Masters Degrees in Art History

Having entered the art world with an undergraduate degree in economics and no background in art, MA Contemporary Art program provided me with an understanding of the fundamentals of art business. From understanding how social and political factors inform artists and art movements, to developing the skills necessary to engage with art in its variety of mediums, my studies have allowed me to speak intelligently about art, and most importantly, to learn how to respect what artists are trying to convey. This experience has taught me to look at art through a more informed lens.

I completed the MA in Contemporary Art in London. My time at Sotheby’s gave me both an entry point into and an understanding of the global art world. During my Master’s studies, I not only gained an incredible amount of academic knowledge, but was also introduced to the London art world and began building my career. In my work, I look at artworks all the time, and having the ability to critically assess and understand them is very important. The skill of visual analysis, as well as developing an eye, was a major focus during my studies, and I am glad that the tutors paid so much attention to it. We were constantly looking at different works and were expected to discuss them. We were also encouraged to go to exhibitions. You learn this skill as a student and then continue to refine it during your professional life.

I applied to Sotheby’s Institute of Art to learn more about the commercial art market and the business of art. I received a Master in Arts in Art Business at Sotheby’s Institute, and my courses included Art Law, International Art Markets, and Art Advisory and Collection Building. I also developed a Curatorial Thesis focused on Black Speculative Art theory, Afrosurrealism, and Afrofuturism. The MA Art Business program gave me a greater understanding of the different forces at play in the art market and how they work together for an artist and their career. It also made me more knowledgeable about the different art-related career opportunities available. Hearing from industry guest speakers, from Amy Cappellazzo to Jerry Saltz, exposed me and my fellow students to the different impacts professionals can make in the industry. It was empowering to be surrounded by professionals with various career experiences through our faculty, like Judith Prowda and Claude Grunitzky. We had a unique experience learning about art not only from a cultural and historical perspective, but also from a legal, financial, and market perspective.

I had been wanting to study art history at Sotheby’s Institute for a long time and had always been drawn to the Institute’s MA Contemporary Art. I eventually started with a short course, which gave me a solid base and the chance to delve into a subject I’d always been passionate about. I instantly loved the Institute’s teaching approach—placing students in front of artworks, encouraging dialogue, and connecting theory with real experience. After my initial course. I truly believe I could not have received a better education. I constantly recommend the program to others! The MA not only provided me with in-depth knowledge of contemporary art, but it also strengthened my critical thinking, offered a clear structure of how the art world functions, and introduced me to the wide range of professional paths within it.

I did the MA Art Business at the London campus because of its course reputation, faculty, and the depth and breadth of the program. I was looking for a course that would give me a broad but thorough introduction to the commercial art world. The MA Art Business program at Sotheby’s Institute inspired me to explore contemporary art, dream big, and nurture my confidence in international cross-cultural networking, which gave me the encouragement to find my path in the art business world. I would recommend this program to those with an interest in working in the commercial art world and collaborating with art industry players or to those who have an interest in collecting art.

My time at Sotheby’s Institute was deeply enriching, and a big part of that was thanks to the incredible professors. Their expertise, support, and ability to connect theory with real-world examples made the learning experience truly engaging and inspiring. I loved how the MA Luxury Business program covered a wide range of luxury sectors—from hospitality and jewelry to fashion and art—and explored the evolving definition of luxury across cultures and time periods. Being in London really enhanced the experience, as the city itself is a global hub for art, fashion, and luxury. I especially appreciated the immersive learning. We had the opportunity to visit incredible places like the Victoria and Albert Museum (V&A) in London, Rathfinny Wine Estate in Sussex, Van Cleef & Arpels School in Paris, and Mandarin Oriental in Milan. These experiences offered invaluable insight into how luxury is created, curated, and communicated in different contexts. In addition to the site visits, we were also joined by a range of guest speakers from across the luxury sectors, including areas like jewelry and hospitality, who shared valuable insights into their careers, challenges, and lessons learned—adding a real-world dimension that made the learning feel even more relevant and inspiring. I also really enjoyed taking electives from other programs—my course on art forgery, for example, was especially eye-opening and gave me a new lens through which to view authenticity in the luxury space.

My time in Rome was not just a visit; it was an immersion into a living testament of human achievement and endurance. The city's timeless allure left me enriched, and I carry the echoes of its beauty, history, and vibrancy with me. Spread the word: Rome is not just a destination; it's an odyssey of the senses, an experience that transcends travel and becomes a cherished chapter in the book of life.

In my two years I’ve spent here I’ve found a welcoming community, filled with people from different backgrounds. The faculty is amazing and you will feel supported every step of your career. John Cabot university is also full of clubs to have fun and meet new people!

I have had an amazing time in Rome and enjoyed all the culture and food. John Cabot has given me the chance to make connections from all over the world and still feel like I'm at home. I have loved my marketing classes where I compare Italian and american ads.

As a transfer from a U.S. university I had a smooth transition as all my credits were transferred and I was already used to the US system. They offered a wide range of classes to pick from and the clubs and extracurricular enriched my career.

The opportunities, the experience and memories made at this university is something not many have the privilege to have in their lives. Beginning with the city, the culture, people and food it makes you feel at home. Not only the safe atmosphere, the professors and students develop a sense of family that I do not think I can find anywhere else.

i loved my time here the city is amazing the people are great and the language is super easy to understand. i recommend that everyone will do a semester abroad in rome the cause it changed my life y it will change yours.

I learned different cultures while having people with similar interest in school but they were not really interested in it but they didn't have a lot to say to them in north africa and i miei idoli e non mangiano la pizza e tu non

JCU is truly a transforming experience… As an art history major, I’ve never thrived more in my entire life !! I’ve met so many people and been to so many places, I feel more confident in myself every day at JCU.

I love this school and I am very thankful that I have the opportunity to be here. It is in a cool location and the professors are also great. I also think that Trastevere is the best place to be in Rome because there is so much to see and do.

JCU has been an an amazing experience for me so far! I love going to school here and am proud to be a member of the community. I came to JCU right out of high school and moving to a new country at 18 can be intimidating, but the school does a great job of helping new students.

JCU screams multiculturalism. I’ve met so many people from so many different cultures, countries, and backgrounds. It is honestly a great place that cultivates a diverse and global experience for its students.

Like the rising of the sun, slowly brings warmth to a cold day, that's how I can describe my experience at AUB. The people of Lebanon sometimes say they can be rude, but what I found out is the issue of trust, the people are rich in hospitality and once they trust you, they make you feel at home, and give you comfort and warmth. At the end, everyone would miss their time at AUB.

I loved it here in Rome, I'm a sophomore and I fell in love with JCU! I would definitely do it again. The professors were amazing and the people were so welcoming. I didn't have problems making friends and I will never forget them. Rome is the best city to stay for Uni! I fell in love

I spent two years living in Rome, learning about the city, and experiencing it (largely with a running group) and loved it immensely! John Cabot University was fantastic in facilitating this experience and offering new opportunities. Through the university, I was introduced to community members who I could explore the area with and live the most interesting parts of Rome. Of course, this is in addition to a well-experienced and professional faculty. I went through the business program at John Cabot and learned everything and more than what I was hoping from a selection of professionals with experience in international law, startups, and large corporations. The university is very well connected and utilizes their resources to create a worthwhile experience.