Courtauld Institute of Art
The Courtauld Institute of Art (CIA) is the oldest and leading centre for the study of the history and conservation of art in the United Kingdom. World renowned for its breadth and depth of coverage, the Courtauld is a college of the University of London, with expertise and teaching ranging from antiquity through to the contemporary. It was founded in 1932 through the philanthropic efforts of the industrialist and art collector Samuel Courtauld, the diplomat and collector Lord Lee of Fareham, and the art historian Sir Robert Witt. Originally the Courtauld Institute was based in Home House, a Robert Adam-designed townhouse in Portman Square, London. Since 1989 it has been based in Somerset House.
The Institute offers one Undergraduate programme, the BA (Hons) History of Art. Aiming to give a comprehensive and full understanding of arts history from antiquity to present day, the course aims to instill students with a wide range of transferable academic skills. Students are encouraged to display independent thought and initiative, and communicate in a lucid, thoughtful manner.
For the undergraduate course, fees are £9,000 for UK students and £16,000 for international students
The Courtauld Institute is located in Somerset House, located on The Strand in London's iconic West End. In recent years, Somerset House has become one of London's most popular locations, home to concerts, exhibitions, and ice skating. The central location means you aren't far from something to do, with Soho, The South Bank, The National Galleries and British Museum all a short walk or bus journey away.
Not many Universities offer a chance to live on The Strand. Duchy House, dating from 1897, was converted in 2010 into the exclusive halls for students of the institute.
The accommodation offers 64 single rooms over four floors, with 47 of them en suite and the remaining 17 with shared facilities. Each floor has a communal kitchen, free wired internet access in each room, and a common room on the first three floors.
At open days, you can
- Attend a taster undergraduate lecture
- Participate in an Q&A with the head of Undergraduate Admissions
- Ask current students about their experience at the Institute
- Receive an optional guided tour of the Courtauld Gallery
- Visit the student accommodation
