MA Animation
The MA Animation program at Leeds Arts University, United Kingdom, provides a focused a...
MA Fine Art
Leeds
INTAKE: September
Program Overview
The MA Fine Art program at Leeds Arts University is an intensive course designed for creative practitioners, recent art graduates, and professionals seeking to critically examine, strengthen, and deepen their individual artistic practices within a contemporary context. The program fosters progress through practice-led research, emphasizing a dialogic exchange at its core, supported by regular informed critical discussions, dynamic group work, seminars, collaborative projects, and individualized tuition. It embraces a wide spectrum of contemporary art practices, including installation, moving image, painting, performance, sculpture, text, and sound. The curriculum aims to nurture independent, innovative creative thinkers and practitioners, enabling them to refine their critical understanding of art's role in society and to position their work within various historical, contemporary, social, political, cultural, environmental, and technological contexts. Students are encouraged to take full responsibility for their artistic development, engaging with current issues in art and developing relationships across different disciplines within the university and with local partners. The program culminates in a public presentation or exhibition of their developed body of work.
Curriculum: The MA Fine Art curriculum at Leeds Arts University is structured to advance, broaden, and deepen students' existing fine art practices through practice-led research. It involves a combination of specialist subject modules and transdisciplinary core modules, all underpinned by independent learning. Teaching methods include individual supervision, group tutorials, live briefs, and project proposals, with opportunities for collaboration across postgraduate courses. Core seminars utilize group work to explore the broader field of practice and theory within fine art, while individual tutorials nuance discussions around each student's work. Students are introduced to a range of practice-led research approaches, enhancing their analytical methods and critical approaches to their own practice. The curriculum also emphasizes the development of advanced technical and theoretical problem-solving strategies and interpretative abilities. Students will explore materials and processes through introductory workshops, seminars, and critiques in the initial stages, progressing to more in-depth studio work with specialist teaching and tutorials to extend their practice. The program also incorporates research methodologies to encourage questioning and a better understanding of one's creative practice, alongside developing solutions for disseminating and promoting their work.
Research Focus: Research within the MA Fine Art program at Leeds Arts University encourages students to undertake extensive research into areas of personal interest, fostering the development of innovative and creative lines of inquiry. The program emphasizes practice-based research, where students use their art projects as a form of investigation and knowledge generation. Students are supported in exploring new methodologies, materials, and theoretical underpinnings relevant to their practice. They are encouraged to develop their own projects in consultation with studio staff, supplemented by seminars, visiting speakers, artists, and fine art professionals. The program also integrates research methodologies to enable students to question and better understand their creative processes and to develop effective strategies for disseminating and promoting their work. The aim is to encourage a deeper conceptual and practical understanding of process, method, technique, tools, and materiality through scholarship and critical engagement with theoretical creative practice contexts. The university supports a culture of sustained, sophisticated fine art production informed by contemporary practice, research, advanced scholarship, and a range of relevant creative contexts and cultural industries.
Industry Engagement: Industry engagement is a vital component of the MA Fine Art program at Leeds Arts University, providing students with valuable connections to the contemporary arts world. The university maintains close links with industry and creative businesses in the Yorkshire region, across the UK, and beyond. Students benefit from tutors who are active practitioners, offering knowledge and professional networks. The program provides opportunities to collaborate on collective projects and events, fostering teamwork, adaptability, and resourcefulness. Students are encouraged to develop proposals and applications for local, national, and international projects and exhibitions, supported through critiques and tutorials. The university also facilitates guest lectures from industry professionals, offering expert advice and valuable insights. Students have the chance to work on live briefs, engage with clients, and apply their contextual and industry-informed knowledge. Furthermore, the university's careers service supports students in maximizing their chances of success after graduation, offering opportunities to connect with industry experts, attend specialist workshops, and receive one-on-one career consultations.
Global Perspective: The MA Fine Art program at Leeds Arts University fosters a global perspective by encouraging students to situate and position their work within international contexts. While the provided information does not explicitly detail specific modules on global art trends, the program's emphasis on contemporary issues in art and the encouragement to visit exhibitions and related events, potentially including national and international trips like the Venice Biennale, suggests an awareness of global artistic dialogues. The program aims to equip graduates to operate effectively in the contemporary art world, which inherently involves understanding diverse cultural, social, political, environmental, and technological contexts that transcend national borders. By encouraging students to consider the broader role of art in society and to develop their individual specialisms within fine art, the program implicitly prepares them to engage with a globalized art landscape. The inclusion of international students within the university community also contributes to a diverse learning environment, fostering the exchange of global perspectives and ideas.
Location
Leeds
Score
IELTS 6.5
Tuition Fee
£ 18000
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 55% or equivalent.
English language proficiency:
- IELTS: A minimum overall score of 6.5 or 7.0 with no individual component below 6.0.
- PTE Academic: A minimum overall score of 59.
- Some postgraduate programs may have specific subject prerequisites or additional requirements.
Leeds Arts University offers a variety of scholarships to support international students in their academic journey. These scholarships are designed to recognize talent, academic excellence, and to alleviate financial burdens.
GREAT Scholarship: In partnership with the British Council and the GREAT Britain Campaign, Leeds Arts University offers the GREAT Scholarship for Indian students applying for a one-year postgraduate course. The scholarship provides a tuition fee discount. Eligibility criteria include holding an offer for postgraduate study, meeting the English language requirements, and being a citizen and resident of India.
International Progression Award: Current international students at Leeds Arts University who are progressing from the Foundation Diploma in Art and Design to an undergraduate degree, or from an undergraduate degree to a postgraduate degree, are eligible for a tuition fee discount. This discount is applied to the tuition fees for each year of the course.
Early Payment Discount: International students who pay the full annual tuition fee are eligible for a early payment discount. This discount is applied at the time of payment, and students are advised to allow time for the payment to clear.
Leeds Arts University, the sole specialist arts university in the North of England, boasts a rich history of fostering creative talent since 1846. Situated in a city renowned for its vibrant cultural scene, the university provides industry-standard facilities and strong connections to the professional arts world. Its MA Fine Art program is designed to cultivate independent, innovative artists equipped to navigate the contemporary art landscape. Graduates emerge with a refined critical understanding and the practical skills necessary for diverse career paths.
Practising Artist: This is a primary aspiration for many fine art graduates. They develop their unique artistic voice and build a professional practice, exhibiting their work in galleries, art fairs, and other public spaces. This often involves self-management, networking, and continuous creative development.
Gallery Curator: With a strong understanding of art history, theory, and contemporary practice, graduates can work in commercial or public art galleries, responsible for researching, planning, and managing exhibitions. This role involves liaising with artists, lenders, and the public.
Museum Education Officer: Combining their art knowledge with a passion for education, graduates can work in museums to develop and deliver educational programs for diverse audiences, fostering engagement with art and culture.
Arts Administrator: These professionals work behind the scenes in arts organizations, managing budgets, marketing, fundraising, and operations. A fine art background provides a valuable understanding of the artistic process and the needs of artists.
Art Critic/Writer: Graduates with strong analytical and writing skills can pursue careers as art critics for publications or online platforms, offering insightful commentary on contemporary art and exhibitions.
Art Consultant: Working with private collectors, corporations, or interior designers, art consultants advise on the acquisition of artworks, requiring a keen eye and knowledge of the art market.
Community Arts Worker: Utilizing their artistic skills to engage with local communities, graduates can lead workshops, projects, and initiatives that promote creativity and social inclusion.
Further Education Lecturer/Tutor: With a Master's degree, graduates can teach fine art at the university level or in further education colleges, sharing their knowledge and experience with the next generation of artists.
Exhibition Technician/Preparator: These roles involve the practical aspects of installing and maintaining artwork in galleries and museums, requiring a hands-on approach and attention to detail.
Digital Artist/Creative Technologist: Increasingly, fine art practices incorporate digital media. Graduates with skills in areas like video, animation, and interactive installations can find opportunities in the expanding field of digital art and creative technology.
