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Student standing infront of Birkbeck University

The Courtauld Institute of Art

The Courtauld works to advance how we see and understand the visual arts, as an internationally-renowned centre for the teaching, research and enjoyment of art history.

Students on roof of Birkbeck

A research-led higher education institution, The Courtauld is home to the largest community of art historians and conservators in the UK, teaching and carrying out research on subjects from creativity in late Antiquity to contemporary digital artforms – with an increasingly global focus.

The Courtauld’s academics have areas of expertise covering art in all forms and all media, from the smallest, most personal painting or object to the design and evolution of whole cities.

An independent college of the University of London, and awarding University of London degrees, The Courtauld offers a range of degree programmes from BA to PhD in the History of Art, curating and the conservation of easel and wall paintings, and draws on the incredible resources of the world-famous Courtauld Gallery and art collection. Its alumni are leaders and innovators in the arts, culture and business worlds, helping to shape the global agenda for the arts and creative industries.

International students

Located in the heart of London, students have access to museums, galleries and art at their doorstep.

Ranked No. 1 in the world in the 2023 QS Best Student Cities list, it’s no wonder that thousands of students from across the globe choose to study in London. Its world class universities, thriving cultural sector, diverse population and abundance of businesses make it the perfect place for all our students to build their future careers and develop their creative practice.

London is ranked No. 1 in the world in the 2023 QS Best Student Cities list.

With at least 40% of our students being international.

Quick Facts

The Courtauld faculty is the largest community of art historians and conservators in the UK.

The Courtauld acts as a convenor of the world’s best research and a place for debate about all areas of art history, curation and conservation.

The Courtauld is ranked 4th in the world for History of Art in the 2024 QS World University Rankings.

A network of 9,000 graduates spread across over 83 different countries.

Over 10% of graduates are directors or co-directors.  

Of those, 6,000 are based in the UK and 1,300 are based in the USA.

Courtauld alumni have received a multitude of academic, literary, art, and industry prizes including the Turner Prize, Academy Awards, BAFTAS, Grammys, Golden Globes, and Royal Honours.  

Over 80% of our graduates work within the creative industries and play a significant part in shaping the art sector.

Across all UK institutions, The Courtauld is tied 1st for research environment, a remarkable accomplishment, and critical given that this supports and enables our world-leading research.

Student blog

Find out what it’s like to study at The Courtauld through our student blogs!

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