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The MA Fine Art combines practice-based work with a theory-based programme of lectures and seminars led by internationally renowned artists and history of art scholars. Students are admitted into one of three areas on the research-centred programme: Painting, Sculpture or Fine Art Media, which includes electronic media, photography, print, film and video.
Key information
Programme starts
September 2021
Modes and duration
The MA Fine Art is taught over two calendar years (24 months).
Application dates
Tuition fees (2021/22)
Note on fees:
The tuition fees shown are for the year indicated above. Fees for subsequent years may increase or otherwise vary. Further information on fee status, fee increases and the fee schedule can be viewed on the UCL Students website: ucl.ac.uk/students/fees.
Entry requirements
MA applicants are required to hold a first degree in Fine Art at second-class Bachelor's level or above, or its overseas equivalent, and are 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.
English language requirements
If your education has not been conducted in the English language, you will be expected to demonstrate evidence of an adequate level of English proficiency.
The English language level for this programme is: Advanced
UCL Pre-Master's and Pre-sessional English courses are for international students who are aiming to study for a postgraduate degree at UCL. The courses will develop your academic English and academic skills required to succeed at postgraduate level. International Preparation Courses
Further information can be found on our English language requirements page.
International students
Country-specific information, including details of when UCL representatives are visiting your part of the world, can be obtained from the International Students website.
International applicants can find out the equivalent qualification for their country by selecting from the list below.
Select your country:
About this degree
The MA programme provides an intellectual and creative environment in which talented fine art graduates develop their individual potential as professional artists and pursue independent research. The History and Theory of Art component enables students to develop in depth the relationship between theory and practice in their own work.
The Fine Art MA (240 Credits) is an integrated degree programme and does not have a modular structure.
The programme consists of practice-based work (75%) and History and Theory of Art (25%). Students undertake taught courses in History and Theory of Art in Year 1 and attend Research Seminars in Year 2.
Upon successful completion of 180 credits, you will be awarded a MA in Fine Art.
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.
- Year 1 Autumn Term History and Theory of Art course
- Year 1 Spring Term History and Theory of Art course
- Year 1 Independent Research Essay (6000 words)
- Years 1 and 2 Practice-based work in chosen specialism
- Year 2 MA Report (10000 words)
Optional modules
- There are no optional modules for this programme
Dissertation/report
All students undertake an individual research project in their second year as a component of the History and Theory of Art course, which culminates in a substantial report of up to 10,000 words.
Teaching and learning
A practice-based programme, students develop their work with tutorial and technical assistance according to need. The taught component is delivered through lectures, seminars, critiques, tutorials and workshops, but primarily demands individual investigation. Year two prioritises supervised individual research. Assessment is by review of final practice-based work and history and theory coursework including a report.
Additional costs
The Slade has a media store where media equipment can be borrowed. You will need to supply your own materials, including for the final exam. You will also need to pay for entry to any galleries or shows.
For more information on additional costs for prospective students please go to our estimated cost of essential expenditure at Accommodation and living costs.
Accessibility
Details of the accessibility of UCL buildings can be obtained from AccessAble accessable.co.uk. Further information can also be obtained from the UCL Student Support & Wellbeing team.
Funding
The UCL Slade School has numerous departmental prizes, travel awards and scholarships available to graduate students. These include partial fee waivers for Home/EU and International (non-EU) students amongst others.
For further information please visit: http://www.ucl.ac.uk/slade/degrees/ma-mfa#scholarships-bursaries-prizes.php.
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. 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 established partnerships and networks, working with organisations and professionals in the field of art. In addition, there are several studio residency awards to help launch graduate students, which have included the 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, which are subject to travel restrictions.
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 staff are practising artists or writers, actively involved in research as well as teaching, and have a diverse range of interests and expertise.
The Slade's London location enables easy access to a wide range of learning resources including major galleries, museums, libraries, cultural institutions and theatres.
Department: Slade School of Fine Art
What our students and staff say
"Through teaching, I am concerned with the ways in which the contemporary painter considers, believes or understands that knowledge of methods and materials is relevant to the creative process."
Ms Jo Volley
Fine Art MPhil/PhD, Fine Art MA, Fine Art MFA
Senior Lecturer
Application and next steps
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.
This programme only requires one reference in support of your application. Your reference should be academic unless you have been out of university education for more than four years. Further information regarding references can be found in our How to apply section.
There is an application processing fee for Slade School of Fine Art programmes of £35 for online applications and £60 for paper applications. Further information can be found at: 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
- All applicants
- 5 January 2021
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 by the Slade.
For more information see our Applications page.
Apply nowWhat 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 practice
- 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.
UCL is regulated by the Office for Students.
Page last modified on 11 June 2021
