London
Our location in London is in the heart of Bloomsbury, only minutes away from the British Museum and within walking distance of the National Gallery and Sotheby's auction house, as well as the University of London.
London is a city of traditional and contemporary art museums, private collections and international commercial galleries. Sotheby’s auction house was founded in the city in 1744 and its London offices are now part of a global network encompassing Europe, Asia and America. In London, one of the world’s leading centres of higher education, students can enjoy a wide array of facilities and activities, including international cultural events and a vibrant art scene.
We are also only a few minutes’ walk from the National Portrait Gallery, the Royal Academy and the Institute of Contemporary Arts. The institute is also close to Mayfair, the traditional centre of the London art market, where many dealers and galleries are located.
Programmes Of Study
Students at the Institute learn by studying, observing and handling original objects. The acquisition of practical knowledge such as professional catalogue entry or installing an exhibition coupled with academic requirements form the basis of the unique learning experience at Sotheby’s Institute of Art. Sotheby's auction house provides students with privileged access to pre-sale viewings, talks by experts, and handling sessions. In addition, students visit the many commercial galleries, artists' studios and museums available in London. Such knowledge prepares students for a variety of careers in the art world.
In London, we offer six Master's Degree programmes in Art Business, Contemporary Art, Photography, Fine & Decorative Art, East Asian Art and Contemporary Design.
These MA programmes require two semesters of full-time study plus a third semester of independent study to complete a research dissertation.
We are pleased to announce the AHRC has awarded Sotheby's Institute of Art - London ten Professional Preparation Masters studentships over the next three years. Please note deadline for 2012 studentship competition has been extended to Friday 29 June. Read more...
The four 15-week semester courses are run in autumn and spring of each academic year, some of which can be taken on a part-time basis, and cover a range of subject areas. Five 4-week intensive summer courses also take place each summer in London.
Short courses take place throughout the year and we offer a number of day, week and evening courses. Executive Education courses are aimed at art professionals as well as our Art Fair courses at London’s Frieze Art Fair in October and the Olympia Summer Fair in July.
Also a split-site doctorate is offered by the University of Manchester with Sotheby’s Institute of Art in order to offer students of the Institute the opportunity to carry their studies to a higher degree of specialisation.
Applications may be sent to us throughout the year before the course start date. Applications are being accepted for entry in early September, 2011 and Financial Aid is available.
City Facts
Besides the rich array of museums and galleries, London is a major centre for the performing arts, offering exceptional theatre, ballet, modern dance and opera. In addition to a vibrant student life, this sophisticated international capital boasts a huge and diverse selection of restaurants, clubs, shops and parks. For guides to current events in London, visit http://www.visitlondon.com or http://www.timeout.com/london.