Programme description

The Institute of the History of Art at JU is the oldest academic institution of this kind in Poland (it dates back to 1882 when the Faculty for the History of Art was established) and the fastest developing institute of the history of art in Poland. The History of Art studies are taught among monuments in the heart of Kraków. Students explore the secrets of iconography and art techniques, learn the theory and methodologies, the history of art from antiquity to the 21st Century, matters of preserving our heritage, the basics of museology, and art criticism. Classes taught with close contact with works of art (in museums, churches, conservation workshops) and during regular tours in Poland and abroad are crucial elements of education. In May, all student groups participate in field activities, developing research workshops and using theory learned during classes. Later, students choose a specialization – curating or protection of cultural property. Then, students choose a seminar and supplementary courses according to their profile.

Information regarding Faculty

The Faculty of History has the category A granted by the Ministry of Science and Higher Education and is the best faculty of history in Poland according to the the ranking of ‘Perspektywy’ Education Foundation. In addition, the study programmes conducted at the Faculty have been at the forefront of this ranking for years. The Faculty of History is the right place for enthusiasts of ancient cultures and people interested in studying art, the preservation of cultural heritage and history. The study offer includes such fields as: Archaeology, Ethnology and Cultural Anthropology, History, History of Art, Jewish Studies, Musicology, and Protection of Cultural Property. These fields of study have a long tradition of teaching, yet the classes are conducted innovatively and respond to the current needs of students and employers.

The Faculty consists of 6 institutes. The History of Art classes are delivered at the Institute of the History of Art, located in the very center of Kraków. This Institute is the oldest academic institution of this type in Poland and, at the same time, the fastest developing institute of art history in the country. Some of the classes take place in the JU Museum and other museums in Kraków, allowing students to have direct contact with works of art. Similarly, students may benefit from classes delivered in churches and other historical places in Kraków and its surroundings. The didactic process is also carried out during workshops concerning monuments in Poland and abroad. Currently, the historic basement of the Institute is being adapted for an art gallery where students will be able to organize exhibitions.

Rankings, distinctions, accreditations

• Category A granted to the Faculty by the Ministry of Science and Higher Education

Curriculum overview

Programme curriculum consists of information regarding classes in which you will take part while studying at this field of study. The programme provides data on classes in particular semesters, which of them are compulsory or optional, which of them end with an exam, and which do not. Each class has its own syllabus – a description of contents of the class.

Student’s life

Time spent at the university is not all about education and class participation; it is also an excellent opportunity to develop hobbies and interests. Many research societies and student organizations operate at the Jagiellonian University, including faculty- and university-wide ones. These societies allow students to spend their free time actively, gain knowledge, develop their talents, participate in engaging, unconventional projects, go on research and team-building trips, participate in conferences, and meet fellow students outside the lecture halls.

History of Art Students Research Society is working at the Institute of the History of Art. Classes taught with close contact with works of art (in museums, churches, conservation workshops) and during regular tours in Poland and abroad are crucial elements of education. Students visit monuments and museums during numerous trips (in Poland and abroad) and participate in field activities, developing research workshops, and using theories learned during classes. Students with the employees of the Institute visit: The Sandomierz region, Silesia, Warsaw, and Łódź.

Students interested in the international dimension of studying can participate in a wide variety of exchange programmes, such as Erasmus+, Utrecht Network, bilateral exchange programmes, European university Una Europa, or the domestic mobility programme called MOST.

More than just studies

• Student Government of the The Faculty of History

From our lecturers

Dr Agata Dworzak
How to take full advantage of your time during your studies? I think that we have to stay open to other fields and specializations. And, most importantly, have a willingness to study, as it is an exploration of knowledge, and not only getting a job. Treating studies as “necessary evil” is pointless.

Admission to studies

Admission at the Jagiellonian University is conducted electronically in the Online Application System (IRK): irk.uj.edu.pl. Admissions Office is responsible for the admission process at the Jagiellonian University. In case of questions regarding admission, contact the Office directly or visit websites: welcome.uj.edu.pl and irk.uj.edu.pl.

Information regarding admission to this study programme, including qualification rules, admission and tuition fee, schedule, required documents and information on final result calculation, are available on the Online Application System (IRK): irk.uj.edu.pl

Transfer from other university or study programme

Transfer from other university or other study programme is possible, with the consent of the dean: after finishing a first year of studies and fulfilling additional conditions described by the Faculty Council. In case of questions regarding a transfer, contact the unit in charge of study programme directly.

Graduates

A History of Art graduate is prepared to work in museums, at institutions responsible for preserving cultural heritage and protecting monuments. A graduate has skills special for an art historian – the ability to describe, analyze, and place a work of art in the cultural and artistic context, take inventory of monuments, prepare programs of conservation works, create reviews of works of art, and organize exhibitions, etc. They also have the experience necessary for work as art historians (inventory traineeships, participation in organization of antiquarian commerce) in areas such as archaeology, architecture, urban planning, and other visual arts (optional classes), as well as effective functioning in the modern world (teamwork skills, ability to obtain the select source, bibliographic and online information). Constantly developing antiquarian commerce also offers possibilities for art historians.

Further education possibilities

• Doctoral School, f.e. Doctoral School in the Humanities
• Post diploma programmes
• Second-cycle programmes

Offer for school

The following events are conducted in Polish – to find out about the offer for English-speaking audience, please get in touch with the organizer directly. Additionally, due to the current pandemic, some faculty and university events may be canceled or conducted in a form other than that described below.

We invite all schools to a series of meetings, "University Closer to you – trips to the Jagiellonian University." The purpose of the sessions as part of the tours is to familiarize students with our university's history through a broad educational offer (lectures, workshops, laboratory classes, etc.). The current program of the event is available on the organizer's website - Centre for Communications and Marketing.

The Jagiellonian Library allows you to visit the old and new parts of the building. The tour program includes presentations of information about the history of the Library and the building itself and a tour of the Warehouse Department. The offer of Collegium Maius consists of the "Traces of science" and "Traces of history and art" lessons as well as interactive online classes. We also invite you to familiarize yourself with the educational offer of: the Botanic Garden, the Nature Education Center, the Confucius Institute, and the Museum of the Department of Anatomy UJ CM.

Contact

The study programme is conducted at the Institute of History of Art, a unit of the Faculty of History. The Institute is located in the historic centre of Kraków. For more information, please contact:

ihs@uj.edu.pl

ul. Grodzka 53
31-001 Kraków, Poland
Phone: (+48) 12 663 18 48, 12 663 18 49

ihs.uj.edu.pl
historyczny.uj.edu.pl

Other programmes that may interest you

• Protection of Cultural Property (Faculty of History) – programme in Polish
• Ethnology and Cultural Anthropology (Faculty of History) – programme in Polish
• Archaeology (Faculty of History) – programme in Polish
• Theatre Studies (Faculty of Polish Studies) – programme in Polish