In YEAR ONE the course covers the period from late Roman antiquity through to Renaissance art of the early 16th century. The Tuesday lectures examine the art of late Antiquity, the early Christian period & the Byzantine Empire through to the stained glass, illuminated manuscripts and great fresco schemes and altarpieces of the Middles Ages. The lectures then consider the early stirrings of the Renaissance, before moving on to explore 15th- and early 16th-century European painting, and the concept of the Renaissance as a period of revival and transformation in Western culture. Developments in society with respect to individual and civic identity, and related changes in artistic practice, status and patronage are also be considered. The Wednesday lectures partner the chronological examination of key artistic developments and styles, with the intention of extending the understanding of European art through an introduction to the formal and critical analysis of art and to the language of attributes, signs and symbols, and a consideration of the main historical techniques and working methods involved in the production of a work of art.
In YEAR TWO the chronological sweep continues its exploration of European art from the late Renaissance through to the turn of the 20th century. The Tuesday lectures trace the history of European painting of the 16th century in Italy, as well as France under François I, Spain under Philip II & Britain under the Tudors, through to the principal developments and artists of the Baroque, the Rococo, the Age of Reason, Romanticism, Realism, Impressionism and Post-Impressionism. The chronological sweep is enriched with a thematic lectures covering such topics as, ‘Collecting and Patronage: princes & prestige’, ‘The portrait: likeness, the ideal, image and posterity’, ‘Women and the art world’, ‘Great Masters of the Baroque’ and ‘The 19th century and the modern’.
This course is available through the following application route(s)
The Diploma in the History of European Painting is a foundational undergraduate Art History programme. Over the course of two years this part-time diploma is devoted to examining the history of European painting from late Antiquity to the early twentieth century. Aimed at students of diverse ages and interests, with a strong awareness and curiosity towards art, the Diploma serves as a return to education pathway or as a means to continuing education. The Diploma is one of UCD’s University Access Courses for admission to 1st Arts (DN520) and 1st Humanities (DN530).
The Diploma runs on a two-year cycle and involves continuous assessments in pursuit of the qualification. The contact hours for this evening course are 4 hours per week, comprising 2 lectures and a tutorial. Students will be required to do independent study and undertake continuous assessments in pursuit of the qualification. This course traces its origins to 1934 and an historic endowment made by the artist Sarah Purser (1848-1943) and her cousin Sir John Griffith (1848-1938) to encourage the study of history of art in Ireland. In recognition of this endowment the Purser-Griffith Medals are awarded to the diploma student who takes first place with distinction, and to the diploma student who takes second place.
The Tuesday lectures provide a chronological introduction to the major artistic developments and styles and artists in European painting from late Antiquity to the turn of the 20th century, and these lectures are partnered with thematic Wednesday lectures considering a range of topics including: the making of art; artistic status, training and practice; patronage and collecting; women and the art world. Schedule permitting, we endeavour to have at least two gallery visits each year. Subject to student numbers and interest we try to organise an optional study trip to Florence in year 1 of the programme. Diploma students have full access to UCD's library facilities and the School's dedicated reading room, the Françoise Henry Reading Room.
About This Course
Below is a list of all modules offered for this degree in the current academic year. Click on the module to discover what you will learn in the module, how you will learn and assessment feedback profile amongst other information.
Incoming Stage 1 undergraduates can usually select an Elective in the Spring Trimester. Most continuing undergraduate students can select up to two Elective modules (10 Credits) per stage. There is also the possibility to take up to 10 extra Elective credits.
| Trimester | Credits | |||
|---|---|---|---|---|
Stage 1 Options - A) Min 6 of: Year One cores |
AH1013E | Art in the Making: I | Autumn | 5 |
Stage 1 Options - A) Min 6 of: Year One cores |
AH1020E | Studies I | Autumn | 5 |
Stage 1 Options - A) Min 6 of: Year One cores |
AH1024E | Western Art from late Roman Antiquity to the late Middle Ages | Autumn | 5 |
Stage 1 Options - A) Min 6 of: Year One cores |
AH1014E | Art in the Making: II | Spring | 5 |
Stage 1 Options - A) Min 6 of: Year One cores |
AH1015E | From the van Eyck to the Bellini: the age of the Renaissance | Spring | 5 |
Stage 1 Options - A) Min 6 of: Year One cores |
AH1021E | Studies II | Spring | 5 |
Stage 1 Options - B) Min 6 of: Year Two Core |
AH1016E | Reformation & Counter-reformation: from the High Renaissance to the Baroque | Autumn | 5 |
Stage 1 Options - B) Min 6 of: Year Two Core |
AH1018E | Themes in Art I | Autumn | 5 |
Stage 1 Options - B) Min 6 of: Year Two Core |
AH1022E | Studies III | Autumn | 5 |
Stage 1 Options - B) Min 6 of: Year Two Core |
AH1017E | The Age of the Baroque to early Modernism | Spring | 5 |
Stage 1 Options - B) Min 6 of: Year Two Core |
AH1019E | Themes in Art II | Spring | 5 |
Stage 1 Options - B) Min 6 of: Year Two Core |
AH1023E | Studies IV | Spring | 5 |
No previous experience in the study of art history is required.
Part Time option suitable for:
Domestic(EEA) applicants: Yes
International (Non EEA) applicants currently residing outside of the EEA Region. No
How to Apply
General application route(s) for Irish/UK/EU applicants* for International (non-EU) applicants* to Diploma in the History of European Painting:
| ROWCLASS | Apply to | Application Type | ||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| showAudience-audienceEU | Z187 Diploma in the History of European Painting University Diploma |
Commencing 2024/2025 September | Undergraduate Cert and Diploma | Apply |