Study Programmes & Courses

The Chair of East Asian Art History offers three study programmes: MA Major (90 EC), MA Minor (30 EC) and BA Minor (60 EC), and a doctoral programme. 

Scope of the curriculum and modes of teaching

The programmes cover a large geographical and chorological scope of the art and material culture of Japan, China, and Korea from antiquity to the present, with particular attention to transcultural exchanges within East Asia and between East Asia and the wider world. Core lectures are complemented by focused seminars, object-based exercises in museums, as well as domestic and international excursions. The curriculum is regularly complemented by guest lectures, joint workshops, and external events that broaden content and build transferable skills.

East Asian Art History can be studied entirely in English, offering an accessible and internationally oriented learning environment. 

Built on three interlocking pillars, the curriculum delivers training suitable for multiple professional trajectories (e.g. museums, galleries; cultural heritage and collections management; academia and teaching; digital humanities and exhibition design; region-focused international institutions, creative and cultural industries). It aligns with current societal developments and priorities in university education such as digital and data fluency, experiential learning, public engagement, and open science:

1. Area knowledge of East Asia: historical depth and cultural literacy across Japan, China, and Korea, framed by global perspectives.
2. Art-historical theory and method: critical theory and historiographical methods; attention to diversity, equity and ethics (e.g. provenance).
3. Digital analysis and curatorial competence: computational methods for visual culture studies, digital museology, and practice-oriented curation.

The relationship between the Department of Art History and its Alumni, as well as among the Alumni themselves, is maintained through the organization UZH Alumni Art History. For new graduates, there is a free membership for 2 years after Bachelor's completion, 1 year after Master's completion.

Link to the UZH Alumni Art History page

The student association is a helpful point of contact for current and prospective students. The board works closely with the department and is happy to assist with any questions or concerns.

Further information and contact details can be found on the student association’s webpage.