Program Overview
The Fine Art MA program at the University of Brighton empowers artists to critically examine their practice, develop their artistic identity, and engage with contemporary art. Through tailored curriculum, individual tutorials, and access to dedicated studios, the program fosters creativity, critical thinking, and professional development, preparing graduates for successful careers in the arts and cultural sectors.
Program Outline
Degree Overview
Overview:
The Fine Art MA program at the University of Brighton is designed for disciplined artists who want to develop their creative practice and critically examine their artistic identity, motivations, and ambitions. The program provides a tailored curriculum and regular individual tutorials to support your artistic growth.
Objectives:
The objectives of the Fine Art MA program include:
- Enabling you to challenge yourself creatively by critically examining your work, artistic identity, motivations, and ambitions.
- Helping you engage fully with contemporary art practice.
- Equipping you with the knowledge and skills necessary to thrive as a professional artist in the 21st century.
- Encouraging you to develop your own unique artistic voice and vision.
- Providing you with a supportive and stimulating environment in which to learn and grow.
Description:
The program is taught by a team of experienced artists and curators, with guest lectures, workshops, and professional practice seminars to broaden your understanding of contemporary art in context.
Outline
Program Content:
The Fine Art MA program covers a wide range of topics related to contemporary art practice, including:
- Critical and contextual studies
- Studio practice
- Professional development
- Research methods
- Theory and history of art
Program Structure:
The program runs for 12 months full-time or 24 months part-time. Regular seminars, tutorials, and critiques take place each Tuesday and Wednesday. Full-time students attend group activities on both days and spend the rest of the week researching or working in shared studios. Part-time students research and make work in their own studios and use university facilities for practical and presentation purposes. All students have access to the Postgraduate Project Space to install and exhibit their work.
Course Schedule:
The specific course schedule for the Fine Art MA program varies each year, but a typical schedule might look like this:
- Year 1:
- Reconfiguring Practice
- Research and Practice Methods: Journal
- Research and Practice Methods: Presentation
- Year 2:
- Consolidating Practice
- Critical Review Essay
- Fine Art: Postgraduate Student Mentoring
Modules:
Each module in the Fine Art MA program is designed to help you develop specific skills and knowledge related to contemporary art practice. Some of the modules that you may take include:
- Reconfiguring Practice: This module helps you identify and develop your chosen mode of practice, with a focus on experimentation and re-evaluation.
- Research and Practice Methods: Journal: This module develops your research skills and your ability to document and reflect on your artistic practice.
- Critical Review Essay: This module develops your critical writing skills and your ability to analyze and discuss contemporary art.
Assessment
Assessment Methods:
The Fine Art MA program uses a variety of assessment methods to measure student learning outcomes. The specific assessment methods used for each module may vary, but common methods include:
- Essays
- Presentations
- Critiques
- Portfolios
- Exhibitions
Assessment Criteria:
The Fine Art MA program uses a rubric-based assessment system to ensure fairness and consistency in grading.
- Originality
- Creativity
- Technical skill
- Conceptual depth
- Critical engagement
Teaching
Teaching Methods:
The Fine Art MA program uses a variety of teaching methods to create a dynamic and engaging learning environment. These methods include:
- Lectures
- Seminars
- Tutorials
- Critiques
- Workshops
- Guest lectures
Faculty:
The Fine Art MA program is taught by a team of experienced artists and curators, who are all actively engaged in their own creative practice. Some of the faculty members you may encounter include:
- Amy Cunningham: Multidisciplinary artist, lecturer, and researcher.
- Sean Dower: Artist and writer.
- Alex Pollard: Artist and curator.
Unique Approaches:
The Fine Art MA program offers a number of unique approaches to teaching and learning, including:
- A focus on fostering a critical and intellectually rigorous environment.
- A commitment to providing students with access to the latest technologies and facilities.
- A range of opportunities for professional development, such as internships, exhibitions, and residencies.
Careers
Potential Career Paths:
Graduates of the Fine Art MA program have gone on to pursue successful careers in a variety of fields, including:
- Artist
- Art curator
- Gallery director
- Art critic
- Art educator
- Art therapist
Career Opportunities:
The Fine Art MA program prepares students for a wide range of career opportunities in the arts, education, and cultural sectors.
