LONDON.- Christie’s confirms it has undertaken a review of its wholly-owned Christie’s Education business model, signaling a strategic shift away from traditional higher education graduate degree programs towards online learning and non-degree continuing education courses. An initial restructuring proposal was announced today to faculty and staff, subject to a mandatory consultation period which is now underway.

Christie’s Education currently comprises three components: Higher Education (Master’s degree programs), Continuing Education (short courses, symposia, conferences) and Online Education (online courses). In recent years, the Continuing Education and Online Education components have outpaced the traditional degree program in terms of enrollment, growth, and global reach, with participants from 59 countries now engaged through a diverse array of non-degree educational offerings and formats. The proposed restructuring plan discontinues the Master’s degree programs and integrates operation of the Continuing Education and Online Education offerings into the wider Christie’s organization, for closer integration and positioning them for continued growth.

If confirmed, the proposed restructuring will not impact the current class of enrolled Master’s degree program students, who will finish their studies and coursework as planned during the 2019-2020 academic year.

Stephen Brooks, Deputy CEO, Christie’s International: “Christie’s is committed to inspiring and educating global audiences about the history and value of art and objects through the range of our business activities. The proposed changes to our Education business seek to realise significant growth potential for continuing and online education which have seen much success in recent years. The goal is to adapt our offering to address the long-term developments and future potential in education delivery.”

Christie’s Education currently offers Master’s degree programs through its New York and London academic centers. Short course offerings on an array of art historical subjects and collecting categories are offered worldwide and through Christie’s regional offices; non-degree digital courses are available online and offered in English and Mandarin. A final decision on the structure of the overall education program and 2020 program of offerings will be confirmed after completion of the mandatory consultation period.