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Courtauld Institute of Art
From The Student RoomTSR Wiki > University > Choosing a University > University Guides > Courtauld Institute of Art
IntroductionThe 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 Courtauld is a part of the wider University of London community. This means students have access to a broad range of academic and social facilities provided by the University and its other colleges. Students have access to sports facilities, clubs and societies, housing and legal advice, and some seventeen other Student Unions in addition to the University of London Union. Alumni include: - Anita Brookner - T.J. Clark - Andrew Graham-Dixon - Neil MacGregor - Denis Mahon - Griselda Pollock - Vincent Price - Nicholas Serota - Brian Sewell FacilitiesLibrariesThe Courtauld has two photographic libraries which started as the private collections of two ennobled benefactors: the Conway library, covering architecture, architectural drawings, sculpture and illuminated manuscripts, named after Lord Martin Conway and the Witt library, covering paintings, drawings and engravings, after Sir Robert Witt. The Book Library is one of the UK's largest archives of art-historical books, periodicals and exhibition catalogues. There is a Slide Library which also covers films, and an IT suite. An online image collection (www.artandarchitecture.org.uk) of more than 7000 digitised drawings in The Courtauld's collection gives internet users instant access to these materials and to curated groupings of the images based on artist, theme, or historical contexts. This site was developed with the support of the New Opportunities Fund. IT and computingThe Institute’s IT Centre provides networked computers for student use. It offers facilities for private study and access to e-mail and the internet. Scanning and imaging facilities are also available. Wireless access is available in the café and Witt Library. HealthcareTransportTube stations: Temple, Charing Cross, Embankment Train stations: Charing Cross, Waterloo Transport for London’s online Journey Planner provides information on London Underground and Buses. The National Rail Enquiries site provides travel information on rail travel throughout the UK. The Eurostar site provides timetables and travel information for international services to and from Waterloo. Parking for disabled visitors can be booked in advance on 020 7845 4671. The nearest NCPs are at Drury Lane and the South Bank Centre. Careers servicePart-time jobsThe Institute offers some opportunities for student employment, for example, assistance with open days and Gallery events; providing assistance in the Prints and Drawings room and many students volunteer to give lunchtime talks to the public about works in our Gallery. It is also possible for research students to apply to gain teaching experience during their time at the Institute. Religous facilitiesSocialSomerset House is in the heart of one of the most vibrant cities in the world. In addition to outstanding libraries, archives and galleries, the city offers students limitless opportunities to experience a range of cultural and leisure activities. Bars, pubs and clubsEventsClubs and societiesAccommodationThere are four main accommodation options available. 1. THE UNIVERSITY OF LONDON'S INTERCOLLEGIATE HALLS OF RESIDENCE These are mostly based in Bloomsbury, approximately 20 minutes walk away. Students who live in Intercollegiate Halls are housed with students from other University of London Colleges, which is a great way to meet a diverse community of neighbours from a huge range of subjects. University of London halls are mostly catered (breakfast and dinner) and offer both single and shared accomodation. Laundry and some cooking facilities are available on site. 2. COURTAULD RESIDENCE: THE STRAND CONTINENTAL The Courtauld's own recently refurbished residence, the Strand Continental, houses 26 students and is located about 50 metres from Somerset House. The residents of this accommodation are both undergraduate and postgraduate students from History of Art programmes. Accommodation is in single rooms with shared bathroom facilities, in addition to a laundry and communal kitchen. 3. PRIVATE SECTOR ACCOMMODATION The University of London Housing Services is able to help you find private accommodation, whether shared or self-contained. The Housing Services Office is based at the University of London Union building (4th floor) on Malet Street (WC1) and provides assistance to full-time students in finding accommodation. It is open from 09:30-17:30 Monday to Friday, excluding Tuesday when it opens at 10:30. 4. GOODENOUGH COLLEGE Goodenough College is a unique postgraduate accommodation near the centre of London and within walking distance of many of its leading academic institutions. The College provides a residence for over 600 postgraduates from all over the world, offering rooms for single students and flats for those with partners and families within a supportive and friendly environment. FacilitiesStudent unionPricesArchitectureCompleted in 1780, Somerset House is one of the most important neo-Classical buildings in the country. Local areaThe Institute is less than a mile from the National Gallery and the National Portrait Gallery, and just across the river from the National Theatre, the Southbank complex and Tate Modern. The treasures of the British Museum are a twenty minute walk away. Teaching qualityThe Courtauld received the highest rating in the recent Quality Assurance Agency Audit and in the most recent Research Assessment Exercise in 2001 the Institute was awarded 5*; the only history of art department in the country to be awarded such a distinction. In the 2005/6 National Student Survey, the Institute was rated third in the entire country for overall student satisfaction. "At best the teaching is brilliant... students have their interest engaged and are eager to show what they can do." (External examiner's comment) Applying to Courtauld Institute of ArtThinking of applying to Courtauld Institute of Art? Why not read some Personal Statements which were used for applying here? Other Courtauld Institute of Art ArticlesWhy not read these other Courtauld Institute of Art Articles? Links | 
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