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

• Scientific category A in the main discipline of Arts Studies awarded to the Jagiellonian University in Kraków by the decision of the Minister of Education and Science

Curriculum overview

In the programme curriculum, you may find information about the subjects you will attend while studying this programme. The programme indicates which subjects are scheduled for each semester of the studies, which are mandatory, which belong to the group of elective subjects (so-called optional subjects), which of them end with an exam, and which do not. Each subject in such a programme curriculum has its syllabus, which is a description of what students learn within the scope of that subject.

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 to study programmes at the Jagiellonian University is conducted electronically in the Online Application System: irk.uj.edu.pl. If you have any questions related to admission, please contact the Admissions Office directly or visit the websites: welcome.uj.edu.pl and irk.uj.edu.pl.

Detailed information about admission to this study programme, including information on the method of calculating the result, qualification criteria, fees, deadlines, and a list of required documents are available on the Online Application System (IRK): irk.uj.edu.pl

Transfer from other university or study programme

Transfer from another university, including a foreign one, or change of study programme within the University is possible with the dean's consent after completing the first year of studies and fulfilling additional requirements established by the Faculty Council. For inquiries regarding transfer, please contact the unit responsible for the specific 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 take part in the cycle of meetings "University Closer to You – visits to the Jagiellonian University". The aim of the meetings during the tours is to familiarize students with the history of our University through a rich educational offer (lectures, workshops, laboratory classes, etc.). The current programme of the event is available on the organizer's website – the Centre for Communications and Marketing of the Jagiellonian University.

The Jagiellonian Library offers tours of both the old and new parts of the building. The tour programme includes presentations on the history of the Library and the building itself, as well as a visit to the Department of Depositories. The offer of the Collegium Maius includes lessons on "The Trail of Science" and "The Trail of History and Art," as well as interactive online classes. We also invite you to explore the educational offer of the Botanical Garden, the Nature Education Centre, the Confucius Institute, and the Museum of Anatomy.

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