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Sotheby's Institute of Art: Historic Art and Design (London)
| Institution | Sotheby's Institute of Art |
|---|---|
| Department | Sotheby's Institute of Art |
| Web | http://www.sothebysinstitute.com |
| admissions@sothebysinstitute.com | |
| Study type | Taught |
Summary
"Hone your visual, critical, and research skills through an integrated study of fine art, decorative art, and design from the Renaissance to the late Twentieth Century.
The MA in Historic Art and Design established the model for Sotheby’s Institute’s rigorous and teaching intensive MA programs.
Tracing its origins back to the Works of Art course founded in 1969, it offers an in-depth exploration of connoisseurship and the integrated study of fine and decorative art and design, based on case studies drawn from the late Renaissance to the late twentieth century.
Issues examined include style, materials and techniques, copies, and revivals, but also investigation of patterns of patronage, collecting, and a consideration of the historical and contemporary art market for a range of fine and decorative art and design objects.
The program is aimed at students who seek an immersive object-based approach to the study of a wide range of artworks, and who intend to pursue a career within the professional art world whether as an auction house expert, dealer, art advisor, curator, or academic.
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 Historic Art and Design students will visit the Netherlands (TEFAF in Maastricht as well as Utrecht and Amsterdam), Paris, and Madrid.
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.
Privileged access to the Art World Behind the scenes tour of Burghley House stately home, examining world-class collections and royal furnishings, and an out-of-hours visit to examine modernist art at Kettle’s Yard in Cambridge.
Renowned and inspiring speakers With previous talks being delivered by Dr Mia Jackson, Curator of Decorative Arts at Waddesdon Manor, the Rothschild Collections; Dr Rachel Sloan, Curator of Drawings at the Courtauld Gallery, James Butterwick, dealer in Ukrainian and European art, Robert Upstone, dealer, former Tate curator and member of the UK government’s Acceptance in Lieu Panel.
*Advice from experts * Visit to Sotheby’s auction house to preview auction sales followed by reflective sessions and tailored advice on students’ projects from Sotheby’s experts."
MA
| Level | RQF Level 7 |
|---|---|
| Entry requirements | "To be eligible for admission, applicants must have earned a Bachelor’s degree with at least a Lower Second-Class Honours (2:2) – or equivalent – from an accredited institution by the date on which they enrol at the Institute. Please be advised that a Bachelor’s degree or its equivalent is a mandatory requirement, work experience cannot be accepted in lieu of this qualification. International applicants who are unsure whether their overall mark is equivalent to a Lower Second-Class Honours (2:2) are encouraged to contact the Admissions Office at admissions@sia.edu before applying. We welcome applicants from a range of academic backgrounds. Where an applicant to one of our programmes (excluding MA Luxury Business) does not have a first degree in art history or a related subject, the offer may include a recommendation or requirement to complete an introductory Art History course prior to enrolment." |
| Location | Sotheby's Institute of Art, London 30 Bedford Square Bloomsbury WC1B 3EE |
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