The Bachelor of Arts in Art History course at Virginia Commonwealth University School of the Arts in Qatar teaches students art history through a multicultural lens.

The Art History programme at VCUarts Qatar offers a distinctive concentration in Islamic art within a global perspective. The course introduces students to the richness and complexity of visual culture across time and geography.

The programme's approach reflects the geographical location and historical involvement of Qatar, which has been part of international trade routes, later linking Islamic lands with those beyond the Indian Ocean and the Mediterranean Sea.

Applications close on 15 January 2026, with courses beginning in September 2026. The programme is offered at the undergraduate level, available as both a major and a minor. Admission requires a high school diploma or equivalent, English proficiency, and the completion of an essay.

Art history develops skills in historical interpretation, visual literacy, and critical analysis of the visual arts and architecture. Students hone skills that enable them to critically derive meaning from material culture and articulate it coherently and persuasively through language, both written and oral.

Through the major and minor in Art History, a new generation of critical thinkers who recognize and appreciate the interrelationship and complexity of global issues are refined.

School: Virginia Commonwealth University School of the Arts in Qatar
Course: Bachelor of Arts in Art History
Type: undergraduate
Location: Doha, Qatar
Course dates: September 2026 (four year programme)
Application deadline: 15 January 2026

Applications have now closed.

What will I learn during this course?

– historical interpretation
– visual literacy
– critical analysis of the visual arts and architecture
– to critically derive meaning from material culture and articulate it coherently and persuasively through language, both written and oral

What are the requirements?

– a high school diploma or equivalent
– English proficiency
– the completion of an essay

What facilities and resources are available?

– VCUarts Qatar Libraries
– Innovative Media Studio
– 10,000-plus materials in our unique Materials Library
– Tinker Lab
– VCUarts Qatar FabLab.

What career prospects can I expect upon graduating?

Graduates pursue careers in museums, galleries, cultural heritage organisations and arts administration, or continue their studies in leading graduate programmes worldwide.

Who teaches this course?

– The course is lead by  Radha Dalal, director of art history and associate professor. All other members of faculty are detailed here.

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