Course Program

The international art market has developed dramatically in recent years. This highly competitive area demands excellent qualifications, and businesses such as galleries, auction houses, insurance companies, and banks rely increasingly on the expertise of first-rate art market specialists.

The Executive Master in Art Market Studies equips participants with the professional and innovative skills needed to master the challenges of today’s art market. It promotes entrepreneurial thinking and fosters an ethical approach to the art market. Program participants benefit from Switzerland's outstanding network of research institutions, art market specialists, and professionals. The program’s teaching staff includes scholars and international art market specialists who bring systematic instruction and a broad range of knowledge and experience to our program. The unique integrative and interdisciplinary program covers the following major areas:

• History of Art and Connoisseurship
• Art Law and Ethics
• Art Transactions & Valuations
• Digital Strategies & New Tech

These subjects are conveyed in lectures, art appraisal workshops, and case studies.  In addition, international field trips are organized.

Participants will

• develop their knowledge of the history, materials, and production processes of fine and applied arts from the Renaissance to the present day,
• evaluate artworks and use the latest art-market analytical tools,
• use case studies to improve legal knowledge and foster ethical thinking,
• learn to synthesize and analyze processes that are critical to small and mid­sized businesses and to develop innovative solutions for the commercial art world, and
• develop their leadership and management skills.

The Executive Master in Art Market Studies takes place over 4 semesters. All courses occur during the first 3 semesters and the last semester is mainly dedicated to the writing of the master thesis.

The courses are entirely taught in English and are held on Fridays and Saturdays in Zurich. In-class-lectures are also accessible live on Zoom and distant learning is possible.

The program is primarily designed for graduates who are currently active or pursuing a career related to the art market. Professional experience will be considered. There is no art history prerequisite.

The next part-time program begins in September 2025 and will finish in June 2027. The application process for the 2025 - 2027 course will start in December 2024.

To apply, please fill out the  application form (PDF, 127 KB)and return it the address mentioned in the form. All suitably qualified applicants will be interviewed.

If you have any questions regarding the application process, please do not hesitate to contact us.

Academic credits will be awarded in compliance with the European Credit Transfer System (ECTS) for passing examinations and/or for written work.

Lectures usually take place Fridays and Saturdays, 9:15am until  5:20pm. You will find the dates of the 2023 - 2025 course of study in this Dates 2023-25 (PDF, 18 KB)

A new curriculum will be launched in September 2025.

• Executive Master (MAS): CHF 28,000

Registration, exam fees, and course materials are complementary. Travel and accommodation costs are not included.

Study fees for continuing education programs are tax deductible up to the amount of CHF 12,000 per year. For further information, please visit the website of your Cantonal Tax Office.