmes

Academic requirements:

• First or second class, upper division Master's degree. Please email your detailed research plan and one academic referee’s report soon after your online application to info@ibs-b.hu.

• Sufficient English skills and academic knowledge that the IBS Research Officer checks with an Orientation Interview via Skype.

English skills:

The IBS Research Officer checks the applicant's English skills with an Orientation Interview via Skype after the online application.

The Art History program at the International Business School (IBS) Budapest does not publicly provide detailed information regarding specific financing options or scholarships directly dedicated to this degree. However, students interested in pursuing this program can explore various financing avenues offered by IBS Budapest and external sources. IBS Budapest typically provides a range of financial support mechanisms, including merit-based scholarships, tuition discounts, and possibly financial aid packages, aimed at attracting high-achieving students and supporting their academic pursuits.

Applicants are encouraged to check the official IBS Budapest website or contact the admissions office for the most current scholarship opportunities, application criteria, and deadlines. Additionally, students may consider external funding options such as national scholarships, governmental grants, European Union funding programs, or private sponsorships that support international students studying arts and humanities disciplines.

Tuition fees for degree programs at IBS Budapest are generally published on the university's official website and may vary depending on the specific program, the student's nationality, and other factors. Students are advised to budget accordingly and explore payment plans or installment options that the university might offer.

Furthermore, students should inquire about work-study opportunities, part-time employment options, or internships facilitated by the university or external organizations, which can help offset costs and provide valuable professional experience in the field of Art History. Some students may benefit from student loan programs available in their home countries or through international financial institutions.

In summary, while specific financing details for the Art History program at IBS Budapest are not explicitly available on the official site, prospective students should actively seek information on scholarships, financial aid, external funding opportunities, and flexible payment arrangements. Engaging with the university’s admissions and finance offices will provide tailored guidance to meet individual financial needs and facilitate the pursuit of studies in Art History.

The Art History bachelor's program at the International Business School at Budapest offers students a comprehensive education in the history of art from antiquity to the modern era. The curriculum is designed to provide a solid foundation in visual culture, art analysis, and critical thinking, equipping graduates with the skills necessary for careers in museums, galleries, cultural institutions, and academia. The program emphasizes the development of analytical and interpretative skills through the study of diverse art forms, including paintings, sculpture, architecture, and new media, within various cultural and historical contexts. Students will explore major artistic movements, influential artists, and significant historical events that shaped the evolution of art across different periods and regions.

Throughout the program, students have opportunities to engage in practical activities such as museum visits, exhibitions, and internships, which enhance their understanding of real-world art environments. The curriculum also integrates interdisciplinary approaches, combining art history with related fields such as archaeology, history, philosophy, and cultural studies. Teaching methods include lectures, seminars, case studies, and project work, encouraging interactive and research-based learning. The program aims to foster not only academic knowledge but also critical viewing skills and an appreciation for cultural diversity.

Graduates of the Art History program are prepared for further studies at postgraduate levels, as well as for careers in research, curation, art consultancy, and cultural management. The program’s multidisciplinary approach ensures that students gain broad skills applicable to various sectors within the arts and culture industries. Additionally, students benefit from the university’s international environment and close partnerships with cultural institutions, providing valuable networking opportunities and practical experience. Overall, the program at the International Business School at Budapest offers a rigorous and enriching education for individuals passionate about understanding and preserving the world's artistic heritage.