Fine Art MFA

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The MFA in Fine Art is a studio-based, research-centred programme with a critical studies component, supported by studio-led seminars arising from the creative and critical interests of students and staff. Students are admitted into one of three subject areas: Painting, Sculpture or Fine Art Media, which includes electronic media, photography, print, film and video.

About this degree

The MFA programme provides an intellectual and creative environment in which talented fine art graduates may develop their individual potential as professional artists and researchers in their chosen studio area; whilst developing a critical awareness of the broadening intellectual and cultural contexts of fine art.

The Fine Art MFA (240 Credits) is an integrated degree programme and does not have a modular structure.

The programme consists of studio work (100%) in the student's chosen subject area, and critical studies which are assessed on a pass/fail basis.

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There are no core modules for this programme.

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There are no optional modules for this programme.

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Assessment is by submission of the critical study text and an oral presentation, and final examination of studio work in the form of an exhibition.

Teaching and learning

A studio-based programme, students develop their work with tutorial and technical assistance according to individual need. The taught component is delivered through lectures, seminars, studio critiques, tutorials and workshops, but primarily demands individual investigation. Year two prioritises supervised individual research.

Please note that the list of modules given here is indicative. This information is published a long time in advance of enrolment and module content and availability is subject to change.

Funding

The UCL Slade School of Fine Art has numerous departmental prizes, awards and scholarships available to graduate students.

Please see the UCL Slade website for further information.

For a comprehensive list of the funding opportunities available at UCL, including funding relevant to your nationality, please visit the Scholarships and Funding website.

Careers

The programme aims to develop students' individual potential in the field of fine art. It also provides an excellent foundation for further doctoral research. The Graduate Degree Shows are attended by artists, gallerists, curators, critics and collectors, and provide a high-profile entrance to the professional art world. Recent graduates have established international careers as professional artists, receiving important commissions, gaining gallery representation, winning major prizes and residencies, as well as developing new artist-led initiatives. Others have roles in related careers, for instance, curation, museum and gallery management and education, worldwide.

News and achievements of alumni including recent graduates are detailed on the news section of the Slade School website.

Employability

The Slade provides graduate students with opportunities to enhance existing skills and to learn new techniques, in the context of developing their individual creativity, in preparation for careers as practising artists and within related fields.

Outside of UCL the Slade has an established partnership with Camden Arts Centre, which offers an international summer studio programme, working with professionals in the field of art. In addition, there are several studio residency awards to help launch graduate students, including the annual Red Mansion Art Prize of a residency in China and an annual competition for residencies at the Academy of Visual Arts, Hong Kong Baptist University, China.

Why study this degree at UCL?

The Slade School of Fine Art at UCL is one of the UK's leading university departments for research in Fine Art, approaching the study and practice of art in an enquiring, investigative, creative and experimental way.

All academic studio staff are practising artists, actively involved in research as well as teaching, and have a diverse range of interests and expertise. Students benefit from excellent studio space and technical facilities, including the Slade Research Centre.

The UCL Slade School's central London location enables easy access to unparalleled learning resources including major galleries, museums, libraries, cultural institutions and theatres.

Department: Slade School of Fine Art

Applications

Please note that due to the competition for places, applications will not be accepted after the deadline. You must also submit a portfolio. Details for portfolio submission will be sent to you once you have submitted your UCL application. Applicants will be considered for Slade scholarships as part of the admissions process.

There is an application processing fee for Slade School of Fine Art programmes of £25 for online applications and £50 for paper applications. Further information can be found at: http://www.ucl.ac.uk/prospective-students/graduate/taught/application.

Who can apply?

Having received a good grounding in art or a related field at undergraduate level, the emphasis for graduate students is on advanced personal research as a thorough preparation for professional practice and/or further doctoral study in the field.

Application deadlines

3 January 2019

Late applications will not be considered under any circumstances. All candidates are required to submit a portfolio for inspection with shortlisted candidates being invited for interview at the Slade.

For more information see our Applications page.

Apply now

What are we looking for?

When we assess your application we would like to learn:

• why you want to study Fine Art at graduate level
• why you want to study Fine Art at the UCL Slade School of Fine Art
• how you will use the programme, staff and resources to develop your work
• how your academic and/or professional background has prepared you for the demands of this challenging programme
• where you would like to go professionally with your degree

Together with your portfolio and essential academic requirements, the personal statement is your opportunity to demonstrate whether your reasons for applying to this programme match what the programme will deliver.

Visit the Fine Art MFA page on the University College London website for more details!