IFA VS Courtauld

[skyeho]

Hi,

 

It's this time of the year again. Good luck to those admitted and those still waiting!

 

I was offered admission by the IFA and the Courtauld, both for master degrees, and am having a hard time deciding between these two. I am not planning to go into PhD programs after this, so I guess what I am most concerned with is the job placement of their graduates. Which one would I benefit more from if I want to work in galleries and auction houses? IFA is certainly a lot more expensive than Courtauld is, but the most important thing for me at the present moment might be the job prospects after graduation. 

 

Thanks in advance for any advice, suggestions or comments!

Edited March 24, 2014 by skyeho

[helpmegradcafe]

Firstly, congrats on getting into two excellent programs! Either is an awesome choice.  If you aren't planning on going into a PhD program, either is going to set you up nicely; they are both well known as highly respected institutions outside of academia, so you already have name recognition going for you.  So I think you should probably focus on what is the best personal fit for you and what you are comfortable with.  I am much more familiar with the Courtauld's program (and was admitted but sadly won't be attending).  

 

If money isn't an issue, I would say be adventurous and go for the Courtauld.  I think London is probably more expensive to live in than NYC (in addition to the costs of moving overseas if you are international, and all of the headaches of getting a visa).  If you want to work in auction houses, I would also say go with Courtauld.  They have an excellent placement record with auction houses like Sotheby's and Christie's.  

 

You might also want to consider the type of environment you work best in.  The Courtauld is basically an entire school for art history, so if you choose to go there you will be completely surrounded by art history people all the time.  If you like the idea of a small, more personal department, then maybe the Courtauld isn't a good idea.  However, IFA isn't too small either.  Also consider if you want a 1 year program or a 2 year one.  I heard recently that England recently changed their student visa rules so that you can apply to be in England for 2 years instead of 1.  That might be something to consider, if you would like to go to the Courtauld for one year and then work at a London auction house/gallery for the following year (as a friend of mine did, and loved it).

 

Either are great choices though and of course the Courtauld's deadline is rapidly approaching so good luck!

Edited March 26, 2014 by helpmegradcafe

[skyeho]

Firstly, congrats on getting into two excellent programs! Either is an awesome choice.  If you aren't planning on going into a PhD program, either is going to set you up nicely; they are both well known as highly respected institutions outside of academia, so you already have name recognition going for you.  So I think you should probably focus on what is the best personal fit for you and what you are comfortable with.  I am much more familiar with the Courtauld's program (and was admitted but sadly won't be attending).  

 

If money isn't an issue, I would say be adventurous and go for the Courtauld.  I think London is probably more expensive to live in than NYC (in addition to the costs of moving overseas if you are international, and all of the headaches of getting a visa).  If you want to work in auction houses, I would also say go with Courtauld.  They have an excellent placement record with auction houses like Sotheby's and Christie's.  

 

You might also want to consider the type of environment you work best in.  The Courtauld is basically an entire school for art history, so if you choose to go there you will be completely surrounded by art history people all the time.  If you like the idea of a small, more personal department, then maybe the Courtauld isn't a good idea.  However, IFA isn't too small either.  Also consider if you want a 1 year program or a 2 year one.  I heard recently that England recently changed their student visa rules so that you can apply to be in England for 2 years instead of 1.  That might be something to consider, if you would like to go to the Courtauld for one year and then work at a London auction house/gallery for the following year (as a friend of mine did, and loved it).

 

Either are great choices though and of course the Courtauld's deadline is rapidly approaching so good luck!

Hi, helpmegradcafe

 

Many thanks for the reply! Good to know that Courtauld has a good placement record in the auction houses. I think I am leaning toward Courtauld, although I am still waiting to hear from Columbia's MODA. 

Edited March 27, 2014 by skyeho