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Diploma in the History of European Painting  (Z187)

(NFQ Level 7) · Academic Year 2025/2026
School
School of Art History and Cultural Policy
Attendance
Part-Time
Level
UG Certificates & Diplomas
NFQ Level
7
Award
University Diploma
Mode of Delivery
On Campus
Programme Director
Ms Carla Briggs
Overall Programme Credits:
60
Programme Credits:
Stage 1
Core/Option: 60 Electives: 0
Major/Minor Core & Option Credits:
Stage 1: 60

Curricular information is subject to change.

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. 

Focussing on painting the Diploma seeks to foster original thought, interpretative and analytical skills, critical enquiry, and visual acuity. Students are encouraged to examine artworks critically and understand the conditions of their making, meaning and influences, as well as to consider the process of looking itself. Students are enabled to interpret and assess the meaning, development and context of works of art of different ages using a range of approaches including historical, stylistic, and formalist analysis.  The programme uses a range of teaching and learning methods such as lectures, small group teaching, web-based learning and site visits. The latter are exceptionally important for an object and context-based discipline such as Art History. Learning outcomes are assessed in a range of approaches including essays, catalogue entries, and slide tests.


1 - be conversant with the general timeline and main stylistic developments in the history of European painting from late Antiquity to the turn of the twentieth century
2 - Recognise and fully comprehend key works of art, movements, schools and artists and place them within their wider aesthetic, art historical, social and cultural contexts
3 - Understand and assess the dynamics of the production, marketing and reception of art in different historical periods and across different cultural frameworks
4 - Communicate responses to works of art in a clear and scholarly fashion that is informed by the varied analytical approaches adopted by art historians
5 - Show originality of thinking, and a willingness to challenge, modify, or support accepted ideas in a manner that fosters communal learning and invigorates discussion
6 - Have an awareness of the socio-economic aspects of the patronage, consumption and manufacture of art works, objects and buildings

CONTENT

UCD is Ireland’s Global University and its largest university with a track record in empowering students to enter a diverse range of careers that reflects the most diverse curriculum on the Island of Ireland. Consistently, over 90% of graduates are employed or in further study or training 9 months following course completion. The QS World Ranking on Graduate Employability has placed UCD at number 1 in Ireland for Graduate Employability since 2018. On the global stage UCD leads the Irish higher education sector and is the only Irish university to be ranked inside the world’s top 80 for Graduate Employability.

At University College Dublin we are aware that for many students, programme outcomes in terms of graduate jobs and career options is important. The purpose of this statement is to help you understand and appreciate the range of skills you may develop during your time at UCD and how you may develop your employability. Visit the UCD Careers Networks website and MyCareer, the UCD Career management Platform, to access career information, internships and graduate roles as well as information about the range of initiatives, supports and events available to you.

This programme provides opportunities for students to develop in areas such as:
  • Writing
  • Researching
  • Oral Communication
  • Written Communication
  • Creativity
  • Critical thinking
  • Life-long learning

The Diploma has a long tradition of being an introduction to University study, a return to learning for mature students, a Progression Pathway to further study. It is is one of UCD’s University Access Courses for admission to 1st Arts (DN520) and 1st Humanities (DN530).

This programme supports students’ career development and employability through:
  • Enhancing digital literacy skills
  • Development of critical thinking, problem solving skills and decision-making e.g. through individual and group projects and assignments

This part-time undergraduate programme seeks to develop students' fundamental transferable skills of visual acuity, originality of thinking, and critical thinking.

Carla Briggs, Director of the Diploma & Purser-Griffith Lectures in the History of European Painting



Email: carla.briggs@ucd.ie.  Tel: 01 716 8403


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.

Module Type Module   Trimester Credits
Stage 1 Options - A) Min 6 of:
Year One cores
AH1016E Reformation & Counter-reformation: from the High Renaissance to the Baroque Autumn  5
Stage 1 Options - A) Min 6 of:
Year One cores
AH1018E Themes in Art I Autumn  5
Stage 1 Options - A) Min 6 of:
Year One cores
AH1022E Studies III Autumn  5
Stage 1 Options - A) Min 6 of:
Year One cores
AH1017E The Age of the Baroque to early Modernism Spring  5
Stage 1 Options - A) Min 6 of:
Year One cores
AH1019E Themes in Art II Spring  5
Stage 1 Options - A) Min 6 of:
Year One cores
AH1023E Studies IV Spring  5

See the UCD Assessment website for further details, including worked examples of how degree award GPAs are calculated

Module Weighting Info
 
  Award GPA
Programme Module Weightings Rule Description Description >= <=
DPACS003 Stage 1 - 100.00%
Pass/Merit/Distinction Pass

2.00

2.47

Merit

2.48

3.67

Distinction

3.68

4.20