find your perfect postgrad program
Search our Database of 30,000 Courses

Sotheby's Institute of Art: Contemporary Art (London)

Institution Sotheby's Institute of Art
Department Sotheby's Institute of Art
Web http://www.sothebysinstitute.com
Email admissions@sothebysinstitute.com
Study type Taught

Summary

"Develop your expertise in art since 1968, examining the key movements, artistic tendencies, practices, and debates that have informed all aspects of contemporary art.

The MA in Contemporary Art is the longest running specialized Master’s program of its kind in the world. Established in 1991, it focuses on art in the period from 1968 to the present, with strands on art history, curatorial studies, and critical theory, and a strong emphasis throughout on professional career development.

The program covers developments in contemporary art from around the world, examining a broad range of artistic practices and institutional structures, from the highly established to the most innovative. The program is designed for those who are fully committed to the study of contemporary art and who intend to pursue careers in the field.

Graduates of this program have gone on to work at museums, commercial and not-for-profit galleries, auction houses, consultancies, journals, international art fairs, and universities.

Highlights Experiential learning Visits and international study trips are significant learning events, with the travel, seeing the art in situ and informal access to tutors serving to intensify the experience. In 2026-27 MA Contemporary Art students will visit the Venice Art Biennale, Kassel (documenta), and the Sharjah Biennial in the United Arab Emirates.

The Enterprise StudioGives Mater's students hands-on enterpreneurial support, mentorship, and resources to develop real ventures in the art and luxury sectors, culminationg in The Gavel pitch competition.

Personal tutors and individual feedback Students are allocated a personal tutor who engages with their academic and professional progress in one-on-one meetings throughout the year.

Unique and specific projects All students will be involved in assignments that simulate "real world" tasks, projects, and scenarios; for example, exhibition reviews, collection/catalog entries, and planning for a hypothetical exhibition or journal.

Renowned and inspiring speakers Previous guest speakers include artists Sonia Boyce (winner of the Golden Lion, Venice Biennale 2022); William Kentridge; Alfredo Jaar; Anthea Hamilton; Martin Creed; and Zarina Bhimji."

MA

Not what you are looking for?

Browse other courses in Arts, Art or Art history, or search our comprehensive database of postgrad programs.

Postgraduate Bursary Opportunity with Postgrad.com

Are you studying as a PG student at the moment or have you recently been accepted on a postgraduate program? Apply now for one of our £2000 PGS bursaries.

Click here