If you are thinking of submitting an application for our Master’s, Semester or Summer programs, please familiarise yourself with the admissions requirements for each program.
Validation
Our Master’s, Semester and Four-Week Summer programs are all validated by The University of Manchester, one of the largest and most prestigious universities in the U.K.
Master’s Programs
In London, we offer four Master's Degree programs: Art Business, Contemporary Art, Fine and Decorative Art and Design, and Modern and Contemporary Asian Art. All MA’s start with an intensive shared unit ‘Navigating the Art World,’ which provides an in-depth introduction to the art world and development of professional and critical skills. In addition, the flexible structure of the Master’s programs allows students to further specialize their studies, once they have completed the core units of their chosen MA, by choosing two electives from a broad range of expertly led units.
Postgraduate Diplomas
For each of the four Master’s programs a two-semester Postgraduate Diploma is available to students who complete the required coursework for an MA Degree program but who do not wish to write a Master's Degree Dissertation.
Semester Programs
The Institute offers a number of full-time fifteen-week programs which run both in the Autumn and the Spring semester and some of which can be taken on a part-time basis. These programs do not require any previous university qualifications and are designed for students who have a strong vocational or professional interest in a specific subject. They can also provide the necessary foundation for students who lack a formal education in art history and are applying to an MA program at the Institute.
Summer Study Programs
The Summer Study programs offer intensive courses in areas of art business, art history, finance, contemporary art and design. The programs are designed for undergraduates, graduates, career changers and all those interested in art and the art world. Full-time courses are offered over two sessions and students have the option to attend both.
How to Apply
Now accepting applications for Master's Programs beginning in 2017.
The priority deadline for MA applications is March 1st, 2017. Applications received after March 1st will be considered based on space availability.
Now accepting applications for Semester programs beginning in January 2017 and September 2017.
Post-EU Referendum (Brexit)
Following the outcome of the EU referendum, there has been a period of uncertainty for students wishing to study in the UK. Sotheby’s Institute of Art is proud to be a global institution, and we continue to welcome European and international students.
There will be a gradual exit process during which the UK will be in a state of transition. The change will not happen immediately. We anticipate that there will be no alteration in our admissions arrangements for the 2017/18 and 2018/19 EU student cohorts.
Throughout this period, we will continue to provide advice and guidance on studying in the UK. We aim to offer clarity on issues directly affecting our non-UK European students and deliver a first-class admissions experience for all of our students.
Entrance Requirements
Entrance Requirements for the Master's Degree and Postgraduate Diploma
All MA and Postgraduate Diploma applicants are required to have completed a BA degree or its equivalent. Students in their final undergraduate year may apply for admission and will be required to provide proof of graduation prior to registration.
Applicants should demonstrate the following skills:
- The ability to perform at a postgraduate level, as indicated by academic achievement and recommendations.
- Knowledge of art history. This generally requires an undergraduate art history major or minor. In special cases, art-related work experience or exceptional exposure to art making and/or collecting will satisfy this requirement. (Applicants with insufficient art history background may be required to take course work at the Institute or an institution of their choice that is approved by the Institute’s faculty.)
- The ability to speak, write and analyse required subject matter fluently in English.
Work experience is not required. However, relevant employment and/or internships enhance a student’s application.
Applicants to our MA programs who have not completed an undergraduate Art History major or minor may be offered a place on their chosen program conditional upon completion of an assessed course in art history provided by the Institute. This may take the form of a summer course or courses in London, an online course, or a 15-week semester course in London. Semester courses begin in January and September each year. If you do not have a degree in Art History, you are encouraged to submit your MA application well in advance of the start of semester courses.
Entrance requirements for Semester and Summer Study programs
For students whose first language is not English the Institute requires certification of English language competence. We accept IELTS level 6.0 or equivalent for Semester and Four-Week Summer Programs. If you have been taught in English for two years or more, it may be possible to waive the English language Proficiency Exam, upon review of your application.
For more information please click "Further Official Information" below.