Overview
Explore the drivers of today’s global art markets.
Developed in collaboration with esteemed art market experts, this course explores the art world and the various factors and players that drive this dynamic sector. You’ll benefit from practical, case-study based learning, seminars led by professionals currently working in the field, and exclusive guided visits to art fairs, museums and commercial galleries.
To allow for more attention, support and guidance, this course is only accepting 15 students. We therefore strongly encourage early application.
Why Regent’s?
- Future-facing: an innovative curriculum structure that's unique to Regent's
- Tailored approach: max. 15 students, enabling individual support and guidance
- Led by industry experts: gain unique insights and networking opportunities
- Prime location: access to London's galleries, auction houses and private collections
- International connections: forge global relationships with influential professionals
- Practical training: hands-on training in renowned venues from the very start
- In-market placement: receive a Postgraduate Certificate of Professional Practice
- Inclusive study trips: explore international art hubs in Europe and beyond
What to expect
The global art market is estimated to be worth $65 billion in sales (Global Art Market Report 2024). This unique marketplace includes exceptional objects, expert players and specialist online and in-person transactional platforms – all of which you will examine and, at times, challenge on this course.
Exploring topics such as business practice, pricing and valuations, future trends and global impact, you’ll learn the drivers of today’s dynamic markets and analyse the commercial, aesthetic and cultural value of collectables being traded today – as well as the complex legal and tax implications of such intricate transactions.
Learning in small classes, you’ll network with peers, review current case studies, visit galleries and museums, meet art market experts and access sector events and resources. In your third term, you’ll undertake a professional placement in the art world, deepening your understanding of the market and gaining valuable real-world experiences while expanding your network. Upon graduation, you'll receive an additional Postgraduate Certificate of Professional Practice.
London-centric learning
London sits at the heart of the global art market and provides the perfect backdrop for this course. It’s vibrant, exciting and everchanging – fusing classic with contemporary, edgy with eclectic.
Here, you’ll be fully immersed in the scene – attending an unrivalled calendar of events and exploring some of the city’s best exhibitions, private collections, auction houses and galleries. On your doorstep is Regent’s Park, the iconic venue of leading art fairs Frieze and Frieze Masters. You’ll gain access, join guided tours, and meet influential dealers, collectors, curators and advisors.
International opportunities
As part of your studies, you’ll join two inclusive trips – one in Europe and one further afield. You’ll visit fairs, auction houses and galleries, and meet local collectors and dealers – noting their attitudes towards art transactions and how they compare to those in London. You might visit Art Basel in Switzerland, the TEFEF Art Fair in Maastricht, international Biennales and exhibitions such as those in Venice or Sydney, or explore private collections and emerging museums in the Middle East, America or Asia.
A tailored experience
We do all we can to support you at every stage – and put you in the driving seat, shaping your education from day one:
- Your own support officer: receive tailored advice and support when needed
- Academic guidance: regular one-to-one sessions and a unique open door policy
Course is subject to validation.
How to apply
Applying to Regent's is quick and easy. We accept direct applications year-round and there's no application fee. If you haven't received your exam results, you can still apply and we'll issue you with a conditional offer. You just need be clear in your application which qualifications you're currently studying for.
Step 1: Apply
- On our website, details here
During the application process, you'll have the chance to upload supporting documents, including:
- A copy of your passport (photograph ID page)
- Academic transcripts and certificates from all previous studies
- A 500-700 word personal statement (view guidance)
- If you're not a native English speaker, proof of your English proficiency
- Your current CV
- Two headed reference letters
Please note, application deadlines are:
- International students – 1 July 2025
- Domestic students – 31 July 2025
Step 2: Receive a response
In addition to meeting our academic and English language requirements, this course also requires you to pass an interview. Once you've applied and submitted your supporting documents, and we've assessed your eligibility, successful candidates will be invited, and can choose to attend in person or online.
You can expect to receive a decision on your application within five working days.
Step 3: Accept your offer
If you wish to accept your offer, you must pay your (non-refundable) advance tuition fee deposit. This will confirm your place. Here's how.
Step 4: Register
Closer to the start of term, our Admissions team will send instructions regarding your registration process. This will include information on completing your online enrolment before you arrive, as well as a checklist of documents you'll need to bring with you to campus.
Information for international students
If you're an overseas student, you'll likely require a visa to study in the UK. Here's how to apply.
Scholarships and funding
There are a wide variety of funding and scholarship opportunities to help you finance your studies. For more information, please visit our scholarships and funding page.
Fees
Tuition fee:
- £39,000 for the intake starting in September 2025
Non-refundable advance deposit:
UK students: £1,000
International students: £4,000
Read more about tuition fees.
When do I need to pay?
If you receive an offer for a course, you’ll receive a pro forma invoice. To accept your offer and secure your place, pay your deposit payment as soon as possible.
The remaining portion of your first year’s tuition fees will be due when you enrol. At this time, you’ll receive your invoice for the full year. You can choose to pay for the year in full before the start of your first academic year or in two instalments, spread out across the academic year. The dates of these instalments will be determined by when your course starts.
What do fees include?
Fees cover the cost of all tuition and access to the University’s IT infrastructure and library learning resources. Fees are presented for the first level of study which equates to two terms.
What other costs should I budget for?
You will need to budget additional funds for accommodation and living expenses, travel, and any additional trips, visits, activities or courses that you choose to participate in outside of the tuition offered as part of your course.
The library holds a limited number of copies of core textbooks and where possible in e-format. You will be encouraged to purchase your own textbooks and will need to budget approximately £80-£100 per year, depending on your course.
How you'll learn
At Regent's, you’ll have the freedom to explore your interests in a dynamic, supportive and collaborative environment with interactive classes, industry opportunities, specialist facilities and tailored careers advice – ensuring you develop the skills, experience and confidence you need to secure your dream job.
You’ll pair academic knowledge with hands-on experiences – exploring current issues, keeping your finger on the pulse of today’s art market. Classes incorporate:
- Seminars and guest lectures
- Practical workshops and object identification sessions
- Analysis of current market trends
- Visits to galleries, museums, auction houses, art fairs
- Group work and live projects
- International field trips
Based in London, you'll also have opportunities to meet industry leaders and employers through guest lectures, gallery visits, private events and study trips abroad.
Contact hours
- Term one – 15 hours per week
- Term two – 14 hours per week
- Placement term – 24 hours per term
- Final Major Project term – 26 hours per term
Teaching staff
You'll be taught by a mix of industry experts and research-active academics who have extensive global experience. They’ve published journals, books, news articles and magazine columns, appeared on documentaries and been quoted in outlets from Forbes to the Financial Times. Their knowledge and experience ensure classes are always shaped by the latest technologies and trends.
They include:
You’ll also:
- Attend guest lectures with leading businesses and brands
- Be allocated a personal tutor, who you’ll meet with regularly on a one-to-one basis
Independent learning
Throughout your time at Regent’s, you'll be expected to undertake extra reading, research, revision and reflection – working alone and collaboratively with classmates.
Method of assessment
Your knowledge and skills will be assessed via a range of task-based projects, market reports, presentations, essays and more – ensuring your learning is always:
- Inclusive – fostering a student-focused approach
- Engaging – encouraging interaction and participation
- Authentic – based on real business challenges
Disability support
We welcome and support students with a wide range of disabilities and health concerns. Please speak to us as soon as possible, so we can provide the help you need.
Academic requirements: Level 7
We're interested in your potential, as well as your prior achievements – and we review each application comprehensively on its own merit. You'll need the following qualifications:
- Minimum second class UK undergraduate degree
- OR equivalent international qualifications deemed acceptable by Admissions & UK ENIC
- Your current CV
- Two headed reference letters
Accreditation of Prior Experiential Learning
We also welcome applications from students who don't meet our usual entry requirements. To be accepted for exceptional entry, you must:
- Have three years of work experience if you don't hold a degree
In addition to providing us with your passport, transcripts, proof of English, personal statement and references, you'll need to send us:
- A headed employment letter detailing your position and length of service
This will be assessed on a case-by-case basis, by academic referral only.
English language requirements
Minimum English proficiency requirement through one of the following qualifications (or equivalent):
| Qualification | Subject | Grade |
|---|---|---|
| GSCE* | English | C (4) |
| IB SL or HL* | English A | 4 |
| IB HL* | English B | 5 |
| US HSD (studied in a majority English-speaking country)* | Grade 11 and above in English | C |
| IELTS* | Academic | Overall score of 6.5, with 5.5 or above in each component |
| UG degree | From English-speaking countries – defined by the UKVI | Second class |
Please note, we do not accept home/online editions of English language tests.
*Qualification satisfies the English language requirements of the UKVI for non-UK/Irish nationals.
We also offer conditional students a free, online diagnostic test known as the Regent’s English Proficiency Test (REPT). This must be booked in advance. Discover more.
Interview
In addition to meeting our academic and English language requirements, this course also requires you to pass an interview. Once you've applied and submitted your supporting documents, and we've assessed your eligibility, successful candidates will be invited, and can choose to attend in person or online.
To allow for more attention, support and guidance, this course is only accepting 15 students. We strongly encourage early application. In the event that all places are filled, a waitlist will be operating.
Careers
You'll graduate ready to enter the competitive and highly selective art market – in London and across the world. Career paths include:
- Art advisors
- Auction house specialists
- Auctioneers
- Gallery researchers
- Gallery sales managers
- Art lawyers
- Collection managers
- Development and Philanthropy managers
- Event managers
- Logistics specialists
- Entrepreneurship, make your own mark in the art world.
The art world fosters innovation and entrepreneurship – from launching new galleries, apps and advisory panels to publishing books, blogs and podcasts. Our Innovation Lab is a space dedicated to helping students develop their own ideas alongside industry players.
Regent’s alumni have been recruited by some of the biggest names in the business:
- Guggenheim
- Christie’s
- MoMA
- Gagosian
- Arte East
- Art Tactic
Graduate visa
After you've completed your course, you may be eligible to apply for a Graduate visa. This enables you to work or look for work in the UK for up to two years after you leave Regent's, without the pressure of having to secure a job immediately.
Careers support
Throughout the MA, you'll be closely supported to navigate careers in the art world. The placement component is very important, giving you networking opportunities, experience in the field and potential job opportunities upon graduation.
Don't worry if you feel overwhelmed – our Careers, Enterprise and Industry team are here to provide personalised advice and access to resources for life!
- 24/7 access to online guidance and resources
- Exclusive internships, networking opportunities and industry events
- Personalised consultations – from interview and CV prep to business advice
- Access to Handshake, connecting you with 650k+ global employers
Influential alumni
Sultan Sooud Al-Quassem founded the Barjeel Art Foundation – an independent initiative established in 2010 to contribute to the intellectual development of the art scene in the Arab region.
Giovanna Traversa co-founded Hatch – a curated platform that supports and promotes emerging artists across non-traditional settings – in 2022, after working for Guggenheim Museum and MoMA.
Olivia Farhat is a Founding Partner at LAS Art, an independent art advisory firm in New York, as well as a Project Manager for Art for Beirut and an Advisor to the Board at ArteEast.
The Regent's Model
We've designed our curriculum for you – expanding your knowledge, skills and thinking with three building blocks:
- Subject Core
- Special Electives
- Common Modules
Read more about how you'll learn and view a list of Special Electives. Please note, all Special Electives are subject to availability.
This is a full-time course, comprising four terms of study.
View your academic calendar.
MA Global Art Markets
Term 1
| Module title | |
|---|---|
| Art Business |
The global art market is estimated to be worth $65 billion in sales (Global Art Market Report 2024) and has now surpassed pre-pandemic levels. This unique marketplace includes expert players, exceptional objects and unique online and in-person transactional platforms which you will analyse and challenge within this module. Key topics explored will include market segmentation, valuation, pricing strategies, benchmarking and global and local trends. You'll also explore how to forecast new markets and segments. Within each of these topics, you'll analyse the roles and responsibilities of the key players transacting globally, in person and online, including collectors, auction houses, commercial galleries and dealers. This module will be based on case study learning with the participation of guest lecturers to provide you with additional perspectives and networking opportunities. You'll also gain special access to art fairs, auction houses and galleries to experience first-hand the vibrancy of today’s art market. |
| Introducing Object Identification: Antiquities to 20th Century | What gives art its value? In Introducing Object Identification, you will study art and collectibles as objects that have been traded over the centuries and around the world. Led by art historians together with market experts, you will examine the cultural contexts, provenance, condition and artistic relevance of art and collectibles that are traded today. The aim of the module is for you to develop a deep understanding of the key drivers for art and collectibles to be in circulation, and to explore how each movement in ownership has a direct impact on an object’s value – from the artist’s studio to the walls of leading museums or private collections. |
| Professional Perspectives | This module will help you to define and develop your professional identity and build career objectives. You'll explore the skills you need to succeed in the contemporary workplaces (including large organisations and start-ups), explore professional communications, project management, collaboration, entrepreneurial and creative thinking, active personal and professional reflection. You’ll also learn strategies for how to plan your career, aware that concepts of work will become increasingly more fluid as time goes on. |
Term 2
| Module title | |
|---|---|
| Consolidating Object Identification: Contemporary and Collectables |
This module follows on from Introducing Object Identification. You'll explore key trading categories, ranging from Old Masters to leading 20th century art movements (including Impressionism, Modern and Post War and Contemporary art) and examine various collectibles, from established categories, including jewellery and watches, classic cars, decorative arts and historical artefacts, to emerging competitive categories including luxury items. From landmark cases to new technologies, this module will explore the legal frameworks and arbitration practices surrounding the art market in the UK and across leading jurisdictions abroad. You'll gain an awareness of the ethical and legal implications involved in transacting in art and collectibles, and you'll be exposed to contract, intellectual property and insurance law – exploring cases that involve restitution, forgeries and fraud, compliance, agency representation and resale rights. You'll also study the implications that new technologies could have on the way authenticity and provenance are protected for art and collectibles. Leading art law experts and practitioners will encourage you to debate decisions on recent cases and develop analytical skills to identify factors that may impact your future transactions. |
| Study Trips |
On your study trips, you'll gain awareness of different attitudes towards the commercialisation of art and how these compare to London as an international hub. During these two inclusive trips, you'll visit local art fairs, auction houses and commercial galleries while also meeting with local collectors and dealers. You'll also be immersed in the local culture and visit private foundations and museums to gain a full understanding of the local art scene within this particular market. Trips may include visits to events such as Art Basel in Switzerland, TEFAF in Maastricht and Biennales in Venice and Sydney – as well as emerging art museums in the Middle East, Asia and America. In the field, you'll conduct research and complete tasks that will culminate in several site-specific reports. Your report will focus on fostering critical thinking and encourage you to express your critical observations, reflections and experiences. |
| Art Markets and Transactions |
From landmark cases to new technologies, this module will explore the legal frameworks and arbitration practices surrounding the art market in the UK and across leading jurisdictions abroad. You will gain an awareness of the ethical and legal implications involved in transacting in art and collectibles today. You will be exposed to contract, intellectual property and insurance law, and explore cases that involve restitution, forgeries and fraud, compliance, agency representation and resale rights. You will also study the implications that new technologies, could have on the way authenticity and provenance are protected for art and collectibles. Leading art law experts and practitioners will encourage you to debate decisions on recent cases and develop analytical skills to identify factors that may impact your future transactions. |
Term 3
| Module title | |
|---|---|
| Placement | In this module, you'll work in the art market – gaining real-world experience, valuable insights and building your networks as you prepare for your career after graduation. The work is intended to challenge you, while providing the opportunity to apply the theoretical knowledge and skills that you have developed during your degree. You'll acquire new knowledge, ideas and cultural awareness, and gain teamwork experience and specialist professional skills you’ll use throughout your career. Through the module, you'll be supported by a placement tutor, who you'll meet with regularly, alongside other students, to reflect upon your placement experiences. |
Term 4
| Module title | |
|---|---|
| Final Major Project | The Final Major Project is the culmination of your master’s course. You'll integrate and apply the knowledge, experiences and thinking you've developed to a project that you conceive and design. Your project should ideally be focused on your next professional steps – it can form part of your portfolio as you move towards work, further study or setting up a new business. It may be based on conducting research, solving a practical problem, or creating an artefact – or it may be a combination of all three. Whichever approach you choose, you will critically record and reflect on your intellectual, creative and investigative processes in detail. While you’ll have the support of your course tutors and an academic supervisor, as a postgraduate student you’ll be expected to develop and prove your ability to operate independently in both academic and professional settings. |
