Course 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 Fine and Decorative 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. Opportunity to step into the shoes of specialists Learn how to attribute and write about works of art in our auction project. 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 Regular visits to Sotheby’s auction house to preview auction sales followed by reflective sessions and tailored advice on students’ projects from Sotheby’s experts.
How to apply
International applicants
- 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 before applying. - A valid English language proficiency exam (required for all international students (EU included): A minimum overall score of IELTS 7.0 or TOEFL IBT 100 or Pearsons PTE Academic 65 must be achieved. We also accept a number of additional Secure English Language tests. Please contact the Admissions Team for guidance if you are planning to take (or have completed) another test. *Please note if you are from, or completed an undergraduate degree in, an English-speaking country, you may be exempt from the need to provide additional evidence of your English language ability. Please visit our FAQ section for detailed guidance on this.
Entry requirements
All MA and Postgraduate Diploma applicants are required to have completed a BA degree or its equivalent. Students in their final undergraduate year may apply for admission and will be required to provide proof of graduation prior to registration. For students whose first language is not English the Institute requires certification of English language competence. We accept IELTS level 6.0 or equivalent for Semester and Four-Week Summer Programs. If you have been taught in English for two years or more, it may be possible to waive the English language Proficiency Exam, upon review of your application.
Fees and funding
Tuition fees
No fee information has been provided for this course
Tuition fee status depends on a number of criteria and varies according to where in the UK you will study. For further guidance on the criteria for home or overseas tuition fees, please refer to the UKCISA website .
Additional fee information
No additional fees or cost information has been supplied for this course, please contact the provider directly.
Provider information
Sotheby's Institute of Art (London)
30 Bedford Square
Bloomsbury
WC1B 3EE