Bachelor in History of Art and Archaeology: General

The program covers the major periods of history, from Prehistory to the Contemporary Era, and different geographical areas, from Western Europe to the Near East.

The first block of the bachelor's degree lays the fundamental foundations of art history and archaeology, studying the evolution of material culture, techniques, forms and styles. Training in the humanities (history, philosophy, culture, literature, ethnology...) ensures the development of a humanistic approach.

In the second block, you choose a major: Antiquity or the periods from the Middle Ages to the Contemporary Era. You study these periods in greater depth and learn to work independently, developing the tools and methods of art history and archaeology (museology, archaeometry, heritage conservation, archaeological site management). The learning of languages, ancient and modern depending on the course chosen, is part of this desire to understand the traces of the past.

• the traces of past civilizations and artistic heritage fascinate you;
• you memorize visual information easily;
• you enjoy working in the field or spending time in a museum;
• your desire for knowledge leads you to seek out and use various sources of information;
• you have a critical and analytical mind.

Methodology, practical work, projects, seminars, excavation internships, study trips... every effort is made to ensure your scientific training and the application of the methods and techniques of art history and archaeology.

Field visits

A good education in archaeology and art history is nourished by direct contact with archaeological material and works of art. That's why you take part in study trips, on-site seminars, internships, visits to museums and exhibitions, monuments, archaeological sites... The department provides you with a personal tablet as well as the tools of archaeologists and art historians: drawing equipment, photographic equipment, 3D survey and topography equipment, microscope, etc.

Initiation to archaeological excavation

The annual field school is your first supervised experience of archaeological field research.
From handling tools to interpreting remains, you'll learn the practical, technical and scientific aspects of excavation.

Initiation to documentation techniques

Initiation to archaeological drawing, photography and 3D surveys prepares you to build up the documentation essential for the study of excavated material and artistic heritage. You'll also learn to manage databases, use photographic retouching and computer-aided drawing programs to digitize and process your graphic documentation or field surveys.

Methodological training for personal work

Whether you're out in the field, researching in the library or in the middle of writing your personal work, our teachers and assistants are there to support you. They monitor and evaluate your concrete steps, while taking into account your specific pace and learning style.

Manipulate and experiment to understand

The Department of Archaeology and Art Sciences puts at your disposal an Archaeology and Art Sciences Laboratory where a didactic collection of archaeological objects, works of art, tools and samples of materials traditionally used by Man (stone, earth, wood, metal, glass) is kept. To interpret the original traces you observe on objects, buildings or works of art, you handle these objects in technology classes and learn to handle certain tools in experimental workshops.

The study trip allows you to put your knowledge into perspective and integrate specific fieldwork methodologies.

In block 2: trip on the theme of ancient architecture

• Many months before departure, you choose and prepare your subject based on the available literature.
• On site, you discover the reality of the field and learn to guide your gaze to describe the chosen monument and try to understand its history, architectural styles and décor. You'll apply what you've learned from the theory lessons and the exercises you've already practiced in the field. Our teachers will ensure that you make the best possible progress in the face of any difficulties you may encounter. Visits to museums and other sites broaden your outlook.

In Block 3: the on-site seminar, a unique feature

• Your subject, which covers different periods of archaeology and art history, is chosen just a few weeks before departure.
• On site, you plan your work in complete autonomy, searching for traces of the past (with the naked eye and using instruments). You record your observations using a precise, structured method (field notebook, surveys, photographs, diagrams).
• The system includes continuous assessment. So you can make mistakes, but you can't go astray... because at the end of the week, the work to be handed in must be ready! You'll then be able to apply your knowledge and skills as you would in your future professional context.

Succeeding in a year of study at university involves many challenges.

To help you meet them, UNamur supports you in developing your disciplinary, methodological and human skills... with the support of numerous professionals.

Preparatory courses, individualized help... Discover the schemes set up for your training.

The Bachelor's degree in Art History and Archaeology opens the doors to all masters in Art History and Archaeology in Belgium or abroad.

Master's degrees allow you to move towards a specialized professional, in-depth (research) or teaching (master's in teaching) goal.

If you wish, you can complete your training at UNamur by enrolling for the bachelor's degree in History for which you will benefit from numerous exemptions (including all first-block courses, common to both the Art History and History programs) allowing you, by adding History courses to your second and third year Art History program, to earn this second degree in an additional academic year.