The aims of the MA and MFA are:

• to provide an intellectual and creative environment in which talented fine art graduates may further develop their individual potential as professional artists

• to enable students to continue independent research in their chosen studio area

• to enable students to continue to develop a high degree of critical awareness of the broadening intellectual and cultural contexts of fine art

• to provide teaching and tutoring and promote peer-group learning which are responsive, critical and challenging; and a forum for debate through which students become increasingly professional and articulate in their questioning

• to provide practical and technical resources and guidance across a range of creative media

• additionally for MA students, to develop further an ability to pursue independent research and articulate ideas in writing through a sound understanding of a range of historical, theoretical and philosophical approaches to art and an understanding of the relevance of these to their work

Students on the MFA and MA follow the same studio course and are based in one studio discipline: painting, sculpture or fine art media (which includes electronic media, photography, print, film and video). Both programmes are research-centred. The main difference between the MFA and the MA lies in the distinction between the critical studies in the MFA and the history and theory of art in the MA. The first year incorporates a taught programme (delivered through lectures, seminars, tutorials and workshops) to upgrade theoretical and technical skills, but primarily demands a considerable degree of investigation and experimentation. The second year prioritizes individual research (conducted under supervision), building on and consolidating the learning and experimentation of the first year, leading to original results by graduate students capable of organising and implementing an independent programme at this level.

Painting in the MA and MFA programmes

Lisa Milroy Head of Graduate Painting

The graduate painting programme celebrates painting in all its diverse contemporary forms, and in its long tradition in western art and art of other cultures. Mural painting, installation-based painting and architecturally driven painting are among the various approaches, in addition to paint on panels and stretched canvas. Painting is also developed through experimentation with other art forms such as printmaking, film and photography and object-making. Drawing is a fundamental concern. The graduate programme encourages the student to explore painting at a high level by focussing on the connection between thinking, feeling, looking and making. The student's inquisitive, enquiring approach to the craft is essential to the enrichment of her or his intellectual and emotional understanding of the medium. Analysis and actualisation of the pleasure and beauty of painting in all its complexity is at the heart of the area. Discussion and debate develop and sharpen the student's critical awareness of the nature of painting within a contemporary art context and their ability to question the position of painting today.

The pedagogic structure of the programme is based on one-to-one tutorials, group tutorials, seminars and workshops led by practising artists who teach at the Slade, formal studio critiques, and presentations in which the student examines the context of their work. Guest artists and curators are also invited to the area to host seminars and conduct individual tutorials.The programme is fed by contact and interaction with other subject areas at the Slade, by the resources of UCL and by London itself. Both first and second year graduate students work in shared studios. It is also possible for the student to develop an artwork at the Woburn Reseach Centre in terms of researching a particular aspect of their artistic concerns.

Sculpture in the MA and MFA programmes

Professor Edward Allington Head of Graduate Sculpture

The graduate sculpture course aims to build strong working methods based on the development of the individual research and practical work of each student. Sculpture is recognized as open, culturally complex and pluralistic. It is as likely to be film, video, sound, text or the sculptural materiality of space, as the making and installation of objects. The course emphasizes making, presentation and discussion. It focuses on the issues and questions within the discipline so that students can develop their work to professional standards practically, historically, theoretically and culturally.

Students are allocated to cross-area tutor groups and are able to access individual tutorials with all Slade staff as well as visiting artists. Studio crits and a seminar series focus on issues within individual and general art practice. There are workshops in traditional as well as new technologies. Space is seen as a shared resource where student work leads the use of the space, encourages discourse and technical experimentation. Second year students are allocated undergraduate seminar groups in the spring term to gain teaching practice.

The first year focuses on opening out existing working methods, looking at new techniques and new research methods. The second year aims to use this experimentation to consolidate the student's individual practice into strong coherent individual methodologies for professional practice and/or continuing research at PhD level.

Fine Art Media in the MA and MFA programmes

Jayne Parker Head of Graduate Fine Art Media

Students in the fine art media area pursue their creative ideas through a variety of media, which are supported by both academic and technical staff who hold a broad level of expertise. Currently there are students working with photography, film, video, performance, text, sound, installation, printmaking and all manner of object and image making. There is no limit or expectation as to the media used in the fine art media area. Although most graduate students in the School will have studied fine art, some may have come to fine art through studying other disciplines, for example music or literature. The wide range of creative activity and cultural experience of the students makes for a rich and diverse studio culture. The aim of the fine art media area is to foster a strong sense of community and group responsibility within the studio, to create a vibrant and stimulating working atmosphere that is informed and critical yet non-judgemental and to help students develop and trust their own judgement and creativity, encouraging independence of vision and thought.

The teaching takes place through individual tutorials, small cross-area group tutorials, made up of both first and second year students from the graduate painting, sculpture and fine art media areas, studio seminars and critical studies seminars, where the students present their research interests and contextualise their work. In addition there are opportunities to participate in research projects at the Slade Research Centre, Woburn Square. These week-long projects provide an opportunity to explore ideas alongside students who are based in sculpture and painting and to make work on a larger scale. A programme of visiting artists is arranged throughout the year.

One of the School's great strengths is the wide range of facilities and expertise that it offers to students, regardless of their study area. In the School there is a strong commitment to the teaching of both analogue and digital technologies, which includes film and video, analogue and digital photography, screen printing, etching, stone lithography and bookbinding, alongside continually updated digital resources supported by online tutorial learning. Preliminary inductions to all the workshops within the Slade take place at the beginning of the year and are mandatory in order to use the facilities. Further induction courses are available to teach new skills or build on existing skills, for instance specialist workshops on colour photography, 16mm film making, photographic lighting and use of the sound studio.

The history and theory of art programme of the MA involves both coursework and individual research. The taught component comprises a series of weekly seminars in the autumn and spring terms of the first year.

In the taught component students are expected to:

1. participate in discussions on a wide range of historical, theoretical and philosophical approaches to art which both add to their general understanding of contemporary debates and contribute to their approach to their research project
2. develop an ability to read a philosophical or theoretical text in depth and develop their ability to articulate their ideas in writing
3. consider the various possible relations between history, theory and practice, and develop the relation between their studio work and their research

In the research component students are expected to:

1. pursue independent research in depth
2. develop an individual perspective, supported by thorough research and argued with clarity and coherence
3. develop an ability to relate ideas to specific works and cultural phenomena with vividness and accuracy 
4. achieve a high level of quality in presentation, including proper use of footnotes, bibliography and illustrations

The taught course work is assessed by means of termly essays that are essential for the development of study and writing skills and must be passed. The Research Report and assessed course work contribute 25% to the final degree award (10% in Year 1, 15% in Year 2) and studio work contributes 75%. The Research Report is meant to stand independently from studio work and is assessed separately. There may, and indeed should, be a connection with studio work, but this may be indirect. The topic should in some way be related to art, art history, art theory, aesthetics, visual theory, cultural studies or curating.
During the first year students should attend a seminar programme extending over the course of the academic year which introduces them to a varied body of ideas and approaches, encourages them to consider the relations between theory and practice, and gives them the opportunity to gain extra experience in writing. It includes practical sessions on research and dissertation writing. These seminars provide students with the opportunity to participate in a stimulating and supportive environment for intellectual work. Students are expected to develop an approach to research and writing that is both inventive and rigorous. Students must pass this component of the programme on the basis of their attendance and essays.

In the first year MA students:

1. write three essays and the second and third essays are worth 5% of the degree each
2. decide on their topic for independent research in consultation with course tutors and based upon the MA proposal submitted at interview stage

During the second year MA students:

1. participate in the MA research seminar in which they each make a presentation to their peers, based on their research project
2. participate in an all-graduate research forum with students on the MPhil/PhD programme
   
3. develop their independent research project in consultation with course tutors and their allocated supervisor
4. produce the MA Report (10,000 words) which is worth 15% of the degree

The aim of Critical Studies is to develop the student's knowledge and understanding of the context of their studio work, their ability to articulate an informed critical position, and their ability to present their ideas coherently and imaginatively. Critical Studies in the MFA are seen as integral to the studio practice of the professional artist. Within each studio area: fine art media, painting and sculpture, Critical Studies are developed through a programme of seminars particular to each area.

Critical Studies are assessed in two forms:

Part I: a written paper that should consist of 3000 words, or equivalent (but not exclusively visual materials).

• Students are required to submit an abstract of their intended study by the end of the summer term of the first year and a first draft on returning to the Slade for their second year in September. This will be a basis for discussion with the students' tutor or head of area. Tutorial support will guide the development of ideas, theory, research and the different forms of expression and presentation of the final study.
• Part I must be submitted at the end of the penultimate week of the autumn term of the second year. The study must be in a form that can be conveniently assessed by internal and external examiners and stored. (Any three-dimensional work must be documented.)
• A feedback session on the study will take place early in the spring term.

Part 2: an oral presentation of twenty minutes' duration to the internal assessors and the student's peer group, followed by five minutes for questions. Students are expected to present their research orally and visually placing their studio work in a critical context.

• Part 2 takes place in the penultimate week of the spring term.

Critical Studies are a key component of the MFA programe and students must pass both parts in order to be awarded the MFA in Fine Art. Both parts should demonstrate the student's ability to develop, contextualize and articulate their research critically in preparation for professional practice.

Each part is marked Pass/Fail. The evaluation of the Critical Studies Part I and 2 are subsumed into the final degree marking scheme.

Visit the Slade

Applicants can take a tour of the Slade during the autumn term which includes a talk by the head of area and a tour of the studios and facilities. Alternatively, you can visit us during our Open Studios in December or the Degree Shows in the summer term.

Application procedure for the MFA, MA and Graduate Affiliate Study in Fine Art

The deadline for applications is 1 January 2013. All applicants for the MA in Fine Art, the MFA in Fine Art and Graduate Affiliate Study should Apply Online. A detailed guide to completing the online application is available in PDF and Word format. Late applications will not be considered under any circumstances.

The Online Application

Applicants must complete the online form and upload the following supporting documentation:

1. An electronic Transcript from your undergraduate degree programme. If you have also taken a Master's programme, you should upload a second transcript.
2. Your CV.
3. Those students whose education has not been conducted in the English language should upload their most recent English Language Test Certificate.
4. MA applicants only should upload a Research Proposal (2 A4 pages) containing a clear and succinct statement of your proposed area of theoretical research which includes a working title for your history and theory dissertation; the reason why you have chosen the subject; a summary of the knowledge you already have of the subject; the objectives for the research; what areas of study you think the research will involve; what methods you will employ in the research; what sources you will use for the research, i.e., libraries, museums etc, and a brief bibliography.
5. MA applicants only must also upload a recent piece of written work 2,500 - 3,000 words in length (upload this as the Additional Document).

References

When you have completed the online form and entered contact emails for your referees, they will be contacted automatically giving them instructions on how to upload their references. All applications must include two references that must be uploaded by your referees. References are an important part of the application and it is your responsibility to ensure that your referees upload their references promptly so that the entrance examiners have them when they view your portfolio. It is recommended that you complete the online application in advance of the deadline to give your referees time to complete their references.

Entrance Examination

All applicants must submit a portfolio for consideration by the entrance examiners. The portfolio inspection takes place in late January.

Format of Portfolio

Painting and Sculpture

All applicants should send one portfolio on CDRom (CD-R) or DVD. Up to fifteen images should be submitted as a PowerPoint presentation with each image no larger than 1mb. Titles should be included for each image including the date the work was made, size and materials. Painting and Sculpture applicants with time-based or performance elements to their work may include a showreel with a maximum duration time of five minutes in QuickTime on DVD, no bigger than 2Gb. The showreel should be included on the same disc but must be uploaded as a separate file. It must not be embedded in the PowerPoint presentation. Write your name on the CD or DVD and attach the portfolio label to the CD case. Do not attach labels to the disk.

Fine Art Media

Fine Art Media applicants living in the UK should send one portfolio (max. size 100 x 70 x 10 cm, max. weight 12kg). The portfolio may include prints, drawings, books, photographs and a CD-R or DVD with up to fifteen images. Images on CD-R or DVD should be submitted as a PowerPoint presentation with each image no larger than 1mb. Text should be included for each image including the size of the work, date and materials. Applicants can also include a Quicktime movie/showreel of not more than five minutes' duration and no bigger than 2Gb. (Time-permitting, shortlisted candidates may be able to play longer pieces at interview.) The showreel should be included on the same disc but must be uploaded as a separate file. It must not be embedded in the PowerPoint presentation. Write your name on the CD or DVD and attach the portfolio label to the CD case. Do not attach labels to the disk.

Fine Art Media applicants living outside the UK should send one portfolio on CD-R or DVD only. Up to fifteen images should be submitted as a PowerPoint presentation with each image no larger than 1mb. Titles should be included for each image including the date the work was made, size and materials. Applicants can also include a Quicktime movie/showreel of not more than five minutes' duration and no bigger than 2Gb. (Time-permitting, shortlisted candidates may be able to play longer pieces at interview.) The showreel should be included on the same disc but must be uploaded as a separate file. It must not be embedded in the PowerPoint presentation. Write your name on the CD or DVD and attach the portfolio label to the CD case. Do not attach labels to the disk.

Portfolio delivery instructions

1. All deliveries should arrive at the Slade Research Centre, Woburn Square, London, WC1H 0AB.
2. Hand deliveries will be accepted between 10am and 4pm on Friday 18 January and Saturday 19 January.
3. Postal deliveries should arrive between Friday 18 January and Tuesday 22 January inclusive. They should not arrive before Thursday 17 January.
4. Hard copy portfolios (fine art media applicants only) sent by post within the UK must not weigh more than 12kg.
5. Hard copy portfolios (fine art media applicants only) sent by post from outside the UK must not weigh more than 2kg.
6. Applicants sending portfolios from outside the UK will be liable for any duty or taxes levied on their portfolio by customs and any charges must be paid in advance.

Return of portfolios

1. Portfolios on CD-R or DVD only will not be returned and will be disposed of after the admissions process is complete. Send duplicate material only.
2. Hard copy portfolios (fine art media applicants only) should be collected in person from the Slade Research Centre, Woburn Square on Saturday 26 January or Monday 28 January between 10am and 4pm.

Applicants are informed of the results of the portfolio inspection in writing.

Interview of shortlisted candidates

It is our policy to invite all shortlisted applicants to interview and in 2013 these will take place in mid February. Interviews cannot be conducted at alternative times or by telephone or skype. If you are invited for interview but unable to attend, you must make sure your portfolio is at the Slade to be viewed by the examiners when final decisions are made. Indicate your availability for interview on the application form. Final decisions and offers of admission are made after the interview period is complete.

Handling fee

In addition to the £25 application fee charged by UCL, all applicants must pay a further non-returnable portfolio handling fee of £25 with their application. Your application will not be considered unless these fees are paid.

Entrance Requirements

MA in Fine Art

Applicants will be required to hold a first degree in Fine Art at second-class UK Honours level or above (or its overseas equivalent) and will be required to satisfy the School that they have an appropriate level of academic achievement. Exceptionally, an applicant with a first degree in a related subject (such as Art History) will be considered, but evidence of a high level of achievement in the chosen studio discipline will also be required.

MFA Fine Art

Applicants will normally be of graduate standing. Exceptionally, an applicant may be considered whose previous education and professional experience are deemed by UCL to be equivalent to graduate level.

Graduate Affiliate Study

Applicants will normally be of degree standing.

English Language Requirement

Students whose education has not been conducted in English must reach a satisfactory level of proficiency in English language before starting their studies at the Slade.
Various English language qualifications are acceptable. For the MA the Good level is required. For the MFA and Graduate Affiliate Study the Standard level is required.
UCL Centre for Languages and International Education offers a range of approved English language courses.

This section should be read in conjunction with the Scholarships and Funding page of the UCL website.

Tuition fees

Current fees and further information about fee status, how to pay and living expenses can be found on the UCL Money pages.

Scholarships

The Slade has several Master’s Studentships for Home and EU students as part of the UCL AHRC Block Grant Partnership Scheme. Applicants must indicate on their UCL application form that they wish to apply for a UCL AHRC Studentship.

The following Slade Scholarships are awarded by nomination:

The Euan Uglow Memorial Scholarship is an entrance scholarship, open to any degree student. The value of the award is £2,500 and is payable in equal instalments at the beginning of each year of the programme.

The Herbert Seaborn Memorial Scholarship of £1,000 is awarded annually for achievement to an undergraduate or graduate student entering their final year of study.

The Nancy Balfour Trust Scholarship is open to any undergraduate or graduate student. The value of the award is £2,500 paid in equal instalments at the beginning of each year of the programme.

The Thomas Scholarship is open to any undergraduate or graduate student. The value of the award is £5,000 paid in equal instalments at the beginning of each year of the programme.

Bursaries

Each year the Slade Bursary Committee awards a large number of £500 Bursaries, funded by donations from the Friends of the Slade and other benefactors to students with particularly difficult financial circumstances. All students are eligible to apply.

Travel Scholarships

The Boise Travel Scholarship is open to students who have completed their studies and are normally resident in the UK. The scholarship is usually worth between £4,000 and £9,000.

The Dolbey Travel Scholarship for £3,000 is awarded annually to a Slade student in his or her final year.

The Duveen Travel Scholarship is open to Slade students normally resident in the UK. The scholarship, for travel and research during the summer vacation, is for approximately £3,000.

Prizes

The Adrian Carruthers Memorial Award provides a free ACME studio for one year plus a bursary of £6,000 to an outstanding completing graduate student, to be taken up in his/her first year after graduation.

The Anthony Dawson Prize and Award will be gifted annually for the next five years in memoriam of Mr Anthony Dawson.  The two prizes will be awarded to students who exhibit excellence in printmaking as follows:

• The £1,000 Anthony Dawson Print Award will be awarded to one continuing student, either undergraduate or graduate, at the end of their first year.

• The £1,500 Anthony Dawson Print Prize will be awarded to one final year student, either undergraduate or graduate, as a graduation prize.

The Barto Dos Santos Memorial Award of £5,000 is for outstanding achievement by a final year graduate student.

The Berenice Goodwin Prize of £500 is awarded annually to a graduating student for achievement in performance. 

The Chelsea Arts Club Special Projects Award of £2,000 is made annually to a continuing MA or MFA student to help them with the cost of their studies and materials in their final year. The Award also includes one year's membership of the Chelsea Arts Club.

The Clare Winsten Memorial Award is for a Slade graduate or graduating female UK student to enable them to develop their creative talents. One or two awards of £10,000 are available each year.

The Jeremy Cubitt Prize of £500 is an annual award for excellence in painting, for a student preferably from the east end of London.

The Julia Wood Prize for Excellent Use of Space of £100 is awarded in recognition of excellence in articulating spatial constructs.

The Julian Sullivan Award of £500 is awarded annually in June for achievement in fine art media.

The Kenneth Armitage Sculpture Prize of £1,000 is awarded to a Slade student periodically by the Kenneth Armitage Foundation for achievement in sculpture. It is for a graduating sculpture student or a continuing graduate sculpture student.

The Land Securities Award provides a free studio space for one year plus a bursary of £5,000 and an exhibition to an outstanding completing graduate student, to be taken up in his/her first year after graduation.

The Peter and Betty McLean Prize of £1,000 is awarded anually to a final year graduate student.

The Slade is invited to nominate candidates for the annual Red Mansion Art Prize. The prize is a residency in China for a continuing graduate student.

The William Coldstream Prize of £1,000 is awarded annually in June as a purchase prize for outstanding achievement.

A number of small Sessional Prizes are awarded annually, on the recommendation of the Slade Professor. They include the Alfred W Rich Scholarship; the Henry Tonks Prize, the Prankerd-Jones Memorial Prize; the Slade Prize and the Steer Medal and Prize.