The Art History Course is curated and presented by Hilary Kay, Antiques Roadshow Presenter
12 different authors contribute their expertise
Ask for assistance at any time
An opportunity to connect with other students globally
No pressure to meet deadlines
Flexible payment options
Start your course when it suits you
7 day money back guarantee
Tutors are drawn from major Art institutions and will guide you through the course
The Art History Course is provided by The Art Institute, presented and curated by art and antiques consultant Hilary Kay. Hilary has brought together 12 passionate art specialists to create an introductory course, designed to provide you with a broad understanding of western art, its history and the world that surrounds it.
The Art History course is delivered online and consists of 12 modules and 12 corresponding assignments. You can study in your own time and at your own pace to get the most out of every module. Normally, you would expect to be dedicating an average of about 4-6 hours per week for 24 weeks. However, many students take up to one year to complete their studies because of family or work commitments. Extensions are available for purchase if required.
Students have the opportunity to delve deeper into specific areas of interest in art by purchasing Advanced Modules. These are similar to short courses and are specially formulated materials to challenge motivated students to achieve more.
Expand your knowledge and skills with our online, live workshops. As a student enrolled in our course, you’ll gain exclusive access to our exceptional lineup of online sessions, carefully curated to empower you on your learning journey.
Hilary Kay is an art and antiques consultant, broadcaster, international lecturer and writer. She is one of the most familiar faces on BBC TV's Antiques Roadshow having joined this successful and long running programme as an expert in 1979. Hilary has featured in countless other television and radio programmes and, in 2010, she won BBC TV's Celebrity Mastermind. Her career in art and antiques began in 1977 when she joined Sotheby's, rising rapidly to head of department; the following year she became Sotheby's youngest ever auctioneer when she took her first sale at the age of 21.
Read more about Hilary Kay & The Art InstituteWe are accredited and recognised by
Libby has edited art historical books, practical drawing guides and art education publications. She has also been a fine art lecturer and creative development coach for over thirty years. She currently works at The Glasgow School of Art supporting students and graduates with their preparations to become professional practitioners, while maintaining her own writing and fine art practice, focusing on painting and drawing.
Stephen Farthing studied at St Martin's School of Art, London (1969-73) before taking his Masters Degree in Painting at the Royal College of Art, London (1973-76). Here he was awarded an Abbey Major Scholarship, taking him to The British School at Rome for a year from 1976. His teaching career began as a Lecturer in Painting at Canterbury College of Art (1977-79), after which he was a Tutor in painting at the Royal College of Art, London from 1980 to 1985.
Francesca is a writer and art historian based in Bristol. Since graduating with Distinction from the Warburg Institute in 2015, she has launched into a varied freelance career in the arts. Working at the interface between art and the public has left her adept at transforming complex ideas and academic jargon into something both accessible and (fingers crossed) entertaining.
Auckland, New Zealand
I think this course gives a great overview of the key stages of art history that have influenced the shape of artwork across the centuries.
Read MoreWhangarei, New Zealand
The course material provided was excellent and concise and I found that the questions asked enabled me to delve deeper into areas of importance. The course could be completed quite easily in 6 months, with some discipline in study skills.
Read MoreMotueka, New Zealand
The knowledge provided in the course by highly accomplished international art experts is very impressive and offers interest and enjoyable learning to enthusiasts at all levels.
Read MoreNew Plymouth, New Zealand
I did this course as an interest and thoroughly enjoyed it, learning far more than I expected.
Read MoreOmarama, New Zealand
The exposure through this course to the rich and diverse forms of art available in the world has truly enriched my life, and I am now inspired to learn even more and maybe someday find a career for myself in the art industry.
Read MoreMasterton, New Zealand
The course has provided a most interesting challenge and has given me hours of pleasure over this last year as I've been taken on a tour of art through the ages, reading well written modules produced by obviously passionate experts.
Read MoreNot happy? Contact us within 7 days of your enrolment to receive a full refund.
Complete the form below, and we will get back to you as soon as possible.
Level 1, Te Ahi Building,
13 Camp Street,
Queenstown 9300
We offer our course in 8 countries around the world.
View our other international locationsFor answers to our most commonly asked questions, read our FAQs.
View the FAQs