MA English Literature
The MA in English Literature at the University of Reading offers a comprehensive and im...
MA Fine Art
Reading
INTAKE: September
Program Overview
The MA Fine Art program at the University of Reading is designed to provide students with a comprehensive, in-depth understanding of contemporary art practice while encouraging personal artistic development and critical thinking. Located in the heart of the UK, the University of Reading offers a stimulating environment for students who wish to explore various mediums, experiment with new technologies, and engage with innovative artistic concepts. This program aims to foster artistic expression, intellectual growth, and a deeper understanding of the global art landscape. It is ideal for students looking to push boundaries and develop a professional portfolio that reflects their unique artistic vision. The MA Fine Art program offers students access to state-of-the-art facilities, world-class teaching, and the opportunity to collaborate with an inspiring community of artists.
Curriculum: The curriculum of the MA Fine Art program is structured to give students the flexibility to explore a wide range of artistic disciplines and techniques while encouraging the development of a unique, individual approach to art. The program covers a variety of modules that focus on both the practical and theoretical aspects of fine art. Key areas of study include drawing, sculpture, painting, digital media, installation art, and performance art. Additionally, students will engage in professional development workshops, artist-led seminars, and critical discussions that refine their practice and creative skills. The curriculum also incorporates independent study and personal projects, allowing students to focus on areas that interest them most. As part of the program, students will have access to extensive facilities, including studio spaces, digital media labs, and galleries, enabling them to experiment with different artistic techniques and create high-quality work. The combination of creative practice, critical theory, and independent exploration ensures that students receive a well-rounded education in fine art.
Research Focus: The University of Reading's research in the field of fine art emphasizes innovation, interdisciplinary collaboration, and the exploration of contemporary artistic practices. Students in the MA Fine Art program are encouraged to engage in research that expands their understanding of art, its cultural significance, and its role in society. Research topics within the program are broad and diverse, including investigations into new media art, digital technologies, social and political themes in art, and environmental and ecological concerns. Students are supported by experienced faculty members who are active researchers and practicing artists. The research culture at the University of Reading is collaborative and encourages students to explore the intersection of art and technology, as well as the critical engagement with global and local art movements. The program also invites students to think about the role of art in addressing contemporary issues and shaping future trends in the creative industries.
Industry Engagement: The University of Reading’s MA Fine Art program places a strong emphasis on industry engagement, ensuring that students are well-equipped for careers as professional artists, curators, educators, and other roles within the creative industries. The program is designed to provide students with opportunities to showcase their work, build a professional network, and gain practical experience. Industry engagement is facilitated through partnerships with galleries, art institutions, and creative agencies, as well as opportunities for work placements, exhibitions, and public art projects. Students are encouraged to participate in group shows, both locally and nationally, and to collaborate with other artists and organizations in the arts community. The program also offers career support and guidance, helping students develop a professional portfolio, plan their career path, and navigate the business side of being an artist. These industry connections not only support students during their studies but also help them establish themselves as professional artists upon graduation.
Global Perspective: The MA Fine Art program at the University of Reading is designed to offer students a global perspective on contemporary art practices. The university attracts a diverse community of students from across the world, providing a rich environment for cross-cultural exchange and artistic collaboration. The program encourages students to engage with international art movements and to think critically about the role of art in a globalized world. Students have access to a wide range of resources and opportunities to expand their global understanding, including study abroad programs, international artist residencies, and the chance to collaborate with artists and institutions worldwide. The program also integrates global themes and issues into the curriculum, enabling students to explore art's role in social, political, and cultural contexts. The global perspective offered by the program ensures that graduates are equipped to work in the international art scene and contribute to global conversations in contemporary art.
Location
Reading
Score
IELTS 6.5
Tuition Fee
£ 25850
Postgraduate Entry Requirements
Academic Qualifications: Applicants should have successfully completed a bachelor's degree or its equivalent from a recognized institution with a minimum overall score of 60% or equivalent.
English language proficiency:
- IELTS: A minimum overall score of 6.5 or 7.0 with no individual component below 6.0.
- TOEFL: A minimum overall score of 88.
- PTE Academic: A minimum overall score of 69.
- DET Academic: A minimum overall score of 125.
- Some postgraduate programs may have specific subject prerequisites or additional requirements.
The University of Reading offers a variety of scholarships for international students to support academic excellence and financial needs.
Vice-Chancellor Global Scholarship Award: Merit-based scholarship for high-achieving international students. Covers partial tuition fees for undergraduate and postgraduate programs.
Subject-Specific Scholarships: Offered by individual departments based on academic excellence and course selection. Examples include scholarships in Business, Law, Agriculture, and Science.
Chevening Scholarships: A UK government-funded scholarship for outstanding students from eligible countries. Covers tuition fees, living expenses, and travel costs.
Commonwealth Scholarships: Available for students from Commonwealth nations pursuing a master's or PhD. Covers tuition fees, airfare, and a monthly stipend.
Great Scholarships: A collaboration between the British Council and UK universities. Provides funding of up to £10,000 for postgraduate students from selected countries.
Country-Specific Scholarships: Scholarships tailored for students from specific countries, including India, China, and the USA. Criteria vary based on nationality and academic performance.
Alumni Discount for Postgraduate Students: If you are a University of Reading graduate, you may be eligible for a tuition fee discount for further studies.
Graduates of the MA Fine Art program are equipped with the artistic, practical, and critical thinking skills necessary for success in the competitive world of fine art.
Professional Artist: One of the primary career paths for MA Fine Art graduates is to become a professional artist. The program provides students with the opportunity to develop their unique artistic style and practice, preparing them to exhibit their work in galleries, museums, and public spaces. Graduates can pursue careers as painters, sculptors, digital artists, installation artists, or performance artists, creating individual pieces or immersive art installations. Through exhibitions, both national and international, graduates can build a professional portfolio, gain visibility, and establish themselves within the art world.
Curator: MA Fine Art graduates can pursue careers as curators, working in galleries, museums, or cultural institutions to design and manage art exhibitions. Curators are responsible for selecting and organizing works of art for exhibitions, writing catalogues, and working with artists to present their work in a meaningful and engaging way. Graduates with an understanding of both artistic practice and art history are well-suited for this role, especially as the program emphasizes the intersection of contemporary art with critical theory. Curators also engage in research, ensuring that exhibitions are historically relevant and intellectually rigorous.
Art Educator or Lecturer: Graduates can choose to teach and inspire the next generation of artists by becoming art educators or lecturers. With a Master’s degree in Fine Art, graduates are eligible to teach at the secondary, further education, or higher education levels. Teaching may involve both practical and theoretical aspects of art, fostering creativity and critical thinking in students. Many graduates also become involved in community-based art education programs, teaching and facilitating workshops to engage wider audiences in art-making and art appreciation.
Gallery or Museum Manager: As an alternative to working as a curator, graduates can pursue roles in gallery or museum management. This involves overseeing the day-to-day operations of galleries, museums, or art spaces, including managing budgets, organizing events, and coordinating educational programming. Gallery or museum managers play a key role in fostering an engaging and accessible environment for visitors, ensuring the art space runs smoothly and effectively promotes exhibitions and events.
Art Therapist: For graduates interested in the therapeutic power of art, a career in art therapy offers the opportunity to work with individuals or groups to promote emotional and psychological well-being through creative expression. Art therapists use art to help patients explore feelings, process trauma, and improve mental health. Graduates who pursue this path typically need additional training in therapeutic techniques and counseling but can work in hospitals, rehabilitation centers, schools, and private practice.
Art Director (Creative Industries): Graduates can also enter the creative industries as art directors. This role involves leading and overseeing the visual aspects of creative projects across different media, including film, television, advertising, and digital content creation. Art directors collaborate with designers, photographers, and other artists to create compelling visuals that align with a specific vision or concept. Their work might involve directing the design and visual execution of advertising campaigns, branding strategies, or film productions.
Art Auction Houses and Dealers: Graduates with a keen interest in art commerce may pursue careers as art dealers or work in art auction houses. These roles involve researching and selling works of art to collectors, galleries, and institutions. Graduates can also work in art valuation and appraisal, helping clients assess the value of artworks for sale or insurance purposes. Roles in the auction industry offer the chance to work closely with artists, collectors, and investors, navigating the economic side of the art world.
Creative Entrepreneur: The MA Fine Art program at the University of Reading also nurtures creative entrepreneurship, preparing graduates to launch their own businesses or art-related ventures. This could involve starting an independent gallery, organizing exhibitions or art festivals, or offering services such as art consultancy, art installation, or curation for corporate clients. Graduates may also develop their own brands and sell their art through online platforms or private exhibitions, allowing for a diverse range of creative opportunities.
Art Writer or Critic: Graduates interested in writing and critical analysis can pursue careers as art critics or writers, contributing to art journals, magazines, and blogs. Art critics analyze and review exhibitions, artworks, and trends in the art world, providing informed opinions to the public. Graduates can also write catalogues, exhibition reviews, and other editorial content that helps shape the discourse surrounding contemporary art. This role involves staying up-to-date with global art movements and understanding the cultural and social contexts of the works being reviewed.
Public Art Coordinator: Public art coordinators work with communities, local authorities, and organizations to develop and implement public art projects that engage the local population. Graduates interested in public art may take on roles where they design large-scale installations or facilitate community-driven art projects in public spaces. This career path combines artistic practice with social engagement, as the aim is to make art accessible and meaningful to diverse communities.
