MA Fine Art

Our MA Fine Art programme, delivered by high-profile international artists, and an additional guest artist, focuses on exhibitions and professional practice.

Develop your creative inquisitiveness and prepare for the professional art world or further research at doctoral level at the Reading School of Art.

Choose MA Fine Art at the University of Reading

• Reading is a top 10 university in the UK for Art and Design (ranked 10th in The Complete University Guide, 2025)
• We rank in the top 100 for Arts and Humanities globally (=91 in QS World University Rankings by Subject, 2024) and top 150 for Arts and Design globally (101-150 in QS World University Rankings by Subject, 2024
• 97% of our research is of international standing (REF 2021, combining 4*, 3* and 2* submissions – Art and Design: History, Practice and Theory; Art)
• 100% of our research impact has been classed as ‘outstanding’ or ‘very considerable’ (REF 2021, combining 4* and 3* submissions – Art and Design: History, Practice and Theory; Art).

How you’ll study

Taught by a team of practising artists, curators and writers, our Master of Fine Arts degree offers you the time and space to engage with exhibition and curatorial initiatives, contemporary art practise, theoretical texts and publication projects.

As an MA Fine Art student, you’ll have your own dedicated space, accessible 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. You’ll become part of a vibrant postgraduate community, where you’ll broaden your artistic practice.

You will learn through critical understanding and reflection, through professional practice and criticism. Teaching is carried out in lectures, tutorials and small group seminars.

The themes covered in your seminars will include:

• developing a research-based art practice plan
• documenting and writing about your work
• presenting exhibition proposals
• risk assessments and cooperative working.

Exhibition and studio crits are at the core of your master's training, with your work reviewed and analysed by your tutors and peers.

You will also have the opportunity to be in taught in a major European city on our International Study Visit.

Our Master of Fine Arts (MFA) degree places emphasis on student-centred learning and directed research and you will develop an independent approach to learning. The MFA will also enable you to improve your skills by analysing and understanding the current discussions in contemporary art.

For more information, please visit the Reading School of Art website.

Your learning environment

The Reading School of Art building, opened in September 2023, is the ideal place for you to explore activities and media, develop your practice and exhibit your work.

We pride ourselves on the quality and vibrancy of our 24-hour studio community. Our programme of events, performances, screenings and shared discussions across all disciplines provides a social and dynamic environment for you to practice in.

The MA Fine Art degree brings together postgraduate students from a diverse range of backgrounds, age and experience. You will work alongside our staff and PhD students, who pursue a wide range of research topics and practices. You will benefit from working closely with our PhD researchers through engagement with symposia and reading groups.

You will also benefit from the knowledge and experience of guest artists who work with students in the second semester and towards your final show.

Partnerships

Our postgraduate environment extends from Reading through external exhibitions, symposia and workshops. Our external partnerships offer professional opportunities with world-leading institutions. This includes our most recent collaboration with the Tate Exchange at Tate Modern.

You’ll also have the opportunity to participate in our Asia exhibition network, which offers opportunities to exhibit in Japan, China and South Korea.

Read more about our partnerships

Assessment

Your Master of Fine Art (MFA) degree focuses on developing your professional practice, exhibition making and the completion of an independent research project.

You will produce a portfolio of artwork through self-directed research and practice, demonstrating your artistic knowledge and your intercultural and global outlook.

Assessment is continuous throughout the year. You will receive feedback on presentations and work-in-progress during seminars and tutorials. At the end of each semester, we will assess your exhibitions and portfolio submissions.