You searched for scholarships - Courtauld / Fri, 06 Mar 2026 16:36:37 +0000 en-US hourly 1 https://wordpress.org/?v=6.8.1 Devan Shimoyama in conversation with Alex Bispham and Pia Gottschaller /whats-on/devon-shimoyama-in-conversation-with-jo-applin-alex-bispham-and-pia-gottschaller/ Tue, 03 Feb 2026 12:00:06 +0000 /?post_type=events&p=165838 Join artist Devan Shimoyama for an in conversation on his artistic practice, weaving together popular culture, mythological archetypes, and personal narrative through lavishly embellished surfaces

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Devan Shimoyama is no stranger to excess. The artist crafts his own Black, queer mythology in bright colours and lavishly embellished surfaces. Within his visual lexicon, Shimoyama employs materials like building blocks to construct a space of queer transcendence: glitter, rhinestones, sequins, and fabric.

In his first public talk in the UK, Shimoyama will discuss a range of work that weaves together popular culture, mythological archetypes, and personal narrative. Shimoyama51ݶ Barbershop Project invited members of the public to have their hair cut in a joyous space surrounded by paintings of himself, loved ones, and imagined portraits that reframe the hyper-masculine spaces of his youth. His swing sculptures and hoodies are tributes to victims of racialised gun violence and use silk flowers to evoke spontaneous memorials, celebrating life between permanence and impermanence. The Tarot Series reimagines the twenty-two Major Arcana and takes the artist and the viewer on a “Fool51ݶ journey” via the divinatory cards.

These works seek a through-line between spiritual traditions encompassing his Baptist Christian upbringing, hybrid Black diasporic religions, Egyptian mythology, and more. Nods to popular culture suffuse Shimoyama51ݶ fantasy world, from music (the Princess of R&B, Aaliyah), to poetry (the Jamaican writer Safiya Sinclair), to anime (the television series and manga Sailor Moon). Through these references, he transforms sites of pain into spaces of reverence and remembrance. From folklore to fantasy world-building, Shimoyama amplifies Black queer joy.

Organised by Professor Jo Applin, Alex Bispham, and Dr Pia Gottschaller, as part of the Courtauld Centre for the Art of the Americas.

Speakers:

(b. 1989, Philadelphia) is a multimedia artist based in Pittsburgh, PA, where he has also taught at Carnegie Mellon University. His exhibition Shift is currently on view at Rowan University Art Gallery & Museum. In the United States, his work has been presented in solo exhibitions at the Ulrich Museum of Art, Kavi Gupta Gallery, and the Andy Warhol Museum, as well as at the Kunstpalais Erlangen, CAC Málaga, the Serlachius Museum, Mänttä, and VETA Galeria in Europe.

Alex Bispham is a PhD student at the Courtauld Institute. Working on alternative spirituality, she is seeking to define a queer theory of materials. Devan Shimoyama is among the artists being examined in her thesis, which explores spiritual-artistic practices that disrupt perceived hierarchies of matter/idea, reason/emotion, and high/low art. Alex previously held positions at the J. Paul Getty Museum, the Peggy Guggenheim Collection, and Hôtel Drouot.

Pia Gottschaller is a Reader in Technical Art History at the Courtauld Institute, London, where she teaches across art history, conservation and curating. Prior appointments include Senior Research Specialist at the Getty Conservation Institute, Los Angeles; paintings conservator at Tate, London, and the Whitney Museum of American Art, New York; and Associate Curator at Pinakothek der Moderne, Munich. She is the recipient of a number of research grants and scholarships, most recently from the Getty Foundation (2021). Her monographs, edited volumes and essays focus on modern and contemporary European, US- and Latin American artists and 51ݶs, and her most recent book Unruly Tools: Contemporary Artists and the Reinvention of Painting examines the role of non-conventional tools in global artistic practice.

A mixed-media painting featuring the outlined figure of a person, painted in bright orange hues, with textured hair. A hair clipper is positioned above the head, with its cord, made out of plastic beads, looping around the composition. The background combines wood‑panel textures and light-coloured surfaces. There are costume jewellery elements collaged onto the eyes and cheeks of the figure, as if crying diamonds.
Devan Shimoyama, Kory, 2023, oil, coloured pencil, Flashe, rhinestones, acrylic, collage, jewellery and glitter on canvas stretched over panel, 121.9 x 91.4 cm (48 x 36 in.)

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]]> Day Six /join-and-support/courtauld-fund/day-six/ Sun, 07 Dec 2025 11:00:55 +0000 /?page_id=162576 Hear from Dr Esther Chadwick, Head of History of Art

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Sunday 7 December 2025

With just two days to go to reach our match-fund goal of £75,000, every gift will make a huge difference towards supporting crucial areas of need across the Courtauld.

All donations made to the Courtauld Fund up to midnight on 8 December are being generously matched by the Courtauld Fund Leaders who have pledged to double every pound, dollar, euro you give.

You can double your impact in support of our work, and we can raise £150,000 towards caring for an exceptional art collection, advancing scholarship through world-class teaching and research, and ensuring every student – regardless of background – has the chance to thrive.

Art history teaching is under threat

A new report1 shows a sharp decline in UK schools offering History of Art A-level, with access limited mainly to London and the Southeast. Yet demand is growing, and we believe every young person should have the chance to explore the visual arts. That51ݶ why we’re expanding outreach and funding for students to break down financial barriers.

Here at the Courtauld, teaching art history is at the heart of our mission. From European masterpieces to the arts of Asia, Africa, and the Americas, our world-class faculty inspires students to explore global visual culture in depth. As we prepare to open a new state-of-the-art campus ahead of our centenary in 2032, we’re committed to breaking down barriers and ensuring that future generations can access the transformative power of art history.

Every gift truly makes a difference

Your gift during the Courtauld Fund Challenge Week will help us expand access for schools, inspire young minds through outreach, and fund scholarships for talented students, keeping Samuel Courtauld’s vision of “art for all” alive.

I am supporting this campaign, and I invite you to join me – your gift will keep this vital discipline thriving and accessible for all. Thank you.

Dr Esther Chadwick
Head of History of Art

Other ways to give

Alternatively, you can post a cheque made payable to ‘51ݶ Fund’ to: Advancement Office, The Courtauld, Somerset House, Strand, London WC2R 0RN

For donation enquiries, please contact our development team on 020 3947 7777 or email giving@courtauld.ac.uk

American donors can give via the American Foundation for 51ݶ (AFCIA) website at

2025 Courtauld Fund Leaders

TrinityBridge – for their lead gift in support of this campaign
Ambrose and Ann Appelbe Trust
Stuart Lochhead and Sophie Richard
John Wilson (PhD 1992; MA 1984) and Annasue McCleave Wilson
The Zena Trust

The Courtauld would also like to thank all those who wish to remain anonymous.

51ݶ Fund, a registered charity no. 288509.

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]]> Day Three /join-and-support/courtauld-fund/day-three/ Sat, 06 Dec 2025 19:58:05 +0000 /?page_id=162559 Hear from Hannah Snyder, Students’ Union President

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Thursday 4 December 2025

This week, every gift to the Courtauld Fund Challenge will be matched by our Courtauld Fund Leaders, up to £75,000. This means together we can raise £150,000 in just seven days, our biggest goal ever!

The Courtauld Institute, an independent college of the University of London, offers world-renowned degrees in art history, conservation, curation, and art business. Our graduates go on to lead museums, galleries, and cultural institutions worldwide, reflecting the Courtauld51ݶ enduring legacy of excellence and influence.

Our graduates of the future need your support now

Living in London is expensive, a recent student survey1 found the average student rent now exceeds the maximum student loan. After paying for accommodation, travels and essentials such as food, students on an average loan are £96 in debt each week, which adds up to £3,840 a year. Many students take on extra work to help cover their core costs, which often has a negative impact on their studies and emotional wellbeing.

Every gift makes a difference

Your support helps our students thrive. Here’s what we can achieve together if we reach our goal of £150,000:

£1,000 – £3,000 funds a Courtauld Bursary
£10,000 – £25,000 supports a Courtauld Scholarship
£50,000 would underwrite our Emergency Support Fund

If 30 people gave £100, we’d raise £3,000 – enough to fund a Courtauld Bursary.

Whatever you can give, you’ll help provide scholarships, bursaries, and emergency support so talented students succeed, whatever their background.

Join me and donate to the Courtauld Fund Challenge today.

Thank you for standing with our students.

Hannah Snyder (BA 2025)
Courtauld Students’ Union President

Other ways to give

Alternatively, you can post a cheque made payable to ‘51ݶ Fund’ to: Advancement Office, The Courtauld, Somerset House, Strand, London WC2R 0RN

For donation enquiries, please contact our development team on 020 3947 7777 or email giving@courtauld.ac.uk

American donors can give via the American Foundation for 51ݶ (AFCIA) website at

2025 Courtauld Fund Leaders

TrinityBridge – for their lead gift in support of this campaign
Ambrose and Ann Appelbe Trust
Stuart Lochhead and Sophie Richard
John Wilson (PhD 1992; MA 1984) and Annasue McCleave Wilson
The Zena Trust

The Courtauld would also like to thank all those who wish to remain anonymous.

51ݶ Fund, a registered charity no. 288509.

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]]> Courtauld publishes the findings of a new report by the Association for Art History /news-blogs/2025/courtauld-association-for-art-history-report/ Thu, 27 Nov 2025 11:02:00 +0000 /?p=161606 The post Courtauld publishes the findings of a new report by the Association for Art History appeared first on Courtauld.

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The Courtauld has today published the findings of a new report by the Association for Art History on the status of art history teaching in UK secondary schools. The report found that:

  • Over the past decade, the number of schools offering History of Art A-level has fallen by 34%, from 122 institutions in 2016 to 80 today.
  • Of the 80 institutions currently offering the A-level, only 19 are state or non-fee-paying schools.
  • There is a significant disparity in geographic provision: within the UK, the subject is offered only in England, with courses concentrated in London and the Southeast, with the North and Southwest severely underrepresented.
  • Despite fewer providers, student numbers have risen, with a 42% increase in A-level candidates between 2019 and 2025, reaching the highest levels since 2016.
  • University enrolment in art history courses has remained stable, showing greater resilience than in some other arts and humanities subjects.
  • Financial pressures threaten the continuation of some school-level History of Art programmes, potentially reversing the recent upward trend in student participation.

The Courtauld has announceda commitment toworkwith nationaleducationand philanthropicpartners tobroaden access to art history forsecondaryschool childrenin the UKin the lead-up to the opening of the new campus, building on Samuel Courtauld51ݶ founding vision of ‘art for all’.This will enrich the Courtauld51ݶexistingworkinbroadeningaccess to its collection andteachingfor young people,through programmes such asitssummer universityandschoolstours andworkshops.

Supporting this drive toincreaseaccess, the Courtauld is creating anew fundthataims todramatically increase the number of scholarships and bursaries it offersto students. Thisscholarshipfund willbreak down the financial barriers that preventtalentedyoung peoplefromaccessing the Courtauld51ݶ world-class teachingand provide students with life-changing opportunities to advance their knowledge of the visual arts.

Professor Mark Hallett,MäritRausing Director of the Courtauld, said:  “The Courtauld is deeply committed to opening up the understanding and appreciation of art to people of all ages and from all backgrounds. As part of this mission, we look forward to taking a leading role in expanding access to art history at school level in the UK. Art distils and explores the most profound forms of human experience, and we want to ensure that future generations of schoolchildren appreciate the extraordinary benefits of studying the history of art across different periods, including our own.”

Download the report

Association for Art History report 2025

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]]> Courtauld announces plans for new world class campus /news-blogs/2025/courtauld-announces-plans-for-new-world-class-campus/ Thu, 27 Nov 2025 10:58:00 +0000 /?p=161599 The post Courtauld announces plans for new world class campus appeared first on Courtauld.

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Today, the Courtauld is delighted to announce plans to create a new world-class campus at Somerset House in London, a major development which will strengthen our position as a leading global centre for the visual arts. 

The Courtauld,founded in 1932 byphilanthropist and collectorSamuel Courtauld,is aninternationally renownedcentre fortheteaching andresearch ofart history,conservationand curation, and is home to one of the world51ݶgreatest art collections.

As the Courtauld approaches its centenary, this next milestone in our history will see a once-in-a-generation transformation of our historic Grade I listed building at Somerset House, creating a flexible, state-of-the-art campus and securing the Courtauld’s legacy for the next 100 years.

With a masterplan by 2025RIBAStirling Prize-winning architectsWitherfordWatson Mann,and designed in collaboration with Purcell and Lawson Ward Studio, thenew Courtauld Campus is expected to open in 2029.

Witherford Watson Mann completed the major transformation of the Courtauld Gallery in theNorthWingofSomerset House in 2021.This new phaseof developmentwill focus on upgrading and expanding the Courtauld’s remaining space at Somerset House,which willbe newly connectedto a suite of neighbouring townhouses on152-158 Strand. The project will secure the long-term future of these townhouses and see theirhistoricfaçadesbeing elegantly restored.The Courtauld Institute and Gallery willbe reunited, bringingthe Courtauld51ݶstudents, staff,arthistorians, conservators, curators,visitorsandartcollectiontogetherunder one roof.

The new campus will open directly onto the Strand, connecting the Courtauld to an exciting new cultural and intellectual quarter in the heart ofthe city,alongsideits partnerKing51ݶ CollegeLondon.The campuswill include flexible, modern teaching spaces, a new lecture theatre, and aspectacularlibrary withinSomerset House51ݶhistoric subterranean vaults. 

The development comes at a time when the Courtauld is expanding into new areas of teaching and research, increasing its focus on global geographies such as the Americas, the African diaspora and the arts of Asia. The Courtauld51ݶ curriculum also encompasses the art of Iran and Islam, China and India, whilst maintaining the Institute51ݶ traditional excellence in European art history. The Courtauld has also recently launched a series of new MA programmes, including an MA in Art and Business and an MA in Curating, as it seeks to meet the evolving needs of students and the professional art world.

The Courtauld is also today publishing the findings of a new report by the Association for Art History on the status of art history teaching in UK secondary schools. The report found that:

  • Over the past decade, the number of schools offering History of Art A-level has fallen by 34%, from 122 institutions in 2016 to80today.
  • Of the 80 institutions currently offering the A-level, only 19 are state or non-fee-paying schools.
  • There is a significant disparity in geographic provision: within the UK, the subject is offered only in England, with courses concentrated in London and the Southeast, with the North and Southwest severely underrepresented.
  • Despite fewer providers, student numbers have risen, with a 42% increase in A-level candidates between 2019 and 2025, reaching the highest levels since 2016.
  • University enrolment in art history courses has remained stable, showing greater resilience than in some other arts and humanities subjects.
  • Financial pressures threaten the continuation of some school-level History of Art programmes, potentially reversing the recent upward trend in student participation.

The Courtauld has announceda commitment toworkwith nationaleducationand philanthropicpartners tobroaden access to art history forsecondaryschool childrenin the UKin the lead-up to the opening of the new campus, building on Samuel Courtauld51ݶ founding vision of ‘art for all’.This will enrich the Courtauld51ݶexistingworkinbroadeningaccess to its collection andteachingfor young people,through programmes such asitssummer universityandschoolstours andworkshops.

Supporting this drive toincreaseaccess, the Courtauld is creating anew fundthataims todramatically increase the number of scholarships and bursaries it offersto students. Thisscholarshipfund willbreak down the financial barriers that preventtalentedyoung peoplefromaccessing the Courtauld51ݶ world-class teachingand provide students with life-changing opportunities to advance their knowledge of the visual arts.

Professor Mark Hallett,MäritRausing Director of the Courtauld, said:  “We are thrilled to announce our plans for a world-class campus for the Courtauld, which will provide our students, staff and visitors with a beautiful and stimulating environment in which to learn about the visual arts.

The Courtauld is also deeply committed to opening up the understanding and appreciation of art to people of all ages and from all backgrounds. As part of this mission, we look forward to taking a leading role in expanding access to art history at school level in the UK. Art distils and explores the most profound forms of human experience, and we want to ensure that future generations of schoolchildren appreciate the extraordinary benefits of studying the history of art across different periods, including our own”.

StephenWitherford, Director ofWitherfordWatson Mann Architects, said:“Our work with the Courtauld has focused on transforming their relationship to the inherited rooms at Somerset House by reimagining the spatial relationships between their teaching, research, collections, and conservation work to radically enhance the collective experience of their students, staff, and audiences. This next phase of the project, delivered in collaboration with Purcell and Lawson Ward Studio Architects, will realise this vision across an expanded, open and more accessible campus.”

The new campus project is made possible through the recent visionary gift from the Reuben Foundation and the generous long-standing support of the Blavatnik Family Foundation. Additional transformational support is provided by the Deborah Loeb Brice Foundation, the Clore Duffield Foundation, the Garfield Weston Foundation, Oak Foundation, The Julia Rausing Trust, Rothschild Foundation, Georgia and David Winter and the Wolfson Foundation. The Courtauld is most grateful to these foundational supporters, alongside others who have already committed to the redevelopment of our home at Somerset House.

Rendering of the new Courtauld Institute entrance. Image: Secchi Smith
Rendering of the Blavatnik Reading Room in the Courtauld Institute Library. Image: Secchi Smith

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]]> Courtauld announces plans for new London campus and commitment to broadening access to art history across the UK /about-us/press-office/press-releases/courtauld-announces-plans-for-new-london-campus/ Thu, 27 Nov 2025 09:00:50 +0000 /?page_id=166952 The post Courtauld announces plans for new London campus and commitment to broadening access to art history across the UK appeared first on Courtauld.

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Press imagesare available to download here:

The Courtauld today announced plans to create a new world-class campus at Somerset House in London, a major development which will strengthen the Courtauld51ݶ position as a leading global centre for the visual arts. 

The Courtauld, founded in 1932 by philanthropist and collector Samuel Courtauld, is an internationally renowned centre for the teaching and research of art history, conservation and curation, and is home to one of the world51ݶ greatest art collections.

As it approaches its centenary, this next milestone in the Courtauld51ݶ history will see a once-in-a-generation transformation of its historic Grade I listed building at Somerset House, creating a flexible, state-of-the-art campus and securing its legacy for the next 100 years.

With a masterplan by 2025RIBAStirling Prize-winning architectsWitherfordWatson Mann,and designed in collaboration with Purcell and Lawson Ward Studio, thenew Courtauld Campus is expected to open in 2029.

Witherford Watson Mann completed the major transformation of the Courtauld Gallery in the North Wing of Somerset House in 2021. This new phase of development will focus on upgrading and expanding the Courtauld’s remaining space at Somerset House, which will be newly connected to a suite of neighbouring townhouses on 152-158 Strand. The project will secure the long-term future of these townhouses and see their historic façades being elegantly restored. The Courtauld Institute and Gallery will be reunited, bringing the Courtauld51ݶ students, staff, art historians, conservators, curators, visitors and art collection together under one roof.

The new campus will open directly onto the Strand, connecting the Courtauld to an exciting new cultural and intellectual quarter in the heart of the city, alongside its partner King51ݶ College London. The campus will include flexible, modern teaching spaces, a new lecture theatre, and a spectacular library within Somerset House51ݶ historic subterranean vaults.

The development comes at a time when the Courtauld is expanding into new areas of teaching and research, increasing its focus on global geographies such as the Americas, the African diaspora and the arts of Asia. The Courtauld51ݶ curriculum also encompasses the art of Iran and Islam, China and India, whilst maintaining the Institute51ݶ traditional excellence in European art history. The Courtauld has also recently launched a series of new MA programmes, including an MA in Art and Business and an MA in Curating, as it seeks to meet the evolving needs of students and the professional art world.

The new campus project is made possible through the recent visionary gift from the Reuben Foundation and the generous long-standing support of the Blavatnik Family Foundation. Additional transformational support is provided by the Deborah Loeb Brice Foundation, the Clore Duffield Foundation, the Garfield Weston Foundation, Oak Foundation, The Julia Rausing Trust, Rothschild Foundation, Georgia and David Winter and the Wolfson Foundation. The Courtauld is most grateful to these foundational supporters, alongside others who have already committed to the redevelopment of our home at Somerset House.

Rendering of the new Courtauld Institute entrance. Image: Secchi Smith
Rendering of the Blavatnik Reading Room in the Courtauld Institute Library. Image: Secchi Smith

The Courtauld is also today publishing the findings of a new report by the Association for Art History on the status of art history teaching in UK secondary schools. The report found that:

  • Over the past decade, the number of schools offering History of Art A-level has fallen by 34%, from 122 institutions in 2016 to 80 today.
  • Of the 80 institutions currently offering the A-level, only 19 are state or non-fee-paying schools.
  • There is a significant disparity in geographic provision: within the UK, the subject is offered only in England, with courses concentrated in London and the Southeast, with the North and Southwest severely underrepresented.
  • Despite fewer providers, student numbers have risen, with a 42% increase in A-level candidates between 2019 and 2025, reaching the highest levels since 2016.
  • University enrolment in art history courses has remained stable, showing greater resilience than in some other arts and humanities subjects.
  • Financial pressures threaten the continuation of some school-level History of Art programmes, potentially reversing the recent upward trend in student participation.

The Courtauld has announceda commitment toworkwith nationaleducationand philanthropicpartners tobroaden access to art history forsecondaryschool childrenin the UKin the lead-up to the opening of the new campus, building on Samuel Courtauld51ݶ founding vision of ‘art for all’.This will enrich the Courtauld51ݶexistingworkinbroadeningaccess to its collection andteachingfor young people,through programmes such asitssummer universityandschoolstours andworkshops.

Supporting this drive toincreaseaccess, the Courtauld is creating anew fundthataims todramatically increase the number of scholarships and bursaries it offersto students. Thisscholarshipfund willbreak down the financial barriers that preventtalentedyoung peoplefromaccessing the Courtauld51ݶ world-class teachingand provide students with life-changing opportunities to advance their knowledge of the visual arts.

Professor Mark Hallett,MäritRausing Director of the Courtauld, said: “We are thrilled to announce our plans for a world-class campus for the Courtauld, which will provide our students,staffand visitorswith abeautiful and stimulating environment in which tolearn about the visual arts.The Courtauld isalso deeply committed toopening upthe understanding and appreciation of art topeopleof all agesand from all backgrounds.As part of this mission, we look forward to takinga leading roleinexpanding access to art history at school levelin the UK. Artdistils and exploresthe most profound forms of human experience, and we want to ensure that future generations of schoolchildrenappreciatethe extraordinary benefits of studyingthe history of artacrossdifferentperiods, including our own”.

StephenWitherford, Director ofWitherfordWatson Mann Architects, said:“Our work with the Courtauld has focused on transforming their relationship to the inherited rooms at Somerset House by reimagining the spatial relationships between their teaching, research, collections, and conservation work to radically enhance the collective experience of their students, staff, and audiences. This next phase of the project, delivered in collaboration with Purcell and Lawson Ward Studio Architects, will realise this vision across an expanded,openand more accessible campus”.

Media Contacts:

Bolton & Quinn 
erica@boltonquinn.com
0207 221 5000
07711 698 186 

The dzܰٲܱ 
/about-us/press-office/
media@courtauld.ac.uk į

Notes to Editors: 

dzܰٲܱ 
The Courtauld works to advance how we see and understand the visual arts, as an internationally renowned centre for the teaching and research of art history and a major public gallery. Founded by collectors and philanthropists in 1932, the organisation has been at the forefront of the study of art ever since through advanced research and conservation practice, innovative teaching, the renowned collection and inspiring exhibitions of its gallery, and engaging and accessible activities, education and events. 

The CourtauldGallerycares for one of the greatest art collections in the UK, presenting these works to the public atthe Courtauld Gallery in central London, as well as through loans and partnerships. The Gallery is most famous for its iconic Impressionist and Post-Impressionist masterpieces – such as Van Gogh51ݶSelf-Portrait with Bandaged Earand Manet51ݶA Bar at theFolies-Bergère. It showcases these alongside an internationally renowned collection of works from the Middle Ages and the Renaissance through to the present day. 

Academically, the Courtauld Institute is the largest community of art historians and conservators in the UK, teaching and conducting research on subjects ranging from creativity in late Antiquity to contemporary digital art forms – with an increasingly global focus. An independent college of the University of London, the Courtauld offers a range of degree programmes from BA to PhD in the History of Art, curating, art and business and the conservation of easel and wall paintings. 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. 

Founded on the belief that everyone should have the opportunity to engage with art, the Courtauld works to increase understanding of the role of art throughout history, across all societies and geographies, and to champion its importance in the present day. This could be through exhibitions offering a chance to look closely at world-famous works; events bringing art history research to new audiences; accessible short courses; digital engagement, innovative school, family, and community programmes; or taking a formal qualification. The Courtauld51ݶ ambition is to transform access to art history education, ensuring as many people as possible can benefit from the tools it offers to better understand the visual world around us.

The Courtauld is an exempt charity and relies on generous philanthropic support to achieve its mission of advancing the understanding of the visual arts of the past and present across the world through advanced research, innovative teaching, inspiring exhibitions, programmes and collections. 

The collection cared for bythe Courtauld Galleryis ownedby the Samuel Courtauld Trust. 

AboutWitherfordWatson Mann Architects

Witherford Watson Mann Architects started off their collaboration, more than twenty years ago, with a series of walks through the edges of London; since then, they have approached every project as an open-ended enquiry. Witherford Watson Mann Architects work with what they find, turning the constraints of inherited situations into surprising opportunities. They develop designs in conversation with their clients, helping progressive institutions do more of what they excel at. Combining imagination with collaboration has led to an exceptional level of ambition, the significance of which has been recognised with two RIBA Stirling Prizes: Appleby Blue Almshouse (2025), reimagining independent urban living for older people; and Astley Castle (2013), a bold entwining of past and present. Appleby Blue also won the 2025 RIBA Neave Brown Award for Social Housing and was the overall winner across all categories of the 2024 Housing Design Awards.

In addition, Witherford Watson Mann Architects’ re-imagination of the Courtauld Institute of Art in the Grade 1 Listed Somerset House and theatre for Nevill Holt Opera, built within the courtyard of an historic stable block, were shortlisted for the 2023 and 2019 RIBA Stirling Prizes respectively. Three of their projects won the ‘Stirling Prize People’s Vote’.

WitherfordWatson Mann Architectshave transformed existing buildings for Amnesty International UK, the Whitechapel Gallery, Arts Council England and Clare College, Cambridge. Strategic projects at the city scale include the Walthamstow Wetlands, Bankside UrbanForestand Olympic Park Legacy Plan.Theycontinue to work with extraordinary institutions on re-imagining them in their buildings with the second phase of the Courtauld Institute of Art, Albany TheatreDeptfordand Royal College of Art51ݶ home in Kensington all underway.

About Lawson Ward Studio

Established in 2020 by Hannah Lawson and Georgina Ward, Lawson Ward Studio is a London-based architecture and design practice recognised for thoughtful and collaborative design. The studio works across cultural,educationaland residential projects, from small-scale refurbishments to major new developments, with a particular focus on the reinvention of existing buildings through careful remodelling or dramatic intervention.

Clients include the Courtauld Institute of Art, The National Gallery, The Science Museum, The Natural History Museum, The Wallace Collection, the British Film Institute and the Warwick Schools Foundation, alongside a range of private clients and developers. Recent work includes the Roden Centre for Creative Learning at The National Gallery, currently shortlisted for an AJ Award.

Lawson Ward Studio is committed to delivering architecture that is collaborative, context-driven and rooted in ideas of place, space,materialand light – resulting in work thatis considered, meaningful and enduring.

About Purcell

Purcell is an international practice of architects, masterplanners and heritage consultants, trusted for its expertise in conserving and reimagining the world51ݶ most significant historic places. Founded in 1947, the practice pioneered the post-war conservation 51ݶ and continue to champion adaptive reuse as a pathway to a sustainable, low-carbon future.

With a conservation-first mindset, Purcell combines design excellence with technical rigour to deliver inclusive, planet-positive solutions. Its award-winning portfolio includes the National Gallery51ݶ Sainsbury Wing with Selldorf Architects; Manchester Town Hall; the Wallace Collection masterplan; and twice nominated for the Stirling Prize for National Portrait Gallery with Jamie Fobert Architects and the 2025 Stirling Prize-nominated Elizabeth Tower.

With 14 studios (10 across the UK and four in Asia Pacific) – Purcell is proud to be a Certified B Corporation®, ranked No.1 for Heritage in the World Architecture 100 and recognised for creating places that celebrate heritage while making space for new stories to unfold.

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]]> Denmark /explore-our-courses/international-students/international-entry-requirements/denmark/ Tue, 28 Oct 2025 09:43:30 +0000 /?page_id=147090 The post Denmark appeared first on Courtauld.

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51ݶ51ݶ globally-focused curriculum is reflected in its diverse student body. We encourage applicants from all over the world to apply for one of our esteemed programmes.

Entry requirements for students applying from Denmark

Undergraduate Entry Requirements

We will accept either:

  • Award of the Studentereksamen with an overall average of 7 with high level subjects at 10,7,7
  • Award of the Højere Forberedelseseksamen with an overall average of 7 with high level subjects at 10,7,7

Postgraduate Entry Requirements

  • The award of Bachelor’s degree from a recognised institution with a minimum of 7/12 or 7/13 overall
  • Equivalent to a good 2:1 in a UK first degree

If your country51ݶ qualifications are not listed, please contact us atinternational@courtauld.ac.uk– we will be happy to provide a grade equivalency

English Language Requirements

  • International English Language Testing System Academic (IELTS Academic / for UKVI) with an overall bandwidth of 7.0 or above, with no less than 6.5 in Reading and Writing (must betaken within 2 years of the start of the programme)
  • Cambridge English C1 Advanced: 185 overall with a minimum of 176 in Reading and Writing
  • Cambridge English C2 Proficiency: 185 overall with a minimum of 176 in Reading and Writing

Please visit the English Language Requirements page for more information and criteria, as well as further foreign language requirements.

Funding for Danish Applicants

Information on financial support for international students can be found here.

Fundraising.how

is an external organisation that provides comprehensive guides and articles on art scholarships and funding opportunities for Scandinavian students, offering detailed information on eligibility, application processes, and tips for success.

Please visit their website for further information.

Have a question about studying at the Courtauld? Contact the International Team today

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]]> Norway /explore-our-courses/international-students/international-entry-requirements/norway/ Tue, 28 Oct 2025 09:35:35 +0000 /?page_id=147409 The post Norway appeared first on Courtauld.

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51ݶ51ݶ globally focused curriculum is reflected in its diverse student body. We encourage applicants from all over the world to apply for one of our esteemed programmes.

Entry requirements for students applying from Norway

Undergraduate Entry Requirements

  • Award of the Vitnemal fra den Videregaende Skole with an average of 4.3 in the common core subjects and grades 5,4 in two relevant final year subjects

Postgraduate Entry Requirements

  • The award of a Bachelor’s degree (Bachelorgrad) from a recognised institution with a minimum of B overall.
  • Equivalent to a good 2:1 in a UK first degree

If your country51ݶ qualifications are not listed, please contact us at international@courtauld.ac.uk – we will be happy to provide a grade equivalency.

English Language Requirements

  • International English Language Testing System Academic (IELTS Academic / for UKVI) with an overall bandwidth of 7.0 or above, with no less than 6.5 in Reading and Writing (must betaken within 2 years of the start of the programme)
  • Cambridge English C1 Advanced: 185 overall with a minimum of 176 in Reading and Writing
  • Cambridge English C2 Proficiency: 185 overall with a minimum of 176 in Reading and Writing

Please visit the English Language Requirements page for more information and criteria, as well as further foreign language requirements.

Funding for Norwegian Applicants

Information on financial support for international students can be foundhere.

Fundraising.how

provides comprehensive guides and articles on art scholarships and funding opportunities for Scandinavian students, offering detailed information on eligibility, application processes, and tips for success.

Have a question about studying at the Courtauld? Contact the International Team today

The post Norway appeared first on Courtauld.

]]> Sweden /explore-our-courses/international-students/international-entry-requirements/sweden/ Tue, 28 Oct 2025 09:32:12 +0000 /?page_id=147462 The post Sweden appeared first on Courtauld.

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51ݶ51ݶ globally focused curriculum is reflected in its diverse student body. We encourage applicants from all over the world to apply for one of our esteemed programmes.

Entry requirements for students applying from Sweden

Undergraduate Entry Requirements

  • Award of the Fullstandigt Slutbetyg fran Gymnasasieskolan /Avgangsbetyg with B in at least 1000 points, plus B or C in a further 1000 points to include B in relevant subjects

Postgraduate Entry Requirements

  • The award of a Bachelor’s degree (Kandidatexamen) from a recognised institution with a minimum of BA /4 (5U scale) or B / Very Good (AF scale), or BA / Pass with Credit (UM scale) overall.
  • Equivalent to a good 2:1 in a UK first degree.

If your country51ݶ qualifications are not listed, please contact us at international@courtauld.ac.uk – we will be happy to provide a grade equivalency.

English Language Requirements

  • International English Language Testing System Academic (IELTS Academic / for UKVI) with an overall bandwidth of 7.0 or above, with no less than 6.5 in Reading and Writing (must betaken within 2 years of the start of the programme)
  • Cambridge English C1 Advanced: 185 overall with a minimum of 176 in Reading and Writing
  • Cambridge English C2 Proficiency: 185 overall with a minimum of 176 in Reading and Writing

Please visit the English Language Requirements page for more information and criteria, as well as further foreign language requirements.

Funding for Swedish Applicants

Information on financial support for international students can be foundhere.

Fundraising.how

provides comprehensive guides and articles on art scholarships and funding opportunities for Scandinavian students, offering detailed information on eligibility, application processes, and tips for success.

Have a question about studying at the Courtauld? Contact the International Team today

The post Sweden appeared first on Courtauld.

]]> Student Visa Guidance /explore-our-courses/international-students/applying-for-a-student-visa-guidance/ Tue, 21 Oct 2025 13:48:22 +0000 /?page_id=149821 Information on Student Visa eligibility, the process to apply, and visa options post-study.

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Please be aware that UKVI visa policy is subject to change, and changes often. You should also check the page for the most up-to-date information.

Generally speaking, if you are normally resident outside of the UK, and you do not hold UK citizenship you will require a Student Visa in order to enter the UK as a student. You will need to have made an application for a visa and be granted entry clearance as a student before travelling to the UK.

Further to this:

  • You must hold anUnconditional Offerto study aFull-Timecourse
  • You must be able to demonstrate your ability to follow the course (via your academic record and command of the English language)
  • You must be able to demonstrate that you have enough money to meet the total costs of your study

If you believe this may apply to you and hold an offer to study here at the Courtauld Institute, you will need to undertake take the following steps in order to apply for visa outside of the UK, though further, detailed information will be provided upon receipt of your CAS.

EU/EEA/Swiss Nationals

Students with Pre-Settled or Settled Status

If you hold a relevant status under the EU Settlement Scheme (EUSS) you will be able to continue to live, work and study in the UK without restrictions whilst you hold valid Pre-Settled/Settled Status.

Presuming you hold valid Pre-settled/Settled status, you will not be required to take any further action to regulate your immigration permission to be in the UK, though be aware that we will require evidence of your status at enrolment.

Full information on your rights as a Pre-Settled/Settled student can be found on . It is extremely important that you are familiar with the rules governing Pre-Settled and Settled Status so as not to forfeit your rights to live and study in the UK.

Applying for a Student Visa

Please consult for full information on the student route visa application process.

The process can be summarised as follows:
1. Receive an unconditional offer from the Courtauld Institute, pay your deposit and (where applicable) submit all required financial and English language documents.
2. Receive your unique CAS letter (including CAS number) from the Courtauld Institute.
3. Apply for the student route visa.

Unconditional Offer

Once you have met all conditions of your offer to study with us, paid your deposit and had your place on one of our courses confirmed, you will be made an unconditional offer to study at the Courtauld.

Please note that although an unconditional offer confirms you have met the academic requirements of your chosen course, it does not guarantee that you will be issued a CAS – this is a separate process that may require additional documentation, in line with the UKVI51ݶ requirements.

If you don’t meet the requirements for a CAS you will be unable to apply for a student route visa.

Academic conditions

Your offer email will include details of the academic conditions you must meet before we can consider your place as unconditional. Please ensure that you submit all required documentation to us by no later than 14th August. Without these documents we are unable to make you an unconditional offer or issue your CAS letter.

English language conditions

We may have asked you to prove your English language ability through a Secure English Language Test (SELT) as part of our offer conditions. These results should be submitted to the Courtauld once they have been achieved.

The UKVI may also ask to see evidence of your English language ability when you apply for your visa, so make sure your SELT results are available once you begin the application process.

Please note that the new IELTS Online test is not suitable for immigration purposes. If you intend to use an IELTS qualification to prove your English language ability, please ensure you register for the test.

Confirmation of Acceptance for Studies (CAS)

Once you have received an unconditional offer to study at the Courtauld, we will begin the process of issuing your CAS letter. As part of this process, we may ask you for further information that was not supplied as part of your application to our programmes.

Financial evidence

We may ask you to prove that you are able to afford the tuition fees for your course, and the living expenses to study in London. Please see the UKVI website for more information.

UKVI calculates the London living costs to be £1,483 per month for up to 9 months, totalling £13,347. This includes all costs; rent, food, transport and entertainment.

You will only need to show evidence of funds for your first year of study.

If you have already been in the UK on a visa for more than 1 year you do not need to provide financial evidence.

You may be asked to provide:

  • Bank statements showing enough funds to cover living costs and tuition fees (excluding payments already made, i.e. your £1,000 deposit). These funds must be in account for 28 consecutive days, with end of this period being within 31 days of your visa application.
  • The funds must be in an account that you have access to. Accounts that hold funds to a certain date (prior to your joining us) or don’t allow immediate withdrawals are not accepted.
  • If the account is in your parent/legal guardian’s name, your birth certificate or official documentation confirming your relationship will be required. A letter from the account holder confirming that you have access to their funds for your study will also be required.

The UKVI may also ask to see proof of funds, so make sure your financial evidence is available once you begin the application process.

Please see the UKVI website for more information.

CAS number

Once all documents have been approved and you hold an unconditional offer, the Courtauld will issue a CAS letter including your CAS number.

You will need to include your CAS number in the application for your student visa.

CAS issuance typically commences from the month of May onwards, for that year’s respective intake.

Application Process

Applications must be made via .

You can apply for your visa up to 6 months prior to the start of your course if you are applying from outside the UK, or up to 3 months if applying from inside the UK.

UKVI Checklist

As part of your application process, UKVI will ask for:

Passport:

  • Should ideally be valid for entire duration of course.
  • Must be valid for at least six months from the course start date, e.g. if your course starts in September 2026, the passport you use to apply for your visa must be valid until at least March 2027.
  • You may be required to post to a visa office. The average turnaround time is 3 weeks but please check local guidance as this can vary. We recommend usingtracked/recorded delivery if posting your passport.

Visa application fee:

  • The cost to apply for a student visa is £524.

Immigration health surcharge (IHS):

  • The cost of the IHS is £776 per year.
  • Entitles you to use the UK healthcare system (NHS).
  • .

SELT:

  • .

Academic qualifications:

  • You may need to show proof of the academic qualifications used to apply to the Courtauld.

Proof of finance:

  • See CAS section above for the types of documents you may be asked to provide as part of your visa application.

Confirmation letter if financially sponsored:

  • Proof of any educational loans you are receiving to study from an external body.
  • Note: Courtauld scholarships do not count as sponsorship.

Letter from parents/guardians:

  • If you are receiving financial support from parents/guardians, you may need to prove you have access to the required funds – see CAS section above.

Parent/guardian consent if under-18:

  • A letter confirming you have the permission of your parent/guardian to study if you are under 18.

Tuberculosis test:

  • Depending on the country you are from, or live/have lived in.
  • This is subject to exceptions – please for a list of countries that require a tuberculosis test.

CAS:

  • Issued by the Courtauld – see CAS section above for required documents.

Additional requirements

Biometric information

  • You may be asked to visit a local visa office to have biometric information recorded.
  • Staff may take a digital photograph of your face, scan your fingerprints, and ask you to provide a signature.

Additional ID photo

  • You may be asked to provide an extra passport-style photo.

UKVI interview

  • UKVI may ask you to attend a ‘spot check’ interview – this does not signify that there is an issue with your application.
  • The purpose of the interview is to assess the genuineness of applicants, so the process usually involves questions about your immigration history, educational background, financial situation, and reasons for choosing the UK and your specific programme.
Student visa durations for a single course
TYPE OF COURSE LENGTH OF COURSE LENGTH OF VISA
Degree level and above 12 months or more Full course duration plus four months
Degree level and above 6 to 12 months Full course duration plus two months

Key Deadlines

CAS issuance – commencing from May 2026.

Offer condition submission deadline – 14th August 2026.

Welcome Week – TBC

Semester 1 – TBC

Graduate Visa (Post-Study)

Permission to stay under the Graduate route will enable international students to work or look for work after their studies for 2 years (18 months for those applying for a Graduate visa after 1 January 2027), or 3 years for PhD students. The work can be in any sector and at any level without any minimum salary requirements or the need for visa sponsorship.

Students studying on a Student visa will need to make an application in the UK to be granted permission under the route after successful completion of their degree. A Graduate Visa is not an entitlement for all students on a Student visa but students will need to become eligible to apply.

.

Graduate Visa Guidance

Eligibility Requirements

To be eligible to apply for a Graduate visa, you will need to:

  • hold a current Student visa;

Not all courses at the Courtauld are eligible for student visa sponsorship and therefore will not be eligible for the Graduate route. PhD graduates with permission under the Doctorate Extension Scheme are not eligible to apply for a Graduate visa.

  • have studied a Bachelors, Masters or PhD at the Courtauld;

The Courtauld Graduate Diploma in the History of Art course is not eligible to apply for a Graduate visa.

  • have successfully completed your degree;

You are considered to have successfully completed your degree for the purpose of applying for the Graduate visa once you have received your final results by email (‘Confirmation of Results’ email sent from assessment.no-reply@courtauld.ac.uk email address) and forwarded the confirmation email to Admissions Team (pgadmissions@courtauld.ac.uk). It does not mean you need to have attended a graduation ceremony.

You need to have completed the degree for which your Student visa was granted.

After forwarding the confirmation email to Admissions Team, you will need to wait until you have received a reply from the Team confirming we have notified UK Visas and Immigration (UKVI) of your successful completion before you can apply for the Graduate visa. See the section on ‘When can I apply?’.

As discussed, I would like to add a text regarding a Graduate visa, when extension requests are granted for international students.
Please note students who are not able to complete required assessments (i.e. final submission or exam) by the original end date in their CAS due to an extension may not be eligible to apply for the Graduate visa; as this depends on when their final ratified results will be approved by the Academic Board. Students will become ineligible to apply for the Graduate Visa if final grades become available after their current visa expiry date.

 

Please contact Admissions Office if you are eligible to apply for the Graduate Visa before you request an extension of your submission deadline.

  • have studied for a minimum period of time in the UK on a Student visa;

The minimum period of study for the Graduate visa is at least 12 months OR the full length of your course, whichever is shorter. Time spent overseas during permitted breaks from study such as outside of our published term dates or at the weekend can be included in the minimum period.

  • provide a letter of consent if financially sponsored by a Government or international scholarship agency;

If in the 12 months before the date of application you have been awarded a scholarship or sponsorship by a Government or international scholarship agency covering fees and living costs for study in the UK, you must provide a letter of consent from the sponsor organisation to support the application.

  • apply in the UK within the validity of your current Student visa.

Conditions of Graduate Visa

Permission under the Graduate route will be granted subject to the following conditions:

  • any work in the UK(includingpaid and unpaid, self-employment, engaging in business or any professional activity) is permitted. The only restriction isa prohibition on working as a professional sportsperson or coach;
  • study is restricted on this visa and is only permitted on courses that would not meet the requirements for student visa sponsorship. If you are continuing to further study at the Courtauld, or at another institution, and plan to apply for the Graduate visa, you should first check whether it will be possible for you to study on your chosen course under this visa;
  • no access to public funds.

The permission granted under the Graduate route, 2 years for undergraduate and Masters students (18 months for those applying for a Graduate visa after 1 January 2027) and 3 years for PhD students, will start from when the decision is made on the application.

It is not possible to extend your permission under the Graduate route once granted. From the Graduate route, you would be able to switch to a Skilled Worker visa from within the UK if you are offered a suitable job with an employer who holds a sponsor licence.

It is only possible to be granted permission under the Graduate route once. You cannot apply again, for example, if you were to undertake another course of study.

Whilst an application for the Graduate visa is pending, theworking conditions of your student visa will continue to apply.

If your student visa was grantedafter 6 April 2022, you can start work full time in a permanent role if you have:

  • successfully completed your course;and
  • made aGraduate Immigration Routevisa application

When can I apply?

You should only make your application once Admissions Team has notified UK Visas and Immigration (UKVI) that you have successfully completed your degree. This is in accordance with the Graduate route visa policy. Admissions Team will make this report to UKVI after you have received your final ratified results and after you have forwarded the confirmation email to Admissions Team. This process is not automatic and Admissions Team will not be able to report your completion to UKVI unless you have forwarded the confirmation email. Admissions Office will confirm to you when the report has been made to UKVI. Do not submit your Graduate visa application until you have received this email. The Courtauld will not be responsible for any delay and rejection caused or losing your eligibility if this process has not been followed.

You will need to apply in the UK whilst your current Student visa is still valid and cannot travel overseas until you have received the outcome of your application, and your new BRP if applicable (see section below titled eVisa).

If your visa expires after you have applied to the Graduate route, you will be permitted to remain in the UK whilst your application is being considered under the conditions of your Tier 4/Student permissionuntil you have received the outcome of yourGraduate visa application.

Application Cost

The visa application fee is £880. In addition, the application will also require you to pay the immigration health surcharge and this is charged at £1,035 per year the visa will be granted.

Application Process

As part of the process you will need to prove your identity by using a ‘UK Immigration ID Check’ app on your phone to scan your current Tier 4/Student Biometric Residence Permit (BRP) or, if you are an EEA or Swiss national, your biometric passport. You will be given instructions on how to use the app in the application. If you do not own a compatible phone, you can use the app from a friend51ݶ mobile phone as no information is stored on the phone or app after you close it.

If you cannot use the app, you will need to book an in-person appointment for biometric enrolment. This includes students who applied for their current student visa in the UK and it was issued as a digital status with no BRP (this does not apply to EEA and Swiss nationals who can use their passport with the app instead of a BRP).

As part of the application:

  • You will need your passport and current Student visa to apply.
  • You will need to know the CAS number you used to support your Tier 4/student visa application.
  • You will need a letter of consent if you have been financially sponsored for your studies by a Government or international scholarship agency.
  • There will be no requirement to provide financial evidence with the application.

The advertised decision timeframe is 8 weeks from when you submit your application.

Please note that once you have made your application, you cannot travel overseas until you have been notified of the decision.

eVisa

When granted, the visa will be issued as a digital status, also called an eVisa.

The digital status will enable you to.

Dependants

Dependant family members in the UK who already have immigration permission as a Student dependant can apply for further permission to stay as a dependant under the Graduate route.

Children born in the UK do not need to have been granted a dependant visa under Tier 4 or the Student route but they must have been born in the UK during the student51ݶmost recent Tier 4 or student visa.

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More Information

Read the information on the , and their.

If you have any questions about the Graduate route contact Admissions Team.

Immigration rules and policy are subject to change. These webpages are updated as soon as possible following any changes but relevant pages of the Home Office website should be checked for the latest information. Admissions Team can only provide information and advise on current policy; it is not possible to speculate on future immigration changes or developments in relation to post-study visa options.

Useful Links

International Students – The Courtauld

Contact

International Office – international@courtauld.ac.uk

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