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In each of the Institute’s Master’s programmes, students explore art from a range of social, cultural, economic, and object-based perspectives, while gaining a deep understanding of how international art markets operate. All MA programmes include travel to major fairs, exhibitions, museums and collections, where students can engage with artworks firsthand.

 

The online application system allows candidates to submit scanned copies of all required documents, with the exception of recommendations. If necessary, transcripts, recommendations and other relevant documents may be submitted separately from the application.

Applications may only be submitted for admission to one program. If interested in applying to both campuses, students must apply separately using a unique email address.

The following credentials are required for all applicants:

• Academic transcripts/mark sheets from all post-secondary academic institutions attended.
• A writing sample. Applicants must submit a graded paper of no fewer than 1,000 words from an art history or art-related course OR
• MA Contemporary Art and MA Fine and Decorative Art and Design applicants a gallery/museum/exhibition review written as if it were to be published in an art publication or website (1,000 words minimum).
• MA Luxury Business applicants an essay about an aspect of luxury/the luxury industry. A suggested title is “what is the trend that in your opinion will define the luxury industry in the coming years?" (1,000 words minimum).
• MA Art Business applicants a critical review of the last 12 months’ significant events in the art market, using and quoting from any available online sources (1,000 words minimum).
• Personal Statement (1,000 words or less addressing your interest in studying at Sotheby’s Institute of Art and your career goals)
• Two letters of academic reference.
• A CV/resume.
• English language proficiency exam. All applicants whose native language is not English and who have not completed an undergraduate degree in an English speaking curriculum, must submit results of the TOEFL or IELTS exam and must achieve an appropriate score. If you believe you may be eligible for an English language exam waiver, please select the appropriate option on the application.

All applicants will be required to submit a non-refundable application fee of £75 (GBP) for the London campus and $100 (USD) for New York campus in order for your application to be sent to the Institute for processing and review.

A two-semester Postgraduate Diploma/Graduate is available to students who complete the required coursework for an MA Degree programme but who do not wish to write a Master's Degree Dissertation or complete a Master’s Project.

 

The online application system allows candidates to submit scanned copies of all required documents, with the exception of recommendations. If necessary, transcripts, recommendations and other relevant documents may be submitted separately from the application and at a later date. However, it is preferable that all documents be received prior to an applicant’s interview.

Applications may only be submitted for admission to one campus. Applicants wishing to be considered for an alternate campus may request a change of status prior to July 1.

The following credentials are required for all applicants:

• Academic transcripts/mark sheets from all post-secondary academic institutions attended.
• A writing sample. Art History majors or minors should submit a marked/graded paper for review. Applicants with no formal art history background must submit a 1,000 word review of a gallery or museum exhibition of their choice.
• Personal Statement (1,000 words or less addressing your interest in studying at Sotheby’s Institute of Art and your career goals)
• Two letters of academic reference.
• A CV/resume that includes all relevant art related background.
• English language proficiency exam. All applicants whose native language is not English and who have not completed an undergraduate degree in an English speaking curriculum, must submit results of the TOEFL or IELTS exam and must achieve an appropriate score (IELTS level 7: TOEFL 100 IBT for the internet based exam).

All applicants will be required to submit a non-refundable application fee of £75 (GBP) for the London campus and $100 (USD) for New York campus in order for your application to be sent to the Institute for processing and review.

8 Weeks | Live Video Lectures & Discussion Spend 8 weeks exploring the inner workings of the art world. These immersive and academically rigorous courses provide students with a well-rounded learning experience — combining the practicalities of the business world with the intricacies of art— through the cross-disciplinary study of art business, entrepreneurship or curating. Students completing one full-time course are awarded credits from The University of Manchester.

Sotheby’s Institute of Art – London offers a number of full-time fifteen-week programmes, some of which can also be taken on a part-time basis. Different subjects are offered in the autumn and spring semesters, but each combines academic study with an insight into the professional art world and takes full advantage of the rich cultural resources that London offers.

Expected completion time: 10–15min

The online application system allows candidates to submit scanned copies of all required documents. If necessary, certificates may be submitted separately. However, it is preferable that all documents be received prior to an applicant’s interview.

To apply for a Semester Programme you will be asked to upload/mail:

• A CV/resume
• English language certification if your native language is not English and you have not completed an undergraduate degree that was taught in English.
• A degree diploma/certificate if your native language is not English and you have completed an undergraduate degree that was taught in English.

If you are applying for the Art Business Foundations and Placement course, you will also be asked to mail, after you have completed the online application, the following:

• Scans of university transcripts
• A 500-word motivation statement indicating a preference for three art world placement sectors from the selection listed on the Art Business Foundations and Placement webpage, and explaining the reasoning behind your choices
• One letter of reference/recommendation from a tutor or employer.

All applicants will be required to submit a non-refundable application fee of £35 (GBP) in order for your application to be sent to the Institute for processing and review.

Short Courses in New York, London, and select global locations are open to participants 18 years of age and older. Courses are offered in English and we recommend students have a conversational understanding of the language to best participate. All participants are required to complete the online registration form.

Registration typically takes around 5 minutes to complete. Registrants will be asked to make their course selection, provide basic personal information, and submit payment. Payments plans are available for courses that are more than 2 weeks out from the start date.

In most cases, no application is required for Summer Institute courses. Click Select to proceed to registration. Four week courses in London can be taken for transferable university credit or as an auditor. If you want to qualify for credit, choose the option within the application form. You will be asked to provide a CV, transcript, and meet English language requirement.

Online Courses are open to participants 18 years of age and older. Courses are offered in English and we recommend students have a conversational understanding of the language to best participate. All participants are required to complete the online registration form.

Registration typically takes around 5 minutes to complete. Registrants will be asked to make their course selection, provide basic personal information, and submit payment. Payments plans are available for courses that are more than 2 weeks out from the start date.

Short courses are taught throughout the year in London, New York, across mainland China, and Hong Kong, covering a range of topics and are open to all those interested in learning about the international art world.

Expected completion time: 5min

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To register for a Short Course you will need to provide some basic personal information, choose your campus, course and submit payment.

Sotheby’s Summer Institute invites high schoolers who are curious and passionate about the arts to immerse themselves in one of the most vibrant art capitals in the world: New York City. From learning the intricacies of running galleries and museums to exploring painting and drawing techniques throughout history, these two-week courses are designed to engage, inspire, and fuel creativity. Taught by leading scholars and professionals in the field, each course draws on the global expertise of Sotheby's Institute of Art and takes students behind the scenes of world class museums, galleries, auction houses, artists’ studios, and more.

 

Programs are open to incoming high school students (grades 9-12). All new students are required to complete an online application. More information about the application process is available at here.

The Gap Year program invites students aged 18-21 to explore London and the art world. Offered as 6-week and 12-week terms, including hybrid and face-to-face options, the program is ideal for students who are passionate about the wider arts and want to embark on a journey of self-discovery and cultural immersion.

 

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All prospective Gap Year students are required to complete an online application. The online application can be completed in a few basic steps. Applicants will be asked to submit a recent transcript, short personal statement, and a $50 application fee. As students work through their application, they may save their progress and return to the application prior to final submission.

All applicants must be at least 18 years old by the program start date and currently enrolled as undergraduates. The program is suitable for students studying a range of subjects across the humanities, arts, and business.

We are partnering with a select number of colleges and universities for this program. If you are attending one of our partner schools, please contact your home institution’s study abroad office for more information and details regarding how to apply.

If you are not currently attending one of our partner institutions, please contact your home institution’s study abroad office to discuss how credits may apply to your transcript or reach out to our admissions team at studyabroad@sia.edu for guidance.

All prospective students are required to complete an online application by contacting studyabroad@sia.edu for the application link. On the application, you will be asked to provide the following:

1. Fill out basic personal and student information
2. Complete a written statement regarding your interest in attending the program
3. If you are not attending one of our partner schools, you will be asked to upload your most recent undergraduate transcript

The applicant must be at least 18 years old by the beginning of the program and currently enrolled in, or considering enrolling in, an undergraduate university program.The Summer Program is suitable for students studying a wide range of major subjects across humanities, arts, and business. Please note, this program is not accredited. The Global Art Market Summer Study Abroad course is accredited through the University of Manchester.

All prospective students are required to complete an online application. Applicants will be asked to submit basic contact and demographic information, a short written statement regarding your interest in attending Sotheby’s Institute of Art Summer Program in London, and a £40 application fee. If you are applying for the Global Art Market accredited course, you will be prompted to upload a current copy of your unofficial undergraduate transcript.