Entrance Requirements for the Master's Degree, Postgraduate Diploma and Graduate Certificate

Required Documentation

• Academic transcripts/mark sheets from all post-secondary academic institutions attended.
• Two letters of academic reference. These should be sent directly from your referees/references either by mail to the relevant campus' Admissions Office, or sent from a professional email address directly to your Admissions Officer at your chosen campus.
• Personal Statement (max 1000 words). Please tell us about your reasons for your choice of programme, any relevant academic or art related experience, and your future career goals.
• A writing sample. The writing sample helps the Admission Committee understand how a prospective student develops ideas, creates a theme or a position, communicates and defends the work in writing. Please submit one of the following: 1) A graded paper of no fewer than 1000 words, from a formal art history course, completed within the last 3 years. Include citations as originally submitted. OR 2) A 1000-word original essay for an art magazine (Frieze, Art Review or Artforum for example). Look at examples in themagazine and consider both the profile of the publication and the purpose of the article. Your essay should be a mock review of a current art exhibition that you have experienced directly. You should address some or all of these components: analysis of the works of art, information on the artist and his/her career, commentary on the installation of the exhibition, profile of host gallery or museum. Remember that your editor has asked for 1000 words: if you send him/her fewer than 900 or over 1100 words it will not be accepted. Footnotes are required for any citations.
• A CV/resume that includes all relevant art related background.
• English language proficiency exam. All applicants whose native language is not English and who have not completed an undergraduate degree in an English speaking curriculum, must submit results of the TOEFL or IELTS exam and must achieve an appropriate score. Click here for further information on required English language proficiency levels.
• An Interview. This is an opportunity for candidates to discuss their interests and abilities as well as to explore ways in which the Institute can help them meet their educational and career goals. Interviews may be conducted by members of the admissions staff, a faculty member or the director of the applicant’s programme of choice and generally include a discussion of art historical or art related subjects and images. In person interviews are preferable and encouraged although telephone interviews may be arranged in cases where travel to either the London or New York campus is a hardship.
• A non-refundable application fee of £50 (GBP) for the London campus and $100 (USD) for New York campus.



Online Application





Sotheby’s Institute of Art accepts applications for the Master’s Degree (London & New York), Postgraduate Diploma (London) / Graduate Certificate (New York) online. 

The online application system allows candidates to submit scanned copies of all required documents, with the exception of recommendations. If necessary, transcripts, recommendations and other relevant documents may be submitted separately from the application and at a later date. However, it is preferable that all documents be received prior to an applicant’s interview.

Applications may only be submitted for admission to one campus although applicants may select a first and second programme choice. Applicants wishing to be considered for an alternate campus may request a change of status prior to July 1.

For more information please review our Frequently Asked Questions.



After you Apply





Applicants will receive an email from the admissions team acknowledging receipt of their application within 24 hours. This email will include an update on any documents or required information that may still be outstanding. These should then be sent directly to the campus at which the application was submitted.

Interview
After the admissions team has received sufficient documentation, eligible candidates will be contacted for an interview.

Admissions Decisions
The admissions committee reviews and processes applications on a “rolling basis.” This means that applications are considered throughout the year as long as space is available. Applicants whose documentation is complete generally receive an admissions decision within two weeks of their interview.

Confirmation of Attendance and Deposit
Admissions Committee decisions will be sent by email. A deposit of £500 (London) and $1,000 (New York) is required of accepted applicants and must be returned with the Admissions Reply Form in order to hold a place in the department and campus of choice. Accepted applicants who require additional time to make this decision and deposit must contact the Office of Admissions to request an extension.

Visas
Students who require visas will receive visa documentation after they confirm their intention to enroll by returning their reply forms and deposits.

Online Welcome Site
Applicants who have confirmed their intention to attend the Institute by returning the Admissions Reply Form and deposit will be given access to the New Students’ Welcome Site. This site will provide an opportunity to meet other entering students and to access important information about accommodations and health care. Reading lists and other academic information will be posted on the site during the summer.



Contact Details




Global Admissions

Melba Remice, Director, Global Admissions
m.remice@sothebysinstitute.com
Tel: +1.212.517.2834



London Applicants

Admissions Office
Sotheby's Institute of Art
30 Bedford Square, Bloomsbury
London
WC1B 3EE United Kingdom

Cara Gillespie, Admissions Manager
c.gillespie@sothebysinstitute.com
Tel: +44 (0)20 7462 3250



New York Applicants

Admissions Office
Sotheby's Institute of Art
570 Lexington Avenue, 6th Floor
New York, NY 10022

Jessica Patterson, Assistant Director of Enrollment and Alumni
j.patterson@sothebysinstitute.com
Tel: +1.212.897.6646




Los Angeles Applicants

Diana Luna, Asst. Director, CGU, Sotheby's Institute - LA
diana.luna@cgu.edu
+1.909.607.9109