Frequently Asked Questions
Q: What is a typical online course like? And how will I interact with other students and the instructor?
A: Participating in an online course is intellectually challenging and personally rewarding. Courses are delivered through our exclusive learning management system (LMS), a clean, simple interface which contains all course resources and through which all course interaction occurs. A variety of multimedia resources such as videos, image galleries, readings and web links are utilized as the starting point for written discussions between students, instructors and each other. Instructors provide a syllabus with course objectives and present academically structured material on a weekly basis, along with assignments where applicable. The course can be accessed 24 hours a day, 7 days a week and you do not have to be online at the same time as your peers or instructor. The learning experience emerges from collaborative discussions where students and instructors post comments, questions and observations just as in a traditional classroom. Some courses may require group projects and although there is no live or face-to-face component to the class, instant chat provides an extra dimension to the interaction. Class size is kept to a maximum of 20-25 students.
Q: Who are the instructors?
A: Courses are taught by faculty from Sotheby’s Institute of Art in New York and London as well as other leading experts in their fields.
Q: Who are the students?
A: A unique feature of our online courses is the connection made between students from around the world. This creates a distinctly different learning experience, where students contribute their global perspectives enabling a fluid and expansive conversation about the course material that crosses international borders. Students come from a range of backgrounds including professionals, art enthusiasts and those new to the world of art.
Q: Is online learning right for me?
A: Successful online students are independent learners, self-motivated and comfortable using a computer and the Internet. Since the course can be accessed at any time of day or night, it is ideal for those who are unable to attend regularly scheduled classes. However, you will need to set and maintain a schedule that allows you to keep up with your course discussion and assignments to be truly successful in your online course.
Q: How long is each course?
A: Each course is six weeks in duration. There is a pre-course online workshop (starting a week before the class begins) which is recommended to help students familiarize themselves with the e-learning interface and their course requirements.
Q: What kind of time commitment is required?
A: On average, each course requires at least eight hours of work per week though you can choose to sign on and complete the coursework whenever is most convenient for you, allowing you the flexibility to learn on your own time.
Q: How often will the class meet online? Are there designated times to participate online?
A: You can log on to your course and participate in the class whenever it is convenient for you each day. Because of the intensity of our courses, it is recommended that students log on at least four to six times per week.
Q: What are the prerequisites for taking a course?
A: There are no prerequisites for the courses currently offered as these courses are open to the general public. Students must be at least 18 years of age and hold a high school diploma, or the equivalent, in order to register. Simply follow the registration instructions on the website at www.sothebysinstitute.com
Students are not required to supply a language certificate but must be aware that all courses are conducted in English and a good working knowledge of the language is recommended. For writing classes, students will be expected to be proficient in written English.
Q: Can I receive a proof of completion for my course?
A: If you successfully complete the course you will receive a Certificate of Completion from Sotheby’s Institute of Art. Successful completion is defined by each instructor in the course syllabus and consists, at the least, of regular, thoughtful participation in online activities and the submission of assigned papers or projects.
Q: Are online courses applicable to the Sotheby's Institute of Art Master’s programs?
A: Online courses are intended to deepen your knowledge of a particular field, there are no pre-requisites for entry and they are not credit-bearing courses. They are not applicable to the Master’s program and cannot be counted towards its completion.
Q: Is there an order in which I should take the courses? Do I earn a certificate or degree after completing all courses?
A: Students may take any courses they wish and do not have to take all courses. Courses are not sequential and cannot be combined toward a professional certificate or degree program.
Q: Will I need any special training to participate?
A: A Pre-Course Workshop (PCW) will be available to you for a week before your class begins. The PCW operates the same way as the class will, so you will have the opportunity to become familiar with the technology and the dynamics of online teaching and learning before the class starts. Participation in the PCW is not required but it is strongly recommended so students can thoroughly enjoy and participate in their course.
Q: How do I register for an online course?
A: Simply go to the Sotheby’s Institute of Art – Online website and click on "Register Now" for the course(s) of your choice. You will be guided through the simple enrollment and payment process, and upon completion you will receive a confirmation email. Please note that payment in full is required at the time of registration. All course tuition is billed in US dollars; your financial institution may charge a fee for conversion to your local currency. These non-credit courses are not eligible for state or federal financial aid, though you may seek professional development support from your employer. Furthermore, in the United States, fees paid for professional development are deductible from your personal income taxes to the extent permitted by current law.
Q: If my course does not begin for several weeks, do I need to enroll now?
A: Due to the limited class size of twenty to twenty-five students per class, we strongly suggest that students enroll early in order to ensure a place in the course. If a course is cancelled for low enrollment, or for any other reason, your payment will be credited in full to the card that was originally charged. Cancellation decisions are made before classes begin, and we reserve the right to cancel any class up to the first day. (Please allow up to six weeks for the credit to appear on your credit card billing statement.)
Q: What about the technology?
A: Our e-learning interface supports Internet Explorer, Mozilla Firefox, Safari and Google Chrome. You will need to log in with the web address, username and password that we provide a week before the course begins. Students are responsible for obtaining and maintaining Internet connectivity and appropriate hardware and software. It is extremely important that you take time to check and update your computer access before the class starts as some course materials will be inaccessible without the correct technology.
Our online courses require the following hardware and system software:
- Macintosh (OSX) or Windows PC (XP or better)
- Internet connection: because we use substantial video and image files, a high-speed connection is recommended.
- Speakers and/or headphones (for some courses)
- While course content may be viewed on an iPad or mobile device, you will need access to a traditional computer to participate in the class.
Browser Information
Our courses require a Web browser. Use any of the following browsers (follow the link to download that browser):
Set the following preferences on your browser:
- Enable Cookies
- Enable JavaScript
- Enable Style Sheets
Note: These are the default settings in most browsers. If you have not changed these settings before, then the browser should be set to have cookies, JavaScript, and Style Sheets enabled. Consult the help file in your browser to adjust these settings.
Browser Plug-Ins
You will need Adobe Acrobat Reader to access some of our course files. You can download Adobe Acrobat Reader from the Adobe Acrobat Reader download site.
You should also have the most recent versions of QuickTime and Flash installed.
Q: What technical support will be offered?
A: For technical support, please email online.support@sothebysinstitute.com, 09:00 – 22:00 GMT, Monday – Friday.
Q: How do I gain access to my course?
A: A week before the course begins you will be sent an email with your user name and password, as well as a link to the learning system.
Q: What is your refund policy?
A: In order to be granted a full tuition refund, students must cancel their registration by sending an email to online@sothebysinstitute.com by 5:00 pm (your local time) three full business days before the course’s start date.
Please note we are unable to reimburse for any currency conversion fees charged by your credit-card issuer.
Q: Do you offer financial assistance for online courses?
A: Sotheby’s Institute of Art does not currently offer financial assistance for online courses.
Q: Who should I contact if I have additional questions?
A: Please email Matthew Stewart at online@sothebysinstitute.com
to register now and pay online. Payment by credit card only.
to download Terms & Conditions.
Tel. US: +1 212 517 3929