The close-to-research and practice-oriented consecutive Master's program of history of art conveys scientific reflection capability and practical action competence in the area of an art science that understands itself as a visual culture and part of a living scientific culture.

The program at KIT combines systematic acquisition of expert knowledge with the exemplary test of specific methods of scientific work. Graduates possess in-depth knowledge and methodological competence in figurative art, but also in the field of history of architecture, architecture theory, and architecture communication, which is a special feature of studies at KIT.

They have profound knowledge of medieval, modern, and contemporary works of art, can discuss genre and media issues, and have deep insight into the areas of esthetics, cultural theory, science, and society. This knowledge enables the graduates to work in classical areas of art history and visual culture and, at the same time, serves as basis to start careers in new or more remote professions for humanities scholars.

As a number of visiting lecturers and assistant professors from various areas of history of art are involved in education, graduates have contact to the practice of history of art during their Master's studies already. In this way, they are provided insight into the classical fields of activities.

The graduates are imparted core competencies in historic and systematic analysis of traditional and new media. They know the specific visual languages and codes and are able to reliably assess artistic production and its historical dimension.

Within the framework of the scopes of electives offered, graduates have specialized in the area of art and society and have sharpened their own competencies. Apart from knowledge of sociology of art, art and politics, and art and law, they also acquire in-depth knowledge of the theory and history of architecture and architecture communication.

Having completed the Master's program of four semesters’ duration, graduates have acquired specific and scientific qualification for a subsequent doctorate in the area of history of art or related programs. Students of the Master's program extend the fundamental knowledge obtained within the Bachelor's program.

They use the central terms of the terminology in German and English and possess profound knowledge of current problems faced by architects and the corresponding research community.