Ancient & Medieval World
Art History Courses Online & In London
From ancient Rome to Medieval Iran, mythology to manuscripts: learn about the vibrant art and ideas of the ancient and Medieval world in our online, classroom and gallery-based courses.
Online, classroom-based and gallery-based art history courses
Many of our courses are also offered online, giving you the freedom to study from anywhere you need to be. We also offer our classes in-person at our Central London location and at many galleries and museums in and around London. Use the Location filters on this page to choose your preferred delivery method. See our guide to online learning for more information about our live online courses.
Learn from expert tutors
At City Lit we are proud of the expertise of our tutors who are all professional art historians working actively in museums, galleries, research and writing, universities and auction houses. As experts in the field, they are able to provide you with the support and guidance you need to develop your art historical knowledge. As teachers they provide student-focused education, helping students achieve their art historical goals, both the personal and the professional.
- Study day: The rise of Islam and the life of the Prophet in art
Course start date: Sun 27 Sep 2026Location on this date: Keeley Street
Tutors: Anita ChowdryIn this study day we will learn about the Prophet Muhammad, his life in 7th century Mecca and Medina, and the foundation of the formative constitution of Islam. The story of his life and revelations will be illustrated with artwork from iconic manuscripts made in the 14th - 16th centuries under Muslim rulers of the Ilkhanid, Timurid, Safavid and Ottoman Dynasties.
Full fee £79.00 Senior fee £79.00 Concession £79.00 - Crossing the divide: visual cultures of the Crusader Holy LandsCourse start date: Mon 5 Oct 2026
Location on this date: Keeley Street
Tutors: Helen DejeanThis course explores the main themes and intercultural aspects of ‘Crusader Art’. This fluid term denotes the extraordinary range of works of art and architecture produced in the Latin Kingdom of Jerusalem c. 1099-1291 by Muslim and Christian Latin or Byzantine artists for a multicultural clientele in the Holy Land. The influence of the booty of the 1204 Fourth Crusade will also be considered.
Full fee £239.00 Senior fee £239.00 Concession £239.00 - Stories of the Western Sahara: art and cultural history, 8th-16th centuries Course start date: Tue 6 Oct 2026
Location on this date: Online
Tutors: Anita ChowdryIn this course we shall explore the Medieval history of the Sahara and the Sahel, looking at the rise of the Gold Kingdoms, Trans-Saharan trade, cultural synergy, and spread of Islam into the region.
Full fee £159.00 Senior fee £127.00 Concession £103.00 - Study day: The art of the Qur’an Course start date: Sun 11 Oct 2026
Location on this date: Keeley Street
Tutors: Anita ChowdryAn intensive study day on the development of the Qur’an as a book and the role of patronage at important centres of production. We also look at the evolution of Arabic calligraphy, layout, and illumination; with a survey of evolving styles, the impact on secular book design, and the methods and materials of making.
Full fee £79.00 Senior fee £63.00 Concession £51.00 - Introduction to Buddhist art Course start date: Thu 4 Jun 2026
Location on this date: Online
Tutors: Arjmand AzizExplore the early history of Buddhist art in South Asia in this introductory course.
Full fee £79.00 Senior fee £63.00 Concession £51.00
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