Sotheby’s January Term: Art History Masterpieces & Markets

Outcomes

Develop a deeper understanding of art history through direct engagement with London’s world-renowned collections, while building the research and communication skills that support future study and careers in the arts, culture, and creative industries.

By the end of the course, you will be able to:

• Analyze works of art within their historical, cultural, and social contexts using established art historical approaches.
• Explore how artists, collectors, curators, museums, and auction houses have shaped the history of art and continue to influence the global art world today.
• Conduct research using objects, collections, and historical sources to support evidence-based analysis and discussion.
• Develop confidence in communicating ideas about art and culture through critical discussion, observation, and presentation.
• Assess the cultural and commercial factors that influence the value, collection, and circulation of artworks.
• Understand professional practices and career pathways within museums, galleries, auction houses, and the wider cultural sector.

Course Topics

Explore the historical, cultural, and institutional forces that have shaped the art world through direct engagement with London’s world-renowned museums, galleries, and cultural landmarks.

Topics include:

• Art history and visual analysis
• Art collecting and collections management
• Art valuation, provenance, and authenticity
• Curatorial practices and exhibition making
• The relationship between art, culture, and society
• Current debates surrounding representation, restitution, technology, and the future of museums and collecting
• Careers in the arts and cultural sector

Site Visits

Site visits bring course concepts to life, and London offers unparalleled access to museums, galleries, collections, and auction houses—the institutions that shape how art is preserved and experienced around the world today.

Site visits may include:

• Sotheby’s London
• British Museum
• Victoria & Albert Museum
• The National Gallery
• Tate Modern
• Wallace Collection

Guest Lectures

As one of the world’s leading epicenters of art and culture, London offers unparalleled access to leading practitioners and experts. They will join us to share the skills and knowledge needed for careers in museums, galleries, auction houses, and the wider creative industries.

Sotheby’s Institute of Art undergraduate courses have previously welcomed:

• Rong Bao, multimedia artist and sculptor
• Tamsin Golding Yee, Deputy Director, Sotheby’s London
• Kelsey Macpherson, Contemporary Art Specialist, Sotheby’s London
• Barnaby Phillips, award-winning art historian, broadcaster and author
• Isaac Simon, Founder and Director, South Parade gallery

Admissions

All applicants must be at least 18 years old by the beginning of the program and currently enrolled in an undergraduate university program.

Applying students are required to have a minimum 2.5 GPA or equivalent and will need to upload an unofficial copy of their most current university transcript as well as provide a short personal statement detailing their interest in the program. For non-native English speakers, we require a minimum IELTS score of 6.5, TOEFL score of 85 IBT, CEFR score of B2, or a Duolingo score of 120.

The program is suitable for students studying a wide range of major subjects across, humanities, arts, and business.

Applications for Sotheby’s January Term are now open. Apply by the Early Bird Deadline on October 5 for £175 off your tuition.

Apply Now

Questions?

Contact our admissions team at studyabroad@sia.edu for more information.

You are also welcome to book a phone or video consultation with our admissions team to learn more about this program. Book Your Consultation Here.

Tuition and Fees

Tuition

£2,650 £2,475 for those who apply by the Early Bird Deadline on October 5.

Optional Accommodation

£1,595

Deposit

A program deposit of £1,150 is required for students to reserve their enrollment in the program. The deposit is credited toward the total tuition amount.

Application Fee

To apply, students are required to submit a non-refundable £40 fee via the online application.

Location

Sotheby’s Institute of Art-London is situated in Bedford Square with the British Museum in the neighboring square. Sotheby’s auction house, the National Gallery, and the Royal Academy of Arts are a short walk away. The Institute is also close to Mayfair, the traditional center of the London art market where many dealers and galleries are located.