To become an art historian you need to have a Bachelor of Arts majoring in art history, although a postgraduate degree is often preferred by employers.

Further studies in fine arts, library studies, marketing, business, museology (the science or practice of organising and managing museums) and museum studies may also be helpful.

A tertiary entrance qualification is needed to enter further training, but useful school subjects include art, art history, English, history and languages.

Many skills, such as how to handle objects correctly, are gained on the job. Some art historians may attend courses and seminars to keep up to date with changes in professional practice, or changes in the art world.

Useful experience for art historians includes:

• research work
• public speaking
• work as an artist
• experience in art galleries or with exhibitions
• library work involving cataloguing or finding works of art
• customer service work.