Experiences with the Courtauld Graduate Diploma in the History of Art
1
Hi everyone,
I’m considering applying to the Graduate Diploma in the History of Art at the Courtauld and would love to hear from anyone who’s done the programme or knows people who have.
My background is a BA in Photography, and for the past few years I’ve been freelancing as an artist. Recently I’ve been thinking about pivoting toward the institutional side of the art world (museums, galleries, research, curatorial work, etc.).
What appeals to me about the Graduate Diploma is that it’s a conversion course, so it seems like a good way to build a stronger art historical foundation.
I also considered the MA in Art Business at both the Courtauld and Sotheby’s Institute (I’ve taken several Art History short courses at Sotheby’s), but I’m starting to think the Graduate Diploma might be a better place to start academically before committing to a specialised MA.
If anyone here has done the programme (or knows someone who has), I’d really love to hear about your experience with it — what it was like, whether you found it worthwhile, and any advice for someone considering applying. I’d also be interested to hear how intense the workload felt, especially since I’m currently deciding between the full-time and part-time options.
Thanks so much!
I’m considering applying to the Graduate Diploma in the History of Art at the Courtauld and would love to hear from anyone who’s done the programme or knows people who have.
My background is a BA in Photography, and for the past few years I’ve been freelancing as an artist. Recently I’ve been thinking about pivoting toward the institutional side of the art world (museums, galleries, research, curatorial work, etc.).
What appeals to me about the Graduate Diploma is that it’s a conversion course, so it seems like a good way to build a stronger art historical foundation.
I also considered the MA in Art Business at both the Courtauld and Sotheby’s Institute (I’ve taken several Art History short courses at Sotheby’s), but I’m starting to think the Graduate Diploma might be a better place to start academically before committing to a specialised MA.
If anyone here has done the programme (or knows someone who has), I’d really love to hear about your experience with it — what it was like, whether you found it worthwhile, and any advice for someone considering applying. I’d also be interested to hear how intense the workload felt, especially since I’m currently deciding between the full-time and part-time options.
Thanks so much!
Reply 1
The Courtauld MA Art and Business is extremely competitive and on a very different level to the Graduate Diploma in History of Art so if you are hesitating between the two you probably haven't researched the admissions criteria fully yet. No one is going to be suited to both and hypothetically you could do the Graduate Diploma and follow that up with MA Art and Business though there are no guarantees you would be accepted on MA Art and Business.
(edited 1 month ago)
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