Sotheby's Institute of Art · Full-time
Contemporary Art (New York)
Focus on art from the 1960s to the present, developing an in-depth understanding of the artists, art movements, theories, and professional practices that define contemporary art. The MA in Contemporary Art is the longest running specialized Master’s program of…
MA1 yearFull-time
Browse creative arts and design courses in UK
Sotheby's Institute of Art
Focus on art from the 1960s to the present, developing an in-depth understanding of the artists, art movements, theories, and professional practices that define 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. Studies are anchored in the close study of visual art and critical thought, with classroom learning by leading faculty and guest speakers complemented by faculty-led, specially designed visits to New York’s galleries, museums, and artists’ studios and by international Field Study. 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. 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. The Enterprise StudioGives Mater's students hands-on entrepreneurial support, mentorship, and resources to develop real ventures in the art and luxury sectors, culminating in The Gavel pitch competition. 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."
Getting in
As the university states it
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."
Worth reading next
Bachelor's in Design: The Complete Guide
A complete guide to Design degrees — disciplines, portfolio-based admissions, the foundation year route, costs…
Bachelor's in Performing Arts: The Complete Guide
A complete guide to Performing Arts degrees — Drama, Dance and Music, university vs conservatoire, auditions,…
Studying in the UK: The Complete Guide for International Students
A complete guide to studying in the UK — universities, costs, the Student visa, scholarships and the Graduate…
Course details as published by the university. No graduate-outcome statistics are published for UK postgraduate courses, so none are shown.