Fine Art MFA
The MFA in Fine Art helps students to develop, challenge and extend their art practice, as well as consolidate their careers as professional artists.
Fine Art MFA
Our MFA (Master of Fine Art) is a two-year full-time studio-based programme in contemporary Fine Art practice.
It's designed for fine art graduates and those with other backgrounds looking to establish, progress or extend their position as practitioners in the contemporary art world.
The programme also offers a grounding for those hoping to progress to a PhD.
The course is based in studios in the heart of Newcastle's city centre campus.
The city has a thriving art scene with numerous artists studios and galleries. The Fine Art department is at the centre of this and provides a supportive, challenging and inspiring environment.
The programme is led by Nick Fox. Please contact Nick for advice and further information about the course and your application.
We admit a maximum of 12 students per year on to our MFA course. We very much welcome International applications.
You'll be taught by a wide range of distinguished and internationally celebrated practicing artists. Whether your practice involves:
- painting
- sculpture
- digital media
- drawing
- performance
- photography
- printmaking
- installation
- film and video art
- art writing
you can pursue professionalism and excellence in your practice.
About us
We encourage and support the practice and study of art through thoughtful and informed investigation, experimentation and speculation.
We want you to become articulate, curious and generous - willing to step out of your comfort zone, but to also stand by your intentions and own your practice.
Our students develop their understanding of the cultural, social or political contexts of their practice, related to the art world and beyond. We encourage this through exhibiting, seminars and peer group discussions.
We also very much encourage participation in the research culture of the department through workshops and research seminars, including:
- chairing seminars with eminent visiting artists and researchers
- involvement in exhibitions
- professional networking
- collaborative activities
Newcastle University's Institute for Creative Arts Practice also brings together creative practitioners and researchers within the University. We'll encourage you to collaborate and create work that has global significance.
We also encourage you to exhibit in the city, make connections in the region, and set up contacts for use beyond the degree.
How you'll learn
The majority of your teaching will be in the form of one-to-one tutorials in your studio space, along with group and cross-year crits.
While you're expected to work with a high level of independence, you'll be supported by a supervisor and you'll regularly meet to discuss your work.
You'll also attend cross-disciplinary seminars, group discussions and lectures by distinguished visiting artists.
On our weekly Visiting Speakers Programme, some of the most interesting and original artists, critics, curators, historians and art professionals working today join us to present and discuss their projects.
You'll devote approximately 80% of your time to self-directed creative studio work.
Your dissertation and professional practice sessions make up the remaining 20%.
Each year ends with a Degree Show held throughout the Fine Art Building and the Hatton Gallery.
Postgraduate funding and scholarships
There are often postgraduate scholarships, prizes, and bursaries available to UK, EU, and international students.
Some of these are University-wide and subject to eligibility, whereas others are subject-specific.
You can find out more about the funding and scholarships that are available to you on the University's Scholarship and Bursaries website.
