MA Fine Art

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

You will develop creative inquisitiveness and prepare for the professional art world or further research at doctoral level.

All of our staff are practising artists, curators and writers, and our research-led teaching offers opportunities for you to engage with exhibition and curatorial initiatives, theoretical texts and publication projects. You will also be taught by a range of internationally acclaimed artists through our visiting artists lecture programme.

Art is an active department with events, performances, screenings and shared discussion across disciplines that create a social environment. We pride ourselves on the quality and vibrancy of our 24-hour studio community. As a student on one of our master’s courses, you will find yourself part of a vibrant postgraduate community and intellectual environment, including staff and PhD students.

You will have the opportunity to gain teaching experience, with the support of a mentor, on our undergraduate programmes.

Our postgraduate environment extends out from Reading through our external exhibitions, symposia and workshops. Participate in our Asia exhibition network with opportunities to exhibit in Japan, China and South Korea. Our external partnerships support professional opportunities with world-leading institutions. This includes our most recent partnership with the Tate Exchange at Tate Modern.

The Reading School of Art is internationally renowned, with 97% of our research judged to be of international standing^ and 100% of our research impact classed as outstanding or very considerable†.

The University of Reading ranks 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.

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

^REF 2021, combining 4*, 3* and 2* submissions – Art and Design: History, Practice and Theory; Art

†REF 2021, combining 4* and 3* submissions – Art and Design: History, Practice and Theory; Art

Overview

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

You will develop creative inquisitiveness and prepare for the professional art world or further research at doctoral level.

You will have the opportunity to gain teaching experience, with the support of a mentor, on our undergraduate programmes.

The Reading School of Art is internationally renowned, with 97% of our research judged to be of international standing^ and 100% of our research impact classed as outstanding or very considerable†.

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

^REF 2021, combining 4*, 3* and 2* submissions – Art and Design: History, Practice and Theory; Art

†REF 2021, combining 4* and 3* submissions – Art and Design: History, Practice and Theory; Art

Entry requirements

Entry requirements: Normally a suitable undergraduate honours degree (Second Class or above), or equivalent from a university outside the UK. You should include a portfolio of current work, a written statement about your practice, and a programme of research you wish to pursue.

IELTS: 6.5 overall with no element less than 6.0 (or equivalent).

Pre-sessional English language Programme

Our Pre-sessional English Programme is for international students who need to meet their degree programme English language requirements.

Our courses equip you with the skills and language needed for academic success, including critical thinking, self-reflection, learner autonomy, research skills and integrating sources. The Pre-sessional English Programme is accredited by the global association of Lecturers in English for Academic Purposes, which guarantees you will receive a high-quality student experience.

To find out more, visit Pre-sessional English.

Structure

Modules

Compulsory modules

Critical Art Practice

Develop your creative practice and refine your critical position as an artist as you engage with theoretical concerns of production, exhibition and reflection of artwork. You’ll build on your existing expertise and interests, learn about developments in the field of contemporary art, and gain the skills to adopt an informed, individual approach to art practice.

Art Dissertation

Conduct an extended independent research project into an area of personal interest, critically reflecting on relations between art practice and discourses surrounding contemporary art. Enhance your skills in investigation, analysis and organisation, and gain key insights into established practice.

These are the modules that we currently offer for 2024/25 entry. They may be subject to change as we regularly review our module offerings to ensure they’re informed by the latest research and teaching methods.

Please note that the University cannot guarantee that all optional modules will be available to all students who may wish to take them.

You can also register your details with us to receive information about your course of interest and study and life at the University of Reading.

Fees

New UK/Republic of Ireland students: £11,750

New international students: £25,850

Tuition fee information

The fees listed are for full-time study, unless otherwise stated. Fee information will be confirmed in offer letters sent out to successful applicants. You can find further information, including information for part-time study, through our dedicated fees and funding page.

EU student fees

With effect from 1 August 2021, new EU students will pay international tuition fees. For exceptions, please read the UK government’s guidance for EU students.

Additional costs

Some courses will require additional payments for field trips and extra resources. You will also need to budget for your accommodation and living costs. See our information on living costs for more details.

Financial support for your studies

You may be eligible for a scholarship or bursary to help pay for your study. Students from the UK may also be eligible for a student loan to help cover these costs. See our fees and funding information for more information on what's available.

Careers

Our programme is designed to prepare you for either a professional career or further research at doctoral level. It also provides you with the time and expertise necessary to pursue a career as an artist.

Overall, 96% of graduates from Art are in work or further study within 15 months of graduation. [1]

Our postgraduate teaching assistance scheme provides teaching experience and mentoring for master’s students interested in teaching, museum and gallery education. A number of our students also continue their research interests in contemporary art through PhD study.

Subjects A-B

Subjects C-E

Subjects F-G

Subjects H-M

Subjects N-T

Subjects A-C

Subjects D-G

Subjects H-P

Subjects A-B

Subjects C-E

Subjects F-G

Subjects H-M

Subjects N-T

Subjects U-Z

Subjects A-C

Subjects D-G

Subjects H-P

Subjects Q-Z

Overview

Entry requirements

Structure

Compulsory modules

Critical Art Practice

Art Dissertation

Fees

Tuition fee information

EU student fees

Additional costs

Financial support for your studies

Careers

Tuition fee information

EU student fees

Additional costs

Financial support for your studies

Ready for more?