UoS launches Bachelor of Fine Arts in Art History
- Last updated: August 16, 2025 | 10:35
Gulf Today, Staff Reporter
The University of Sharjah (UoS) has announced the launch of a Bachelor of Fine Arts in Art History and Museum Studies, set to begin in the Fall of 2025 semester under the umbrella of the College of Fine Arts and Design.
This programme, the first of its kind in the UAE, is supported by Sharjah Museums Authority and Sharjah Art Foundation.
It combines the study of art history with modern museum practices and is offered in collaboration between the Department of Fine Arts at the College of Fine Arts and Design and the Department of History and Islamic Civilisation at the College of Arts, Humanities, and Social Sciences.
The programme has been accredited by the Ministry of Higher Education.
It offers a multidisciplinary educational experience, blending theoretical knowledge with professional practice through a 123-credit-hour curriculum which includes practical training in the eighth semester. The programme aims to prepare qualified professionals to lead the cultural sector by providing the necessary skills and knowledge to work in museums, art galleries, and cultural and creative institutions loca
lly and internationally. Professor Esam Al-Agami, Director of the UoS stated: “The launch of the Bachelor of Fine Arts in Art History and Museum Studies aligns with the university’s strategy to introduce specialised academic programmes which meet future job market’s needs and keep pace with cultural transformations.
It aims to qualify professionals capable of leading the cultural and creative sector in the UAE, which is currently experiencing rapid growth. He added, “This initiative complements the National Strategy for Cultural and Creative Industries launched by the UAE in 2021, which aims to position the country as a global hub for cultural creativity and attract talent from around the world.”
“This programme is the result of constructive collaboration with leading cultural institutions in Sharjah, notably the Sharjah Museums Authority and the Sharjah Art Foundation, whose support was pivotal in shaping the programme’s academic and professional identity. At the University of Sharjah, we believe such partnerships enhance the quality of educational programmes and contribute to preparing specialised professionals equipped to serve the cultural sector locally and internationally,” he added.
Dr. Nadia Al-Hasani, Dean of the College of Fine Arts and Design, emphasised that the programme represents a significant leap in artistic and cultural education in the region.
She expressed pride in providing an academic platform that enables students to become ambassadors of heritage and arts and leaders in future creative fields.
Dr. Nadia added: “The programme comes at a time when the UAE is witnessing a remarkable museum and cultural renaissance, with over 170 government and private museums and hundreds of art exhibitions. This provides an ideal environment for students to hone their skills and enter the job market immediately after graduation.”
The programme spans four years and offers a strong foundation in practical studio work, with field training in the eighth semester. Students gain a comprehensive perspective through collaboration between the Department of Fine Arts and the Department of History and Islamic Civilisation. Graduates of the programme will have diverse career opportunities in the cultural and creative industries, including roles as art dealers, archivists, journalists, curators, museum guides, cultural officers, and managers of museums and cultural institutions.
UoS is the first university in the Arab World to earn a Sustainability Tracking, Assessment and Rating System (STARS) Gold rating in recognition of its sustainability achievements from the Association for the Advancement of Sustainability in Higher Education (AASHE) in Florida, United States.
STARS, is a global rating system and a transparent, self-reporting framework for colleges and universities to measure their sustainability performance in a comprehensive manner.
The Association for the Advancement of Sustainability in Higher Education (AASHE) classified 1,085 registered universities, representing 40 countries at the international level.