Evolving from a small connoisseurship program begun by Sotheby's Auction House in 1969 Sotheby's Institute is now the leader in art business education and object based learning. Our faculty represent the best of the art world helping students master the unique forces at play at the intersection of art and commerce.

Sotheby’s Institute of Art has campuses in London, New York and Los Angeles with online courses accessible from anywhere in the world reflecting its commitment to the globalization of art and its markets.

With campuses in London, New York and Los Angeles, Sotheby’s Institute offers graduate level programs that are relevant to an art world that is constantly seeking individuals with depth of understanding, art historical scholarship and business acumen.

Master's Program

Sotheby’s Institute of Art is the Graduate School of Art and its Markets offering Master’s Degree programs in the cultural capitals of London, New York and Los Angeles. We welcome high caliber applications that meet our Admissions requirements.

Originally conceived as a training program for connoisseurship by Sotheby’s Auction House in 1969, Sotheby’s Institute has pioneered the education of arts professionals. The Institute has more than 6,000 alumni worldwide who hold top positions in all facets of the international art world.

Besides Master's degrees Sotheby's Institute offers programs of study such as 15-week semester intensives, study abroad, summer study, online learning and executive education.

Sotheby's Institute is open to all with a passion for art that seek to go beyond the classroom and experience the art world first hand.

Initially, the Institute served as a training program for auction house employees that pioneered new educational offerings. Since 1995 the London Institute has been an affiliated institution of the University of Manchester, the most eminent of the English civic universities and part of the esteemed Russell Group.

Student life

Course locations