MBA Masters of Business Administration
The MBA in Leadership at Bath Spa University is structured to provide a comprehensive u...
MA Fine Art (Painting)
Locksbrook campus
INTAKE: September
Program Overview
The MA Fine Art (Painting) program at Bath Spa University is typically a one-year full-time or two-year part-time course, attracting ambitious artists with a strong foundation in painting seeking to advance their creative practice and critical understanding within the specialized field. It is structured to encourage intensive studio work specifically focused on painting, rigorous critical discussion centered on painting, and the development of a significant body of original painted artwork. Students are supported in defining their individual research interests within painting and developing a personalized artistic trajectory through expert tutorial guidance and peer interaction. A key element involves engaging with contemporary painting theory, history, and practice through specialized seminars, lectures, and visiting painters. The program culminates in a significant final exhibition that showcases the students' developed artistic vision and research outcomes within painting, preparing them for professional engagement within the painting art world.
Curriculum: The curriculum for the MA Fine Art (Painting) program is designed to be both focused and intellectually demanding, providing a framework for in-depth painterly exploration and critical inquiry. Core elements typically include intensive studio practice specifically in painting, critical theory seminars with a focus on painting and contemporary art, professional development workshops tailored to painters, and individual tutorials with experienced painting faculty. Students are encouraged to experiment across a wide range of painting materials and techniques, from traditional oil painting to contemporary mixed media approaches, and to develop a sophisticated understanding of the conceptual and material language of paint. The program emphasizes the importance of research in informing painting artistic practice, encouraging students to engage with relevant theoretical texts, historical precedents in painting, and contemporary painting debates. Students participate in regular critiques and discussions focused on painting, developing their ability to articulate their artistic intentions within the medium and engage in critical dialogue about their own work and the work of other painters. The curriculum fosters independent learning and the development of a sustainable painting artistic practice beyond the academic context.
Research Focus: The MA Fine Art (Painting) program at Bath Spa University benefits from a strong research environment within the School of Art, Film and Media and the wider Faculty of Arts and Design, with specific expertise in contemporary painting. The academic staff often comprises practicing painters and scholars who are actively engaged in research across a diverse range of contemporary painting practices, theory, and history. This research directly informs the curriculum, ensuring that students are exposed to current debates and innovative approaches within the field of painting. Students are expected to develop their own research questions specifically related to painting and integrate their research findings into their studio practice and their final research project or dissertation, contributing to the evolving discourse within painting art and visual culture. The university's research strengths in areas such as contemporary art theory, visual culture, and material studies provide a stimulating intellectual context for specialized painting inquiry.
Industry Engagement: Bath Spa University's MA Fine Art (Painting) program actively fosters connections with the contemporary painting world. The program may facilitate guest lectures and workshops led by practicing painters, curators specializing in painting, and professionals from galleries and institutions focused on contemporary art. Students often have opportunities to visit painting studios, galleries, and museums, gaining firsthand exposure to the professional painting landscape. The curriculum often incorporates elements of professional development specifically tailored to painters, such as exhibition planning for painted work, writing about painting, and understanding the business aspects of being a professional painter. Networking opportunities with painters and arts professionals are often facilitated through university events and specialized painting exhibitions. The program's location within a region with a vibrant arts scene can also provide valuable connections and opportunities for engagement within the painting community.
Global Perspective: The MA Fine Art (Painting) program at Bath Spa University embraces a global perspective by exploring diverse international painting traditions, contemporary painting trends from around the world, and the impact of globalization on artistic practice and the art market. The curriculum may include the study of painting history and techniques from various cultures, examining different aesthetic approaches and conceptual frameworks in painting. The university's diverse international student body contributes to a rich and intercultural learning environment, fostering exchange and collaboration across different painting artistic perspectives. The program may also feature guest painters from around the world or opportunities to participate in international painting workshops, residencies, and exhibitions. This global outlook prepares graduates to be informed and engaged painters within an increasingly interconnected international painting community.
Location
Locksbrook campus
Score
IELTS 6.5
Tuition Fee
£ 18560
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 65% 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 75.
- PTE Academic: A minimum overall score of 59.
- DET: A minimum overall score of 120.
- Some postgraduate programs may have specific subject prerequisites or additional requirements.
Bath Spa University understands that financing higher education can be a challenge for international students, and to make studying in the UK more accessible, the university offers a range of scholarships. These scholarships are designed to support international students and recognize their academic achievements, helping to reduce the financial burden of tuition fees and living expenses.
International Scholarships: Bath Spa University offers a variety of international scholarships to help non-UK students cover part of their tuition fees. These scholarships are available for both undergraduate and postgraduate international students. The scholarships are typically awarded based on academic merit and the applicant’s potential to contribute to the university community.
Postgraduate Scholarships: International postgraduate students are also eligible for a range of scholarships, which may vary based on the course of study. These scholarships help to support students at the beginning of their master’s degree programs and can be highly competitive. Scholarships are awarded based on previous academic achievements, research proposals, and the applicant's personal statement.
Alumni Scholarships: Bath Spa University values its alumni community, and in recognition of this, it offers scholarships for international students who are former students of the university or have attended a Bath Spa University partner institution. The Alumni Scholarship is designed to reward those who have previously been part of the university and are returning to continue their studies.
Country-Specific Scholarships: Bath Spa University also provides country-specific scholarships for international students from particular regions. These scholarships are designed to encourage students from specific countries to study at Bath Spa University and contribute to the diverse international student community. Students from certain countries may be eligible for specific funding opportunities based on their nationality. The university’s website provides up-to-date information on country-specific scholarship availability.
Merit-Based Scholarships: Many of Bath Spa University's scholarships are merit-based, meaning they are awarded to students who have demonstrated exceptional academic achievement or outstanding potential in their chosen field of study. Merit scholarships are typically awarded during the application process, and students do not need to apply separately for these awards.
External Scholarship Opportunities: In addition to the university’s internal scholarships, international students at Bath Spa University can also apply for external scholarships offered by government agencies, private organizations, or charitable foundations. Bath Spa University regularly updates a list of external scholarship opportunities that are available to international students. These scholarships may cover tuition fees, travel costs, and living expenses.
Graduates from the rigorous and critically engaged MA Fine Art (Painting) program at Bath Spa University develop a highly individual and adaptable skillset, positioning them for a diverse range of fulfilling careers within the contemporary art world and beyond. The program's emphasis on independent artistic development within painting, technical mastery of the medium, and professional practice equips graduates to confidently navigate the multifaceted landscape of visual arts.
Professional Painter: Establishing and maintaining a professional painting practice, creating and exhibiting painted artwork in galleries, museums, and other exhibition spaces.
Gallery Manager/Assistant (Painting Focus): Working in commercial or public art galleries, involved in exhibition planning, artist liaison, sales, and administration, with a focus on painting.
Curator (Painting Focus): Developing and organizing exhibitions of painting in galleries, museums, and independent art spaces, specializing in the medium.
Art Educator/Lecturer (Painting): Teaching painting at universities, colleges, art schools, or in community art programs, sharing their knowledge and experience with aspiring painters.
Arts Administrator (Painting Focus): Working in arts organizations or funding bodies, supporting painting-related projects and initiatives through program development and management.
Art Critic/Writer (Painting Focus): Analyzing and writing about contemporary painting for art magazines, online platforms, and other publications.
Artist-in-Residence (Painting): Participating in residency programs specifically focused on painting, providing time and space to develop their painted artwork in new environments.
Exhibition Technician/Preparator (Painting Focus): Working behind the scenes in galleries and museums, involved in the safe handling, installation, and maintenance of paintings.
Community Arts Facilitator (Painting Focus): Leading painting workshops and projects within community settings, promoting engagement with the medium for diverse groups.
Creative Entrepreneur (Painting): Establishing their own painting studio and retail outlet, or developing and selling their painted work online and at art fairs.
