Fine Art

MA

The MA in Fine Art enables artists to evaluate and develop their creative practice to the highest of standards. It develops theoretical underpinning, critical thinking and independent arts practice to a professional level.

Overview
Content
Additional information
How to apply
Fees and funding
International

Course level

Postgraduate

Modes of study

Part time, Full time

Attendance

Staff inputs to modules typically from 5.00pm- 8.00pm with media access and subject-specific tutorials during key days of the week.

Location

Avenue Campus

Entry requirements

Applicants will normally have an honours degree with a first or upper second classification in Fine Art. Exceptionally, other candidates will be considered. Applicants whose first language is not English may be required to demonstrate proficiency in written and spoken English.

UKPASS code

025562 - view details at UKPASS

Length of study

One year full-time or minimum two years part-time. Under the part-time route it is possible to extend the course up to a maximum of four years to suit individual situations.

Start date

September

School

School of The Arts

Course content

The course facilitates critical debate between artists working in and across the media and visual traditions including painting, photography, digital imaging, printmaking, sculpture, installation and site-specific art. Students are introduced to, and apply knowledge of, contemporary art practices and theoretical debate and issues.

Special course features

Full-time students are provided with good well-lit studio spaces, whereas part-time students are expected to provide their own external workspace. The course offers access to comprehensive specialist resources with technical instruction and support. Students are continually mentored to identify their practice and position within the professional cultural environment, arts-related employment or higher level academic research.

Masters students are encouraged to interact with associated events and exhibitions hosted by the School. The course has very good links with regional galleries and arts organisations who provide contributions to the course. A group of MA Fine Art students recently organised Natural Responses - Transformations, a one-day seminar at Fermynwoods Contemporary Arts which also was accompanied by an exhibition of their work.

All Masters level students undertake a generic module entitled Research Methods (20 credits). This underpins the three phases of the Masters study and provides the important environment of debate and engagement on cross-disciplinarity in the arts. The courses have an element of choice of modules up to a value of 20 credits.

Typical modules

Postgraduate Certificate:

ARTM002 Research Methods in the Arts (20 credits)
ARTM029 Fine Art Practice and Documentation (20 credits)
ARTM030 Interfacings: Fine Art and Postmodern Practice (20 credits) or
ARTM004 Arts and Enterprise (20 credits)

Postgraduate Diploma - all of the above plus:

ARTM031 Fine Art Practice and Context (40 credits)
ARTM027 Independent Study in the Arts (20 credits) or
ARTM006 Arts and Health: Exploring the Myths (20 credits) or
ARTM005 Arts Administration (20 credits)

Masters degree - all of the above plus:

ARTM003 Research project (60 credits)

Assessment

The course is assessed in both theory and practice by assignment, examination, portfolio submission and exhibition.

Facilities available

The course is taught by academic staff who are highly active in research. Our extensive and contemporary resources are all located in the Avenue Campus and include:

Specialised studios and workshop spaces including photography, digital technology, video, printmaking and sculpture
Research centres including the Avenue Research Centre, the Centre for Contemporary Criticism and Narrative and the Centre for Practice-Led Research in The Arts
Staff with significant employment experience in their fields
Links with regional cultural and creative industries
Specialised library and poster archive
Art gallery (Avenue Gallery)
Choreographic Lab
Portfolio Innovation Centre - a dedicated provider of office space and support for small creative businesses

Career opportunities

The course prepares students for the professional cultural environment and higher research study. PhDs at The University of Northampton can be pursued through traditional or practice-led methodologies and this course provides a comprehensive and relevant foundation.

Application notes

Applicants for practice-based courses will be required to attend an interview or equivalent.

For general application information please see our how to apply page.

Fees quoted are for home and EU students commencing their course in the academic year 2012/13. Tuition fees are payable for each year of the course. The fees are subject to annual increases in subsequent academic years.