Course summary

Cultivate an in-depth awareness of the ever-changing business of luxury and its cultural settings. Luxury isn’t what it used to be. Shifts in consumer values, buying power, access, and technology are shaping an innovative and dynamic luxury market. The Sotheby’s Institute MA in Luxury Business examines this sophisticated industry as it is diversifying and expanding, and explores synergies with other industries and cultural landscapes, such as the art world. The program also responds to a more general trend in the high-end cultural and creative industry to synergize, break barriers, and find original ways of engaging with markets and audiences on a wider scale. MA in Luxury Business uniquely develops a customer-centric perspective on luxury, including elements of design thinking and experience design. Students will examine luxury’s social, historical, and cultural evolution. They will critically reflect on how luxury businesses deliver value to their markets through specific branding and marketing strategies. They will become familiar with the sectors of the industry and its players, and with the financial, legal, and strategic elements of business management in luxury. They will also consider intersections with other high-value cultural industries, particularly art. Graduates of this program will contribute to a growing area of expertise in the global luxury market and will be proficient in navigating both the business and the creative side of the field. 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. First-hand experience of luxury in different sectors Through site visits to specific retail stores and venues in the UK, including the Aston Martin factory; Fortnum & Mason; and The Coral Room, students can appreciate how luxury is created and experienced in different contexts. Learning from the specialists The program features high profile academics, industry practitioners, and special guests, previously including Rebecca Robins (Interbrand); Gaia Rosetti (Belmond); Viviane Paraschiv (Farfetch); and Alex Gander. Privileged access to the Art World With its links to Sotheby’s, MA in Luxury Business is the only MA in luxury that can offer original contents and specific expertise on the interaction between the arts and luxury. Leadership and professional development opportunities The program also considers the future career path of the students by offering them workshops in leadership and professional development.