Art Degrees Online

Sotheby’s Institute of Art offers a range of scholarships and financial aid/bursaries across all of its Postgraduate Master’s programmes.

Scholarship applicants can receive up to a maximum of 50% of the tuition fees for all London Master’s Degree programmes based on academic merit. Please note the scholarship terms and conditions below.

Financial aid/bursary applicants can receive up to a maximum of 25% of the tuition fees for all London postgraduate programmes (MA degrees and Postgraduate Diplomas). Please note financial aid/bursary awards are not based on academic merit but awarded on the basis of financial need.

You may apply for either financial aid/bursary or a scholarship, or both, by completing the relevant sections on our application form. Financial aid applications are reviewed on a rolling basis throughout the year. If you are applying for a scholarship you will need to submit a completed essay in addition to your completed application form chosen from the list below and send to us by 30 April 2009. Your essay can be forwarded to us after you complete and submit your application form to arrive no later than 30 April 2009.

Financial aid/bursary applications are accepted up to 30 June, 2009 for entry onto all postgraduate programmes starting in September, 2009. Scholarship applications are accepted up to 30 April, 2009.

Please note that Sotheby’s Institute of Art receives a very high volume of applications each year and is therefore regrettably unable to provide detailed feedback to unsuccessful applicants.
For further information on scholarships, financial aid and bursaries, and for entry onto all postgraduate programmes in London, please contact Venetia Hill-Perkins, email: v.hill-perkins@sothebysinstitute.com.

Scholarships Terms and Conditions

1) The Sotheby’s Institute of Art Limited (the ‘Institute’) Scholarships are open to applicants who have applied for an Institute postgraduate (MA) course.

2) The deadline, 30 April 2009, is final. We will not, under any circumstances, accept applications after this date.

3) Applicants for a scholarship should submit a completed course application form and choose and complete one of the following essays. Please note that scholarship applicants must choose and submit the essay that relates to the MA subject that they have applied for:

MA Contemporary Art (please choose one)
Discuss the significance of the human body as a motif in the work of a contemporary artist of your choice.

Discuss the work of a contemporary artist who is, in your opinion, over- or under-rated in today’s art world. Explain the reasons for your reassessment of his or her work.

MA East Asian Art
Discuss the importance of court painting in one East Asian culture.

MA Art Business
`The cultural and financial value of contemporary art owes more to the art market than to the public museum.’ Discuss.

MA Contemporary Design
With reference to designers/objects of your choice, discuss the extent to which the ideals developed by the Modernists of the 1920s are still valid for design today.

MA Photography
Is photography accepted today as an art form?

MA Fine & Decorative Art
Is Leonardo da Vinci’s Mona Lisa an important painting?

4) A 1500-2000 word essay (chosen from one of the titles listed, above) which is typed double spaced in 11 point text.

5) A covering letter which states clearly why you are applying for a scholarship, or financial award. You must also state which award (scholarship or financial award) you are applying for in addition to the MA programme you have been offered a place on (please note that PG Diploma applicants are not eligible for this scheme).

6) The deadline for scholarship applications is 30 April 2009. If they haven’t already done so, scholarship applicants should ensure that they submit an MA programme application, as soon as possible. Please note that scholarship applicants must be in receipt of an MA offer in order to be eligible for the scholarship scheme. Scholarship applications can be sent at a later date, as long as they are received by the 30 April 2009 deadline.

Applications will be assessed by the Institute’s Scholarship Committee which shall have sole and absolute discretion in assessing Essays and making Awards, and whose decisions will be final and binding without obligation for explanation or justification.

The providers of an Award will not be liable for any loss howsoever incurred in connection with the supply of the Award.

Information provided in an application for an Award will remain confidential, with the exception that the Institute retains the right to publicise the event of an Award to a successful applicant, including the successful applicant’s identity and Essay, should the Institute so wish.

Key features
A new and exciting opportunity to study ideas in depth while developing your fine art studio practices
A supportive environment in both classroom and studio.
Internationally recognised staff and excellent facilities.

What our students say

“Tutors put great effort is put into making links among the subjects’ Richard Boulton, current student.

‘Enjoyable and Rewarding’ Tom Northcote, former student and Procurement Specialist with the Department of Health.’

What it’s about

Philosophy, fine art and photography are all important and complementary ways of understanding the world around us. It is rare, however, to have the chance to study these subjects together, in a genuinely interdisciplinary single honours degree.

On the philosophy side, you will have a series of taught modules that will explore the underpinnings of human thought, experience, ethics, perception and expression. These are taught by staff who are active researchers in the field but who also provide a welcoming and supportive environment. If you are tired of being pigeon-holed as either an ‘arty’ or a ‘thoughtful’ type then one of these new programmes is for you.

What you do

Both of these degree programmes are interdisciplinary — that is, they are not two halves of a degree sitting side by side. Instead, the modules you take are designed to ‘talk’ to each other by encouraging reflection on the inter-relation between philosophy, fine art and photography; several modules, including the final year project, are co-taught by members of staff from the different departments. The philosophy part of your award includes modules on ethics (how should I live my life?), metaphysics (ie the nature of reality, freedom), epistemology (what can be known, and how?), and the nature of the self (who am I?). In addition, you will be taking modules specifically on visual modes of thinking, such as ‘Philosophy Goes to the Movies’ and ‘Thinking with Hands and Eyes.’ Here, it is our practice to learn philosophy by doing it: by talking, writing, debating and reading the important original texts. Assessment of modules is normally by written work, such as essays – there are no examinations.

Students in Photography and Philosophy will be involved in the production of practical work from the beginning of the first year. The core approach of understanding ‘visual communication’ is developed through study of the many and varied conceptual and analytical approaches to photographic practice. You will be learning how to use the latest technology from high-end digital equipment to the studio environment, but with access to traditional processes as well. You will also participate in lectures and seminars that encourage lively discussion of ideas in photography. This work will enable you to become a skilled and creative photographer, with an in-depth awareness of how photographs communicate.

Where next

As a graduate you will be able to think clearly and critically, be adaptable and open-minded and able to communicate and collaborate with others in analysing and solving problems. All these are skills highly prized by employers and have led past philosophy students to careers in business, law, teaching, management and the Civil Service, among others. The photography or fine art side of your degree means you are eminently employable and entrepreneurial in a whole range of creative industries, including promoting your personal or professional practice, or working in publishing, museums, galleries or visual industries such as advertising. Production skills, communication skills,
team-working skills, initiative and an innovative approach to problem solving are desirable attributes to employers and individuals alike.

Fact FileQualification:
BA(Hons)
Faculty/School:
Faculty of Arts, Media and Design
Location:
Stoke Campus
Course Length: Normally three years full time
Entry Requirements: All applicants will be invited for interview to include a discussion about your portfolio of practical materials. All applicants are individually assessed on their qualifications, skills and experience. However a typical three A level or BTEC National Diploma offer will be 200 UCAS tarriff points.
UCAS Code:
Route A VW56, Route B Awaited