MA Fine Art is a studio-based course that is aimed at those who wish to develop the critical, research, practical, and professional aspects of their art practice at the highest level.
This interdisciplinary programme encourages creative risk-taking and intellectual inquiry. Alongside a strong emphasis on the richness and breadth of art from around the world, staff and students on the programme are encouraged to take an active role in Lincoln’s contemporary art community.
Students will have access to studio space and benefit from strong links with national and international artists and curators, which in the past have included working with the Collection, Lincolnshire Archives, The Blue Room, and others on collaborative projects.
A range of artists and professionals are invited to deliver guest lectures and tutorials as part of ART TALKS. Recent speakers include Assemble, Heath Bunting, Esther Leslie, Maurice Carlin, Danica Maier, Rachel Goodyear, and Alex Pearl.
Medium-specific specialist themes are available, recognising the increased material focus of advanced practice in fine art.
How You Study
MA Fine Art is based in a dedicated studio and the production of work through studio practice is central to the programme.
The structure of the course is designed to be supportive but geared towards independent research and practice. Teaching occurs through tutorials, critiques, seminars, lectures, visiting artists and curators, study visits and, importantly, through sharing of research and ideas among the peer group.
Full-time students will be taught on a Tuesday and Wednesday (full day), as well as occasionally on other days. We expect all of our full-time students to work independently in addition to taught hours, to make up the full five days.
Part-time students will be taught on a Tuesday (full days) and some Wednesdays. Part-time students will be given a timetable upon enrolment in September for the whole academic year which will confirm which Wednesdays they will be in attendance. As a part-time student, there is an expectation of 2.5 days committed to studies per week which include the teaching time.
It is expected that a full-time student will work independently for a minimum of 30 hours in addition to taught sessions, for part-time students it should be a minimum of 12 hours.
Contact Hours
Owing to the nature of postgraduate programmes, a significant proportion of your time will be spent in independent study and research. Research students will have meetings with their academic supervisors, however, the regularity of these will vary depending on individual requirements, subject area, staff availability, and the stage of the programme. For taught programmes, weekly contact hours may vary depending on the individual module options chosen and the stage of the study.
Methods of Assessment
The way you will be assessed on your course will vary depending on the subject and the type of postgraduate programme you select. A taught programme could include a written dissertation, exams, presentations, and projects. A research programme could include a thesis, oral examination, and presentation to a group of research academics. You may be expected to demonstrate how your research findings have contributed to knowledge or developed existing theory or understanding. Please see the individual course pages to find out more.
Modules
Critical Studio Practice (Core)
Critical Studio Research (Core)
MA Fine Art Exhibition (Core)
How You Are Assessed
Students are assessed in a variety of ways, including spoken presentations, written submission, and the presentation of critically grounded artwork.
The University of Lincoln's policy on assessment feedback aims to ensure that academics will return in-course assessments to students promptly – usually within 15 working days of the submission date (unless stated differently above).
Scholarships
There are more ways than ever before to fund your postgraduate study, whether you want to do a taught or research course. For those wishing to undertake a Master's course, you can apply for a loan as a contribution towards the course and living costs. Loans are also available to those who wish to undertake doctoral study. The University offers a number of scholarships and funded studentships for those interested in postgraduate study.
Course-Specific Additional Costs
All students are supported in the development of their practice and its documentation. Students have access to photography, video, and audio facilities; acrylic resist etching, digital imagery, and screen printing equipment, as well as facilities enabling wood, metal, plaster, plastics, and resin work.
As each student develops their own artwork there are material costs involved with can range from £0-£2,000 depending on their individual work on the course. There are costs involved with study trips which are around £15 for UK trips and £400-500 for any overseas optional study trips.
Entry Requirements 2021-22
First or upper second class honors degree in a relevant subject or equivalent professional experience.
If you have studied outside of the UK, and are unsure whether your qualification meets the above requirements, please visit our country pages for information on equivalent qualifications.
Overseas students will be required to demonstrate English language proficiency equivalent to IELTS 7.0 overall, with a minimum of 5.5 in each element. This qualification must have been obtained prior to submitting your application.
For information regarding other English language qualifications we accept, please visit the English Requirements page.
If you do not meet the above IELTS requirements, you may be able to take part in one of our Pre-session English and Academic Study Skills courses. These specialist courses are designed to help students meet the English language requirements for their intended programme of study.
Teaching and Learning During Covid-19
At Lincoln, Covid-19 has encouraged us to review our practices and, as a result, to take the opportunity to find new ways to enhance the student experience. We have made changes to our teaching and learning approach and to our campus, to ensure that students and staff can enjoy a safe and positive learning experience. We will continue to follow Government guidance and work closely with the local Public Health experts as the situation progresses, and adapt our teaching and learning accordingly to keep our campus as safe as possible.
Exhibitions
Students are encouraged to work professionally. As part of the course, the School has previously organised group exhibitions including General Practice, The Collection, The Blue Room, and Project Space Plus.
The course provides the opportunity to visit exhibitions and local galleries in Lincoln and there have been visits in previous years to Sheffield, Nottingham, London, and optional study overseas visits to Venice, Rome, and Berlin. Please see the Additional Costs tab for more information about the costs involved in these trips.
Guest Lectures
A range of artists and professionals are invited to deliver guest lectures and tutorials as part of ART TALKS. Recent speakers include Assemble, Heath Bunting, Esther Leslie, Maurice Carlin, Danica Maier, Rachel Goodyear, and Alex Pearl.
Interviews and Applicant Days
All applicants should submit a digital portfolio and statement, which will be reviewed. Shortlisted applicants will be invited to attend an interview where they will be required to present a portfolio of their recent fine artwork. For international applicants, we offer Skype interviews.
Career and Personal Development
The MA Fine Art is designed to enhance students’ practical, theoretical, and creative understanding of their chosen artistic discipline. Graduates have gone on to exhibit their work and undertake commissions.
The University Careers and Employability Team offer qualified advisors who can work with you to provide tailored, individual support and career advice during your time at the University. As a member of our alumni we also offer one-to-one support in the first year after completing your course, including access to events, vacancy information and website resources; with access to online vacancies and virtual and website resources for the following two years.
This service can include one-to-one coaching, CV advice and interview preparation to help you maximise your future opportunities.
The service works closely with local, national and international employers, acting as a gateway to the business world.
