Art Market and Appraisal (Professional Practice)

Entry requirements

Applicants should:

• hold a good honours degree or equivalent in any discipline; and
• preferably have either a degree qualification related to the subject material or a proven knowledge and interest in the subject demonstrated through, for example, work experience.

Months of entry

September

Course content

If you are interested in developing a career in the art market, this course will prepare you for the opportunities lying ahead. You will develop the key skills and gain the knowledge to understand international art markets in a complex and ever changing art world.

Making the most of its location in Europe's art market capital in London, this Art Market & Appraisal degree draws on a high standard of academic teaching by recognised scholars, as well as on insights from art market professionals, both with long-standing careers and with rising entrepreneurs of the millennial generation.

The course is delivered through a carefully programmed mix of expert tuition, hands-on workshops and frequent exposure to a variety of enterprises across London's dynamic art scene, ranging from commercial galleries large (Pace, Hauser & Wirth) and small (Narrative Projects, Kate MacGarry), to global and regional auction houses such as Christie's or Rosebury's in leafy West Norwood. It also includes visits to artist studios, restorers, museums and non-commercial art spaces.

Reasons to choose Kingston:

• This is the only antiques and fine art course accredited by the Royal Institution of Chartered Surveyors (RICS) for entry as a probationer practitioner, and its curriculum is uniquely focused.
• You'll go on site visits, special behind-the-scenes tours and optional overseas study trips, to supplement classroom learning. Previous students have visited major galleries such as Hauser & Wirth, Pace and Gagosian but you will also explore off-the-beaten-track entrepreneurs such as DKUK – a hairdresser and gallerist in flourishing Peckham.
• The course has developed a unique partnership with Dorich House, a studio house museum with a collection belonging to the University. Here we work on the history of the lost collection as well as with on-site objects to value them.
• You will have the opportunity to volunteer at the annual Art Business Conference in London, allowing you to network with art world professionals and learn about the latest developments in the trade.

What you will study:

You will benefit from a systematic approach to understanding the core functions of the art market across different periods and mediums, from pre-modern markets to today, allowing you to cater your studies to your individual interests. Your learning is structured through four distinct modules which give you different skills and experiences.

The History of the Art Market focuses your understanding of past and present art business practices and changes to the art market over the past 200 years. Professional Practice focuses on art valuation and appraisal through lively workshops and seminar sessions as well as an introduction to basic business principles such as marketing, business planning and strategic thinking. Art Law introduces key elements of art market regulation and problem solution. Cultural Heritage presents you with an object-focused insight into global trade and ethics.

Typically, you'll be expected to complete four equally weighted 30 credit modules, plus a major project of 60 credits.