The Institute

Sotheby’s Institute of Art has been preparing students for distinguished careers in the international art world for more than forty years and has academic centres in London and New York. Its international focus enhances its commitment to interactive hands-on education that draws creatively upon the resources of important art centres worldwide. Sotheby’s Institute is among the world’s leading institutions for Postgraduate art studies, offering Doctor of Philosophy and Master of Arts degrees, Postgraduate Diplomas, a semester in London, short courses, summer study programmes and a growing number of courses online. Students come together from all over the world to engage passionately in the study of art and the art markets.

Core faculty includes scholars and renowned practitioners who bring a broad spectrum of experience to the classroom, covering everything from the nuances of curatorial scholarship and the subtleties of art valuation to the inside workings of auction houses, museums and galleries. Courses also include art history, finance, marketing, investment practice and the basics of copyright and tax law. Sotheby’s auction house provides students with privileged access to pre-sale viewings, symposia with experts, and handling sessions. Study trips to art centres worldwide are combined with numerous visits to commercial galleries, museums, artist’s studios and private collections. Lectures by conservators, critics, curators, writers, artists and consultants further enhance students’ first-hand knowledge of works of art and their markets.

The Institute has more than 6,000 alumni worldwide and helps students find art-related employment, study programmes and a variety of internships at auction houses, galleries museums and other arts institutions. Its alumni network can provide invaluable experience and professional contacts. Many alumni direct galleries, are executives at museums, foundations and auction houses, or pursue careers in art journalism, art consulting and related professions. They keep in touch via the Institute’s alumni association, actively mentoring applicants in the admissions process and assisting recent graduates in their search for rewarding positions in the field.

The Programmes

THE DOCTOR OF PHILOSOPHY The PhD degree is offered jointly with the University of Manchester and can be completed in three years of full-time study. The PhD requires a dissertation based on original research. The PhD is offered in London only. PLEASE CONTACT Venetia Hill-Perkins for details V.Hill-Perkins@sothebysinstitute.com

MASTER OF ARTS DEGREE Seven MA degree programmes are offered by the Institute.

LONDON

Art Business

Contemporary Art

Fine and Decorative Art

East Asian Art

Photography

Contemporary Design

Interior Design

NEW YORK

Art Business

Contemporary Art

American Fine Art and Decorative Art

Interior Design

The MA degree requires the successful completion of two semesters of study plus a third semester or a research dissertation (Master’s thesis). The MA degree is granted in collaboration with the University of Manchester in the UK. In New York, the Institute holds degree-granting authority from the Regents of the State of New York and has been an accredited member of the National Association of Schools of Art and Design since 1989. An MA programme may be combined with study in interior design. Over two years, students complete two semesters of an MA programme at the Institute plus an additional two semesters at the New York School of Interior Design. On completion of these studies, students are awarded a Certificate in Interior Design as well as an MA degree.

POSTGRADUATE DIPLOMA London / New York
Completion of these programmes requires two semesters of full-time study identical to those for the MA degree. This option is for students who do not wish to write a dissertation (Master’s thesis).

ONLINE COURSES
Sotheby’s Institute Online provides an opportunity for people anywhere in the world to take courses at their convenience from their own desks and on their own time. Online courses are offered throughout the year.
 
SEMESTER IN LONDON
These 15-week full-time courses are designed for undergraduates, graduates and professionals with a keen interest in art who wish to deepen their knowledge or explore an art world career. They combine traditional academic study with practical insight into the business of art. The Semester in London can also provide the necessary foundation for applicants to Sotheby’s Institute’s MA programmes who lack a sufficient art history background. The Semester in London awards 60 UK credits. Students from colleges or universities in the US and EU may transfer credit at the discretion of their home institution.

SUMMER STUDY London / New York
These intensive four-week courses provide an excellent immersion experience and introduction to art scholarship and the art markets. 20 UK credits are awarded by the London summer programs. Students from colleges or universities in the US and EU may transfer credit at the discretion of their home institution.

SHORT COURSES / PUBLIC PROGRAMMES
Short Courses and Public Programs, offered to the general public in London and New York throughout the year, include semester- long day and evening courses, 3- day seminars, art fair symposia and one-week courses. They generally do not require an art background or formal qualifications. They are designed for art enthusiasts as well as professionals working in the field who wish to update or enhance their knowledge.

Point of contact for Asia

Phil Whittaker
p.whittaker@sothebysinstitute.com
tel +65 91014723