Applicants to Sotheby’s Institute of Art (SIA) whose first language is not English must submit documentation of appropriate English language proficiency test scores. The language prerequisite for MA level programmes at SIA is fluent written and spoken English. Therefore, a TOEFL internet-based test score of 100 or an IELTS score of 7.0 is required for direct entry to the Master’s Degree (MA) programmes in London or New York.

WHAT IF I DON’T SCORE A TOEFL 100 OR IELTS 7.0?

Sotheby’s Institute offers several alternate routes to admission, based on different levels of English language proficiency.

English Language Immersion at SIA
All SIA courses are taught entirely in English. In addition, full-time students are immersed in the English-speaking environments of London or New York (courses taught on-line are obviously an exception). Therefore, SIA’s diploma and nondegree courses generally lead to a substantial improvement in a student’s English language skills and can provide effective routes to admission to the MA degree curriculum.

Route 1: Internet-based TOEFL 100 or IELTS 7.0
Direct entry to the MA degree programme: Students with English Language scores at this level who meet all other entrance requirements for their chosen major subject may matriculate directly for the master’s degree at either the London or New York campus.

As indicated in the chart above, the MA curriculum consists of two taught semesters, which are identical to those comprising the entire Postgraduate Diploma (PgDip) curriculum at the London campus or the Graduate Certificate Program at the New York campus. After completion of the first two semesters with a satisfactory grade point average, MA candidates have the choice of fulfilling their degree requirements through the completion of a 12,500-15,000 word research paper or enrolling in a third taught semester.(1.)

Route 2: Internet-based TOEFL 85 or IELTS 6.5
Students who achieve either of these scores and meet all other entrance requirements may matriculate directly into the Postgraduate Diploma Programme in London or the Graduate Certificate Program in New York. As noted above, in both cases these programmes are identical to the first two semesters of the MA curriculum. Students who achieve an average of 50% across all units (London) or 3.0 (NY) at the completion of the first two semesters are eligible to continue for their MA degree and may choose either the research paper option or the third semester, as indicated under Route 1, above.

Route 3: Internet-based TOEFL 78 or IELTS 6.0
Students who achieve either of these scores and meet all other entrance requirements may enter one of the full-time Semester Programmes or may take a four-week summer programme at the London campus, both of which grant Continuing Professional Development credits. Students who achieve a satisfactory grade and are recommended by the faculty at the completion of either of these programmes are eligible to apply to the PgDip (London) or Graduate Certificate (NY) programmes which, if satisfactorily completed will qualify them to continue on to the fulfillment of the MA degree requirements. (See Route 2, above).

Route 4: Online Courses
On-line courses, offered in English by Sotheby’s Institute of Art, can be taken anywhere in the world. They provide an alternative for students who are unable to travel to London or New York. The on-line experience may provide sufficient English language exposure to result in an improved TOEFL or IETLS score.

Note: Students who have completed Route 4 above must take their TOEFL or IELTS examination. If they achieve TOEFL 85 or IELTS 6.5 they may be admitted to the PgDip. If they achieve a TOEFL 78 or IELTS 6.0 they may enroll in a full-time London Semester Programme (see Route 3, above). If they score higher, they may enroll in one of the other options noted above.

Route 5: Internet-based TOEFL 70 or IELTS 5.5; or below
It is strongly recommended that students who score at or below a TOEFL 70 or IELTS 5.5 enroll in an Sotheby’s Institute approved course in English as a Second Language (ESL) in either New York or London.

English Language Courses

In London English language courses for students at a variety of stages of English language attainment are offered by Sotheby’s Institute of Art’s recommended language provider, International House, which offers discounted rates for Institute applicants. International House is one of the largest and best-known English-language schools in the UK. Its London campus, which is also an approved IELTS testing centre, is located in Covent Garden, a few minutes from Sotheby’s Institute in Bedford Square. The school offers a wide range of language courses starting throughout the year. Different courses are appropriate for students at different stages of language ability and art historical knowledge.

Students are strongly recommended to discuss their options and seek advice from members of the Sotheby’s Institute Admissions Office staff in London, who will suggest an appropriate course or combination of courses. In addition, members of the Admissions staff in London and New York will be very pleased to answer any question concerning Sotheby’s Institute of Art, its programmes, admissions policies and application procedures. Interested students should feel free to contact the London or New York Office of Admissions at 44-207-462-3250 (London), 1-212-517-2834 (New York).

1. The third semester is taught in New York. Therefore, students who begin their studies at the London campus and complete the first two semesters there must take their third semester at the New York campus. They will then receive an American rather than a UK degree.