London WC1X 9EW
UK
The Courtauld Institute of Art is pleased to announce that applications for our postgraduate programmes are now open for the 2026/7 academic year. Programmes include MA History of Art, Graduate Diploma in the History of Art, MA Art and Business, MA Curating, MA Contemporary Art and the Moving Image, MA Art History and Conservation of Buddhist Heritage, MA Preventive Conservation, MA Conservation of Easel Paintings, and MA Conservation of Easel Paintings.
Why study at the Courtauld Institute
The Courtauld Institute offers a unique experience in London. As a student with us, you will have the opportunity to study in a small, world-class, art-focused institution within the heart of the city.
You will study with leading academics and expert conservators and curators to get hands-on experience and immerse yourself in your chosen study area. Throughout, you’ll work with and learn from like-minded peers from around the globe, people as passionate about art and art history as you.
The Courtauld Institute has been ranked as one of the top five universities worldwide for studying the History of Art, according to the QS World University Rankings 2025. The Courtauld Institute is an independent college of the University of London.
Explore our MA programmes
MA History of Art provides the best research-led teaching in a unique, single-subject setting through our Special Options. It aims to offer new perspectives on visual and material cultures, drawing on the research expertise of lecturers and often engaging closely with adjacent studies in history, anthropology, politics, philosophy, literature and religion.
Graduate Diploma in the History of Art is a concentrated form of the undergraduate degree and allows graduates of other disciplines to apply their existing skills to the study of Art History. This programme is offered full-time over nine months, or part-time for two years.
MA Art and Business offers you a unique insight into the ecology of today’s art markets and provides an in-depth understanding of the systems underpinning them. The programme helps you develop the skills and knowledge needed to succeed in today’s commercial art world.
MA Curating offers an unmatched opportunity to immerse yourself in the theory and practice of curating in a unique scholarly and professional context. The intensive training focuses on the issues that shape the curatorial field and on their practical implications for today’s art world.
MA Contemporary Art and the Moving Image is a collaborative programme with KCL focused on the vibrant intersection of contemporary art and moving image practice.
MA Art History and Conservation of Buddhist Heritage gives you an understanding of Buddhist heritage—both tangible and intangible—through studying diverse objects and sites from the Buddhist world.
MA Preventive Conservation is a unique one-year full-time programme that will equip you with a sound understanding of the principles and practicalities of preventive conservation, giving experience in identifying, measuring and addressing potential threats to objects.
MA Conservation of Easel Paintings is interdisciplinary in nature, combining art history, fine arts and the natural sciences. It offers the opportunity for a rigorous theoretical training accompanied by the opportunity to put learning into practice.
MA Conservation of Wall Paintings aims to ensure the improved care of wall paintings by providing a comprehensive education in their conservation.
Next steps: Register for our in-person and virtual Open Days to learn more about our programmes and the application process.
Apply now: Visit our website to learn more about the application guidance and to submit your application for the course that fits you best. For any questions or if you need any further information, please contact our admissions team.
Virtual open days—book now
MA Curating, Thursday November 20, 2–3pm GMT / MA Conservation of Easel Paintings, Monday November 24, 2–3pm GMT / MA Conservation of Wall Paintings, Wednesday November 26, 2–3pm GMT / MA Art History and Conservation of Buddhist Heritage, Monday December 1, 1–2pm GMT / MA Preventive Conservation, Monday December 1, 3–4pm GMT / MA Art and Business, Wednesday December 3, 2–3pm GMT / Graduate Diploma in the History of Art, Thursday December 4, 14:00 – 15:00 GMT / MA Contemporary Art and the Moving Image, Tuesday December 9, 2–3pm GMT / MA History of Art, Thursday December 11, 2–3pm GMT.
In-person open days
Postgraduate taught programmes open evening: Wednesday November 26 / MA Conservation of Wall Paintings tour: Monday December 8 / MA Conservation of Easel Paintings tours: Tuesday December 9.
