Continuing Education

Strengthen the essential skills and knowledge needed to thrive in the art world—both individually and within your organization.

Our in-person and online short courses are designed for art enthusiasts and professionals alike, offering the opportunity to deepen expertise, explore industry insights, and stay ahead of emerging trends in the creative economy.

Whether you’re looking to study in an art world capital with access to rich art history and cultural offerings or online from anywhere in the world, our courses fit your lifestyle and career goals at every stage.

Featured Courses

In-Person Short Courses

Courses in London, New York, and Select Art World Capitals

In-person short courses are for art enthusiasts looking to acquire targeted skills and knowledge in a condensed timeframe. These courses will enhance your resume and give you valuable hands-on insight into different dimensions of the art and luxury sectors. Topics include marketing in the art world, art finance and investment, and gallery management. Courses are led by experts in their field and include guest speakers, site visits, and professional networking opportunities.

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Professional Certificates

Part-Time Courses in London and Online

These comprehensive courses are ideal for those who want to kick-start a career in the art world or the wider creative industries. Our campus-based certificates incorporate in-classroom teaching and on-site visits, while our online Certificate in Art Business is ideal for those looking for a flexible and globally accessible option to develop their knowledge. These courses are designed to give you the practical skills necessary to navigate the art world.

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Evening Courses

6-Week Evening Courses in London and New York

Connect to the art world community through our popular evening courses, designed for both working professionals and lifelong learners. Our evening courses in both London and New York take place on Tuesday evenings from 6:30pm to 7:45pm. They offer the opportunity to network with like-minded professionals, learn from industry leaders, and enhance knowledge in subjects such as art business, art history, or the auction market.

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Online Courses

Online courses at Sotheby's Institute are offered in various formats, from 2-week accelerated study and 8-week in-depth explorations to our asynchronous Online Certificate in Art Business. These courses are designed to build your art world expertise through engaging lectures and personalized instructor feedback. Gain industry insights, expand your knowledge, and connect with a global community, all on a schedule that fits your lifestyle.

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Custom Programs

Custom-built, high-quality learning programs can be tailored to the needs of businesses and executives, governments, museums and galleries, educational institutions, and other clients throughout the world.

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Lessons from the Virtual Classroom: A Student’s Perspective

Alicja Głuszek, an art professional from Krakow, chose Sotheby’s Institute of Art’s online courses to deepen her knowledge of the international art market. Through the courses, Głuszek gained practical skills, explored theoretical insights, and connected with a diverse global cohort of art professionals—all while advancing her own projects and shaping the next stage of her career.

"The online format proved exceptionally well-suited to my professional obligations, allowing me to maintain full participation while managing concurrent projects. The course architecture struck an optimal balance between accessibility and rigor..."—Alicja Głuszek

Why the 12‑Week Certificate Became the Most Strategic Step in My Art Career

Arthur Lanos transitioned from a career in finance to pursue a path in the art world. Enrolling in the 12‑week Art Business and Art History Certificate gave him the practical insight and confidence he needed to make the leap—setting the stage for his move to Bonhams in Paris.

"The diversity of the cohort was a major attraction. Learning alongside people coming from finance, law, the creative industries, and the arts made discussions richer and challenged the way I approached the subject matter."—Arthur Lanos

A Student’s Perspective on Learning with a Global Cohort

Magalhães & Santos is a gallery specializing in Old Masters and 20th-century design, based in the vibrant Malasaña neighborhood of Madrid. We spoke to co-founder Enrique Santos about the power of short courses and how Magalhães & Santos frames Old Master paintings in a contemporary context.

"It was a wonderful experience. I met people from every corner of the world with diverse backgrounds. The interesting thing was that the vast majority were not art professionals, but shared a common interest in art."—Enrique Santos

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Related News & Articles

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Develop Your Curation Skills With Short Courses at Sotheby’s Institute

The art curator is one of the most sought-after roles in the art world. From designing thought-provoking exhibitions to being a contemporary tastemaker, curators play a crucial role in bringing art to the forefront of cultural conversation. Courses at Sotheby's Institute allow you to explore the craft of curation and develop the key skills necessary to begin your career in the art industry.

November 10, 2025
Curating
November 10, 2025
Curating
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