Career prospects are as open as in any other humanities degree but a substantial number of Courtauld graduates progress to art-related careers. The most common openings are in teaching, curatorial work in galleries and museums, in-house administration and other aspects of the heritage industry and in commercial galleries and auction houses as well as in art publishing and journalism.

Because of the current economic climate, gaining employment in the arts is becoming more difficult but is by no means impossible. Recent Courtauld graduates have gained positions at Christie’s, the Royal Academy of Arts, White Cube, Birkbeck College, Tate and Frieze magazines, the Victoria and Albert Museum, and the National Gallery. Many of our graduates continue to further academic study both at the Institute and other universities in Britain and abroad.

The University of London Careers Group organises a weekly surgery in term-time, which affords you the opportunity to meet with a Careers Adviser to discuss your employment options. The Courtauld's alumni association Courtauld Association of Former Students (CAFS) also hosts an annual careers event featuring alumni working in the arts who give talks about their jobs and career paths.

There are some opportunities for students to gain work experience with The Courtauld during their programmes of study. The libraries and other departments sometimes offer opportunities which will give you exposure to work in areas of the art world and provide you with material for your Personal Development Portfolio.


Personal Development Planning


You will have the opportunity to develop a Personal Development Portfolio during your course. This is a chance to bring together evidence of your experience and expertise to support your academic study. You might include such things as your CV, and details of work experience and extra-curricular activities.

The ultimate responsibility for the establishment and maintenance of a Personal Development Portfolio rests with individual students but you will be given help and encouragement as well as practical advice about to develop a valuable record of your achievements.