The MA Fine Art at the University of Central Lancashire (UCLan) is a studio-based postgraduate degree that develops advanced practical, conceptual and professional skills across contemporary fine art practices. It suits practising visual artists and graduates from related disciplines who want to deepen their studio work, develop a research-led practice and prepare for professional careers or further research in the visual arts.
What you'll study
The programme combines intensive studio practice with critical study and professional development. You will define and pursue a sustained body of work within a supported research framework, making use of a wide range of media and processes.
- Studio Practice: Intensive, tutor-supported studio time focused on painting, sculpture, print, photography, moving-image, installation and/or digital/new-media approaches depending on your specialism.
- Research Methods and Contextual Studies: Critical theory, contemporary art histories, and research methodologies that situate your practice within current debates.
- Professional Practice and Enterprise: Project management, exhibition planning, funding and audience development, portfolio and application skills for residencies, galleries and commercial opportunities.
- Major Project / Dissertation: A sustained final project that culminates in a public exhibition, catalogue or written thesis demonstrating independent research and advanced practice.
- Optional and Specialist Modules: Possibilities include curatorial practice, community arts and outreach, digital production, printmaking or advanced sculpture, allowing you to tailor the course to your ambitions.
The course is typically delivered over one year full-time or two years part-time, with a combination of seminars, one-to-one supervisory tutorials, technical workshops and public-facing assessment through exhibitions and presentations.
Entry requirements
Applicants normally require an undergraduate degree in Fine Art or a related subject. A 2:1 honours degree is preferred, although applicants with a 2:2 plus substantial professional experience or an equivalent portfolio of work may be considered. All applicants must submit a portfolio of recent work and a personal statement outlining their practice and intentions for postgraduate study.
- Portfolio: Images, a short video or a digital portfolio demonstrating recent and relevant practice, together with a brief descriptor of each work.
- Personal statement: Outline of your research interests, practice goals and reasons for choosing the MA Fine Art at UCLan.
- References: Academic and/or professional references supporting suitability for postgraduate study.
- International applicants: Must meet UCLan's postgraduate English language requirements; evidence such as an approved English language test is normally required.
Career prospects
Graduates pursue a broad range of careers across the creative and cultural sectors. The MA develops the practical, critical and entrepreneurial skills needed to work as independent artists and in institutional or commercial settings.
- Professional artist with gallery representation, commissions and residency opportunities
- Curator, exhibition organiser or gallery/gallery education officer
- Arts management, cultural policy, fundraising and project coordination
- Creative roles in film, media, design and digital arts
- Community arts practitioner, arts-in-health or education roles
- Further academic study such as MPhil/PhD in Fine Art or related fields
Why study at University of Central Lancashire(UCLAN)
UCLan's School of Arts and Media offers a practice-led MA Fine Art with access to well-equipped studios, specialist workshops and technical support across printmaking, sculpture, ceramics, digital fabrication and moving-image. MA students are supported with dedicated studio space and opportunities to exhibit in on-campus and regional venues.
- Research-active staff and visiting artists who bring contemporary practice and professional insight into supervision and taught modules.
- Strong regional and national links with galleries, cultural organisations and public arts projects, providing networking and placement opportunities.
- Emphasis on employability and enterprise – students receive support for portfolio development, funding applications, curatorial projects and public engagement.
- A creative community on campus with interdisciplinary collaboration across visual art, media, performance and design.
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