Fine Art MA

In this module you’ll examine the themes and approaches underpinning contemporary art practice.

You’ll develop research questions to use as tools to reflect on your own practice and the ethical decisions you’re making as an artist. Through discussions of these questions with peers and academic staff you’ll explore and shape your practice. 

(30 credits) 

In this module you’ll be introduced to a breadth of theoretical and contextual frameworks that will enable you to critically position your art practice in our contemporary world.

You’ll develop an in-depth understanding of your subject knowledge through critical reflection and will develop your artistic voice by considering theoretical, political and social propositions, and their capacity to be articulated through contemporary art practice. 

(30 credits) 

In this module you’ll take the proposal formed in Considering Contextual Fields and work either individually or collaboratively with an external partner to realise and exhibit a body of artwork. 

You’ll develop time management skills and learn to balance studio practice with engagement of external partners and stakeholders, strengthening your ability to operate effectively as a collaborative player in the art world. 

(30 credits) 

During this module you’ll grapple with the question: how can you sustain your practice as a contemporary artist in the long-term? 

You’ll answer this by exploring ideas, methods and processes that can form a foundation for ongoing practice. You’ll deepen your awareness of theory, production tools and wider cultural issues to enable you to place your practice in contemporary culture. 

(30 credits) 

The culmination of your studies, you’ll produce a public facing exhibition and thesis to complete your master’s degree in Fine Art. 

You’ll draw upon all you have learnt and been challenged to produce a body of work that reflects your processes, contemporary contexts and looks forward to a sustained practice. 

(60 credits) 

The Fine Art MA takes place over three semesters studied over a one-year full-time period.  Combining taught and independent study, you’ll engage in lectures, seminars, tutorials, collaborative practice and peer reviews.  

You’ll be encouraged to explore process and context through practice-led enquiry, making use of our art and design facilities, to develop bodies of work ready for exhibit. This may be through different creative processes including but not limited to: painting, print, sculpture, installation and time-based digital methods. This will be done alongside reflective work, refining your critical voice and delivering a written thesis on your work.  

During your studies, you may also wish to pursue opportunities to exhibit at local venues, such as: The Poly in Falmouth, Falmouth Art Gallery, CAST in Helston, Grays Warf gallery in Penryn, Back Lane West, Fish Factory in Penryn, Porthmeor Studios, St Ives and Kestle Barton. 

• 100% coursework assessed. There are no formal exams on this course.  

Assessment methods

• Exhibitions 
• Portfolios of work 
• Written assessments 
• Thesis and major projects 
• Presentations 

Formative assessment takes place once, halfway through each module. Summative assessment takes place at the end of each module. 

Students receive 1-1, face-to-face verbal feedback and a written feedback report for each module.

We welcome applications from those with relevant equivalent Level 6 qualifications, or relevant equivalent experience, and a demonstrable interest in the subject.

We’ll also welcome your application if you have formal or 'certified' learning (such as training courses not run by universities or colleges) and learning from work experience or self-study. This is called Accreditation of Prior Learning (APL), and should have been gained within the last five years, and be equivalent to the learning outcomes of our minimum entry qualifications.

APL applicants using experience to apply should note there is an application fee for entry with advanced standing or with exemption from specific modules or credit.

If English isn’t your first language, you'll need to demonstrate English language skills that are sufficiently developed for successful completion of your studies. We accept a range of recognised English language qualifications that are equivalent to the International English Language Testing System (IELTS) Academic minimum score of 6.5 overall, with a minimum of 6.0 in Reading, Writing, Speaking and Listening.

International applicants who require a student visa to study in the UK must take a recognised language test that is approved and vouched for by the University. Our Applicant Services Team can help with any questions you may have about study visas or suitable language tests.