If you have your sights set on a curatorial career in the arts, you’ll almost invariably need a master’s degree (at minimum), or be in the process of getting one. For other art-world roles, in galleries, arts administration, or magazines, for instance, an MA is always helpful, but not essential.
It’s not comprehensive—there are strong programs at the University of Washington and Virginia Commonwealth University, among many others not included here—but it gives an overview of some of the best.
If you are seeking to learn about the best art business masters in London for the first time, the subject might seem overpowering for those who have not researched the subject before, but you are likely to be fascinated by the information you come across.
Read more about MA Art Business, London, masters in art history online, “best art history masters programs uk”, “best universities for art history in europe” and “best art history masters programs europe”. You can also find articles related to sotheby’s masters in contemporary art on collegelearners.
We couldn’t agree more with Thomas Huxley’s saying, “Try to learn something about everything and everything about something.”
masters in art history online
#1 Azusa Pacific University
Azusa, California
M.A. in Modern Art History, Theory, and Criticism (online)
Through the scholarly analysis of modern and contemporary art, the M.A. in Modern Art History, Theory, and Criticism at Azusa Pacific University prepares students for a wide range of art history careers. Students looking for accelerated programs can complete it in as little as 17-24 months. Students study on their own schedule, but are required to be online at set times to complete assignments and take part in discussions. Students are required to be at reading-level proficiency in a foreign language to complete the degree. The program is accredited by the National Association of Schools of Art and Design.
Tuition: $28,506
#2 The University of Nebraska at Kearney
Kearney, Nebraska
The Master in Education – Art Education: Museum Education Emphasis
Earn your Master in Education and prepare for a career in the art world entirely online from the University of Nebraska at Kearney. Students will need a Bachelor’s degree in art education or visual arts to enter the program, which consists of museum and classroom concentrations. A combination of required and elective courses gives students a broad understanding of art and prepares a career in museum education. This program does not grant certification to teach art in K-12 schools. The university accredited by the Higher Learning Commission and by the Council for the Accreditation of Educator Preparation.
Tuition: $15,520
#3 Northwestern State University of Louisiana
Natchitoches, Louisiana
Master of Arts in Art the Study of Fine & Graphic Arts
The Master of Arts in Arts degree from the Northwestern State University of Louisiana prepares students to meet the demands of the modern art world with a combination of study and hands-on experience. The Master of Arts degree is a low residency online program that allows students to select concentrations in painting, drawing, design, photography, crafts, sculpture, studio, graphics, watercolor, ceramics, commercial art, or art history. While most classes can be completed online, students are required to attend two three-week summer sessions or one semester at the beginning of their degree. The program is accredited by the National Association of Schools of Art and Design.
Tuition: $11,567
#4 Fort Hays State University
Hays, Kansas
Master of Liberal Studies degree in Art History
Prepare for a career in art instruction, museum curation, or beyond with a Master of Liberal Studies degree in Art History from Fort Hays State University. Students will explore art history during the ancient and medieval periods, along with courses in Renaissance/Baroque, 18th and 19th Century, and Twentieth Century art. In addition to holding a bachelor’s degree in art history or studio art, applicants must complete 12 undergrad courses in Art History along with submitting a writing sample and professional resume. FHSU is regionally accredited by the North Central Association for Colleges and Schools.
Tuition: $11,993
#5 Radford University
Radford, Virginia
Master of Fine Arts
The Master of Fine Arts from Radford University gives students the skills to begin careers as professional artists, graphic designers, or to teach art at the university level. Students complete a sequence of three core courses entirely online before embarking on a concentration in photography, drawing, jewelry and metalworking, painting, ceramics, or graphic design. Applicants will need to hold a BFA or a BA in art or graphic design and submit an electronic portfolio. The college is accredited by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges.
Tuition: $14,084
#6 Lindenwood University
St. Charles, Missouri
Master of Arts In Art History
Students looking to start careers in art history can gain experience in scholarly research with Lindenwood University’s Master of Arts in Art History. Lindenwood offers students a broad grounding in the visual arts through specialization in a historical period of the student’s choosing. Lindenwood students must complete a Foreign Language Requirement in either French or German. The graduate degree can be completed in either hybrid or fully-online formats. Lindenwood University is approved by the National Council For State Authorization Reciprocity Agreements.
Tuition: $22,183
#7 Academy of Art University
San Francisco, California
Online Art History Degree
With a curriculum that covers ancient art to pre-war modern art, students can gain advanced knowledge of western art history with the Academy of Art’s Online Art History degree. Enrolled students access the same high-quality instruction as their classroom-based counterparts but with the convenience of online learning. The Academy’s program features a custom-built Learning Management System aimed at giving students a high-tech and immersive educational experience. The program is accredited by the National Association of Schools of Art and Design.
Tuition: $29,301
#8 Edinboro University of Pennsylvania
Edinboro, Pennsylvania
Master of Arts with Art Education Concentration
Guide and shape the next generation of student-artists with a Master of Arts with Art Education from the Edinboro University of Pennsylvania. Students complete coursework in art education current issues, teaching strategy, therapeutic art education, and research methods. Applicants must have earned a bachelor’s degree in art or other relevant field and hold certification to teach art. Edinboro University accepts graduate students from all 50 states through participation in the State Authorization Reciprocity Agreement. The university is accredited by the Middle States Commission on Higher Education.
Tuition: $14,323
#9 Maine College of Art
Portland, Maine
Master of Fine Arts
The Maine College of Art offers students one of the oldest low-residency art graduate degrees with its Low Residency Master of Fine Arts program. Students complete the two-year trimester-based program while continuing to work on their career. Several on-campus sessions are planned throughout the year, including an eight-week summer intensive in Maine for all new program participants. During the program’s off-campus study sessions, students receive mentorship, critique, and feedback through MECA’s network of studio advisors. The college is accredited by the National Association of Schools of Art and Design.
Tuition: $29,923
#10 Savannah College of Art and Design
Savannah, Georgia
Master of Arts and Masters of Fine Arts
The Savannah College of Art & Design is among the most comprehensive art and design schools anywhere in the world. Online students can choose from programs in Animation (MA or MFA), Fashion (MA or MFA), Graphic Design (MA or MFA), Painting (MFA only), and more. In total, 14 graduate degrees are offered by SCAD. Students have access to learning materials 24/7 and can apply to the college at any time throughout the year. SCAD courses operate on a ten-week quarter system. SCAD is accredited by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges.
Tuition: $27,169
MA Art Business, London
Become an art business expert through the in-depth exploration of art markets and management.
The Master’s degree in Art Business offers a unique opportunity to study the art market both online and right in the center of the cultural and commercial art world: London.
It provides students with an academic but highly practical understanding of those areas considered most important by art world professionals and employers: finance and management; law and ethics; and global art market dynamics. Then, The MA in Art Business provides students with the necessary theories and skills to enable them to develop both a critical and practical understanding of art business.
Moreover, Students are also equipped with the necessary mathematical skills to enable them to engage in sophisticated financial analysis and business planning. Graduates of this program will thus emerge with the ability to place the art object within both its aesthetic and commercial context, and to discuss the legal/ethical implications of its historical provenance and current location.
Students will be assessed through coursework, which will typically include essays, individual and group presentations, projects, a written exam, seminar participation, and a final academic or practice based dissertation.
Academic Structure
The MA in Art Business was the first program of its kind and our innovative curriculum continues to set the industry standard. The Master’s degree is awarded for 120 taught credits across two semesters, as well as the completion of a 60-credit dissertation over the course of an additional semester. The program is of twelve months’ duration.
Therefore, The first two semesters are intensively taught on three to four days per week. All students attend lectures, usually followed by a one-hour seminar. After seminars, students have access to tutors for individual instruction.
In the first semester, Navigating the Art World (30 Credits) brings students from different MAs together for an introduction to the art world and to a variety of postgraduate research skills and methodologies within the disciplines of art history and art business.
Later, in the program, specialist electives can be chosen from across all Institute Master’s programs, allowing a student to build a personalized Master’s profile.
Students take two 15-credit electives across a variety of offerings for deeper expertise or to develop specialties. Core units (60 credits) for the Art Business degree include Art Business: Management and Finance and International Art World.
For the MA degree, students must complete the 60-credit dissertation in their third semester. During this final semester there is no formal teaching, with students researching their dissertation topics under the guidance of individual supervisors.
At the start of the program, students are allocated a personal tutor who supports their academic and personal development throughout. Lectures are given by members of the faculty as well as by consultants whose main work is within the art world, thus facilitating networking opportunities.
Program Dates
SPRING 2022 ENTRY
January 10, 2022 – January 11, 2023
(Registration week begins January 4, 2022)
Applications reviewed on a rolling basis.
FALL 2022 ENTRY
October 2022 – October 2023
Application Deadlines:
- Priority Decision: March 1, 2022
- Regular Decision: May 2, 2022
Faculty
Dr David Bellingham (Program Director) is an art historian and author. In addition to his role as Program Director, he also sits on the education committee of the Guild of Arts Scholars, which supports and promotes the study of art history in schools across London and the South-East. He has published numerous books and articles on a variety of subjects, including: art fairs, art business ethics, Greek & Celtic mythology, the art market for classical sculpture and frescoes, the paintings of Sandro Botticelli, and authenticity issues in the paintings of Frans Hals.
Dr Iain Robertson is an art business consultant and expert. He has written over one hundred articles in the arts and national press. He consults for banks in Asia and Europe and is visiting professor to Tsinghua and Lisbon Universities. His books include: Understanding International Art Markets and Management (2005), The Art Business (2008), and Art Business Today: 20 Key Topics (2016).
Tuition & Fees
Note: Fees are subject to annual review
Home*
Deposit: £3,000
Semester 1: £9,450
Semester 2: £11,950
Semester 3: £5,800
International
Deposit: £3,000
Semester 1: £11,700
Semester 2: £14,200
Semester 3: £7,000
*Circumstances that may entitle you to a “home” fee status include:
- you have settled or pre-settled status under the UK’s EU Settlement Scheme
- you are from the Republic of Ireland and living in the UK prior to December 31, 2020
- you are British but live in the EU
- you hold dual citizenship with the UK and live in the UK
Travel Fee: £3,650*
*Travel fees are indicative only and subject to change.
Sotheby’s Institute of Art offers partial-tuition scholarships towards full program tuition to qualified domestic and international candidates. For more information on scholarship opportunities and tuition fees for the Master’s Degree or the Postgraduate Diploma,
Career Services
The Sotheby’s Institute of Art Career Services office provides all of our Master’s degree students with customized services and professional development support, and works closely with employers seeking students and alumni for internship and job opportunities.
For Students
SIA Career Services works with MA students to formulate career goals and develop tools and strategies to position themselves for target art market opportunities.
Services include:
- One-on-one confidential and impartial sessions with our experienced Career Advisors customized to meet each student’s individualized needs
- Opportunities to network with our global alumni population through Alumni Panels, Alumni-Student Networking Events, and Employer Roundtables & Career Fairs.
- Access to job boards with internship and job opportunities from a global network of art world employers.
Employers Of Recent Graduates Include
Art Advisory
- Art Agency Partners
- Uprise Art
- Gurr Johns
- Vara Global Fine Arts
Art Fairs
- Frieze Art Fair
- Armory Show
- TEFAF
- Winter Show
- Art Basel
Insurance
- AON Insurance
- Chubb
- AXA Art Insurance
- ARIS Title Insurance
Online Platforms
- ArtBinder
- Artnet
- Artsy
- 1st Dibs
Investment/Finance
- Athena Art Finance
- Citigroup
- Aon Risk Management
- JP Morgan
- Deloitte Touche
- UBS Art Collection
Auction Houses
- Sotheby’s
- Bonhams
- Phillips
- Christie’s
- Heritage
Museums & Nonprofits
- MoMA
- Guggenheim
- The Metropolitan Museum of Art
- The FLAG Art Foundation
- J. Paul Getty Museum
Galleries
- Leila Heller Gallery
- Gagosian
- Kasmin
- Lévy Gorvy
- PACE
Luxury & Marketing
- LVMH
- Fitz & Co
- Third Eye
- Art Market Productions
- Wolf PR
Artist Estates & Foundations
- Dia Art Foundation
- Keith Haring Foundation
- Judd Foundation
- Willem de Kooning Foundation
- The Andy Warhol Foundation