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.


EMPLOYABILITY STATEMENT


In May 2010, the British Government’s Coalition Programme signaled its intent to begin publishing more information about the costs, graduate earnings and student satisfaction of university courses.  Each university has therefore been required to publish a statement that summarizes what it offers to their students to support their employability and transition into employment.  Statements are expected to focus on the support available, rather than the employment outcomes themselves, as the latter is already available on the Unistats website.

Career planning and employment

The Courtauld utilizes the services of both Kings College London and the University of London Careers Service, where students can obtain both general advice and support as well as individual attention in a range of services such as interview preparation and CV design.  In addition, a diverse program of careers advising events, led by Courtauld graduates, take place both in the UK and abroad, introducing students to different roles both within and outside the art world. 

Opportunities and support for work experience and placements

The Courtauld’s single undergraduate degree does not include work experience as an accredited part of study, although students are encouraged to seek out work experience through internship and volunteering, both within the sector and also at The Courtauld itself.  The MA in Curating the Art Museum does include work experience as part of the formal assessment of the course.

Courses accredited or endorsed by professional bodies, employers or Sector Skills Councils

The single undergraduate course offered at The Courtauld does not confer any accredited status.  The MA in Curating the Art Museum was created specifically to train the curators of the future, and was designed in conjunction with the museums and galleries sector to meet their needs.

Support for the development of employability within courses

All programmes have generic skills development within them.  At the postgraduate level, employers give guest lectures and have been involved in curriculum design and assessment, most notably in the conservation and curating programmes.

Opportunities for personal development planning and recording achievements

The Courtauld operates an institution-wide scheme to encourage students to keep a record of the personal development during the course of their time at the institution. This will be relaunched in 2010/11 with the introduction of our Virtual Learning Environment.  The student body also designs an annual art exhibition at The Courtauld, and all students are encouraged to participate in this activity.

Support for postgraduates and research students

Postgraduate students receive specialized training according to their individual needs.  To support the development of research skills for doctoral candidates, two formal sessions for all students are held over two weekends during their first two years of registration.

Opportunities for developing employability outside the curriculum

Students and alumni have access to the Courtauld Association Network, a live and online community which enables them to meet others in the art world and discuss their opportunities.

Equality and diversity

The Courtauld Institute of Art is committed to the elimination of all forms of discrimination, and to providing an environment where individuals are treated fairly, with respect and dignity.  This commitment is demonstrated through active promotion of the Institute’s equal opportunities policy, the aim of which is to ensure that no student receives less favourable treatment on the grounds of race, colour, religion, nationality, national or ethnic origin, sex, sexual orientation, transsexualism, marital status, parental or caring responsibilities, disability, age, trade union membership, or beliefs or lawful preferences held privately on any matter including religion, politics, and sex.