Art Market Appraisal (Professional Practice) MA: What our students say

"When I applied for the Arts Market Appraisal MA* at Kingston, I was working full time so approached my employer for sponsorship. I wanted to use the masters degree to work towards my RICS accreditation, which my employer positively encouraged. I found that the course complemented my existing job within the auction world, and the staff at Kingston University were sympathetic to any conflicts in my timetable that arose from existing work commitments.

"There was a wide range of students from different backgrounds on the course, which brought a depth of experience to the classes. The facilities at Kingston were excellent, with tutors available to give as much or as little help as needed or wanted.

"I would recommend the course to anyone interested in pursuing a career in the arts, especially if they have one eye on becoming a member of the RICS. Juggling work, studies and, in my case, a young family, requires a certain level of dedication and commitment – but the end results are worth it!"

"I joined the Arts Market Appraisal MA* in 2007 and chose to do it in a single year. My first degree was in languages – I graduated in 1989 so it was some years since I'd done anything remotely academic. Initially I found the presentation side of things a bit daunting, but it's amazing how quickly you adjust and then start to flourish.

"I'd wanted a career change – I had been in publishing for 15 years – and had decided the art world was where my heart lay, but because I knew relatively little about it (and had no contacts) I felt that taking a course was probably the best way in. It gave me the chance to survey the art market from lots of different perspectives; we had seminars with auctioneers, art dealers, art consultants, specialist insurance brokers, and the Met's art and antiques unit, among others.

"We also did what I now realise was an extremely useful module in art law – I'm practising stuff now that I learnt in my art and copyright law lectures (thank you Daniel McClean). It was a really comprehensive introduction to the dynamics of the art world but also gave you an insight into the variety of jobs out there.

"By the end of the year I'd worked out where I really wanted to be – working for a contemporary art gallery, nurturing and promoting artists. Which is exactly where I am, thanks to the opportunities that opened up to me while I was researching my dissertation. So, all in all, a really positive experience."