Course Summary
Our Higher Diploma History of Art course is for those who already have a degree, preferably in the Arts or the Sciences, and who wish to study art history intensively over one (full-time) or two (part-time) academic years.
College Link
Career Sectors
This course prepares you for working in the Career Sectors below. Follow the links to get a fuller understanding of the sectors you are preparing for.
Entry Requirements
Requirements
It is intended for those who already have a 3- or 4-year primary degree, preferably in the area of Arts or the Sciences, and who wish to study the subject History of Art intensively over one academic year. The Higher Diploma in Arts is a conversion programme and applicants would not normally have studied the relevant subject to Honours Degree level previously.
For Applicants with Qualifications Completed Outside of Ireland
Applicants must meet the required entry academic grade, equivalent to Irish requirements. For more information see our Qualification Comparison page.
International/Non-EU Applicants
For full details of the non-EU application procedure visit our how to apply pages for international students.
- In UCC, we use the term programme and course interchangeably to describe what a person has registered to study in UCC and its constituent colleges, schools, and departments.
- Note that not all courses are open to international/non-EU applicants, please check the fact file above. For more information contact the International Office.
English Language Requirements
Applicants who are non-native speakers of the English language must meet the university-approved English language requirements. Visit our PG English Language Requirements page for more information.
Application Details
Closing Date: Rolling deadline. Open until all places have been filled. Early application is advised.
Non-EU Closing Date
Open until all places have been filled or no later than 15 June. Early application is advised.
Start Date: 8th September 2025.
Fees
The EU fee for this course is €6,130; €3,130 (Year 1 part-time); €3,130 (Year 2 part-time).
The Non-EU fee for this course is €16,700.
Deposits:
If your course required a deposit, that figure will be deducted from your second semester fee payment in January.
EU student fee payment:
Fees for EU students are payable in two equal instalments. First payment at registration in August and the second in January.
International student fee payment:
International Students can pay in two equal instalments once they have paid the appropriate deposit. The initial payment is due on registration and the balance usually by the end of January.
How can I pay?
By Credit/Debit card online or by credit transfer.
Questions?
If you have any questions on fee payment please email our Fees Office at [email protected]
The Student
Career Interests
This course is typically suited for people with the following Career Interests. If these interests do not describe you, this course may prepare you for work you may not find satisfying.
Creative
Creative people are drawn to careers and activities that enable them to take responsibility for the design, layout or sensory impact of something (visual, auditory etc). They may be atrracted to the traditional artistic pursuits such as painting, sculpture, singing, or music. Or they may show more interest in design activities, such as architecture, animation, or craft areas, such as pottery and ceramics.
Creative people use their personal understanding of people and the world they live in to guide their work. Creative people like to work in unstructured workplaces, enjoy taking risks and prefer a minimum of routine.
Investigative
The Investigative person will usually find a particular area of science to be of interest. They are inclined toward intellectual and analytical activities and enjoy observation and theory. They may prefer thought to action, and enjoy the challenge of solving problems with sophiscticated technology. These types prefer mentally stimulating environments and often pay close attention to developments in their chosen field.
Career Progression
The Higher Diploma in the History of Art guarantees you a high level of visual literacy and critical awareness which, combined with fluent verbal and written skills, are highly desirable when pursuing a career in the following fields:
- journalism, media, and film
- museum and gallery work
- teaching and research
- design and fashion
- advertising and public relations
- the heritage industry and cultural tourism
- information technology and the Internet
- arts administration
- art market, auction houses, and antiques consultancy work