MA/MFA Art Writing

Program Overview

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What you'll study

This course is rooted in the conviction that art writing is not merely a supplemental art practice but a critical, expansive field that mirrors the dynamism of contemporary art itself. It offers an engagement with art that encompasses the inclusivity of global discourses, the regional specificity of art communities, and the evolving platforms of communication of the art world, from social media and blogging to meme culture.

You’ll have the space for innovative thinking and independent research so you can use writing for critical research and express complex artistic ideas and navigate the digital landscape where contemporary art discourse thrives.

This course runs alongside our MA/MFA Fine Art degree and there will be many opportunities to meet other students, develop collaborative projects and form a professional network that will give you a strong foundation on which to build or extend your career ambitions.

The MA is also available as an MFA route which offers a further enhanced opportunity for students wanting to develop their professional portfolio to the highest level, or to build a proposal for Doctoral level study, and pursue an academic research career path. Applicants can apply to undertake the full MFA, or undertake an MA and transfer to the MFA at the end of the MA period.

Integrated Pre-Masters

We also offer this degree with an Integrated Pre-Masters course for international and UK students. The course prepares you for postgraduate study by improving your academic and creative skills before your degree begins.

Fees & funding

Tuition fees

• MA course (full-time, 2025/26): £10,500
• MA course (part-time, year 1, 2025/26): £5,250
• MFA course (full-time, year 1, 2025/26): £7,000
• MA course (2025/26, EU/International): £18,000
• Integrated International Pre-Masters course (Sept & Jan, 2025/26): £17,500
• Integrated International Pre-Masters course (May, 2025/26): £8,750
• MFA course (year 1, 2025/26, EU/International): £11,700

UCA scholarships and fee discounts

At UCA we have a number of scholarships and fee discounts available to assist you with the cost of your studies.

Current UCA students and alumni may be eligible for a tuition fee discount.

Financial support

There are lots of ways you can access additional financial support to help you fund your studies - both from UCA and from external sources. Discover what support you might qualify for please see our financial support information.

Additional course costs

In addition to the tuition fees there may be other costs for your course. The things that you are likely to need to budget for to get the most out of a creative arts education will include books, printing costs, occasional or optional study trips and/or project materials.

These costs will vary according to the nature of your project work and the individual choices that you make. Please see the Additional Course Costs section of the Course Information Document for more details of the costs you may incur.

Facilities & equipment

At UCA Canterbury you'll have everything you need for your studies - three fully-equipped digital media suites with the latest Macs and PCs running up-to-date software, extensive library resources on-site and across all UCA campuses, and access to our fine art studios for collaborative work.

Career opportunities

Existing and emerging professions might include:

• Art criticism or reviewing for print and online publications
• Writing for exhibition catalogues and art journals
• Art Writing as practice
• Art editing and/or content creation for cultural organisations
• Art publishing, editing and research

You may want to undertake further study or research to specialise even further.

Entry & portfolio requirements

For this course we will need to see your portfolio for review. You can either submit a digital portfolio or request an in-person portfolio review with the course team.

View Art Writing portfolio advice

Standard requirements

• A good honours degree or equivalent qualification in a related discipline
• Relevant work experience, demonstrating your ability to study at postgraduate level

Consideration will also be given to applicants who can make a strong case for admission in relation to a particular project and can demonstrate their potential to satisfactorily complete the course.

Postgraduate requirements

Integrated Pre-Masters course

Our Pre-Masters courses require a recognised bachelor degree or 3 year diploma with a strong portfolio in a relevant subject. Applicants will also need to meet any course-specific requirements.

Masters course

For our Master’s courses, we usually require that you have successfully completed a Master’s degree at a recognised university.

English Language Requirements

Please refer to the English Language Requirements section for specific details.

Apply now

Please use the following fields to help select the right application link for you:

My location: UK/International Select entry year: 2025/26 Select study option: Full-time/Part-time

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Related courses

Art Writing MA/MFA at UCA Canterbury

Curating MA/MFA at UCA Canterbury

Fine Art MA/MFA at UCA Canterbury

Fine Art MA/MFA at UCA Farnham

Photography MA/MFA at UCA Farnham

Program Outline

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Degree Overview:

This one-year postgraduate program aims to provide students with the tools and knowledge to engage critically with art and contribute to its evolving discourse in the digital age. The program emphasizes writing as a research methodology and creative practice, fostering an inclusive understanding of art that considers global dialogues, regional contexts, and diverse communication platforms.

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Objectives:

• Develop advanced research skills and expertise in art writing.
• Create innovative and experimental writing projects.
• Engage with professional opportunities and networks in the art world.
• Develop a critical understanding of contemporary art discourse.

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Outline:

This program offers a blend of theoretical and practical modules:

• Module 1: Experimental Writing: Explores diverse writing practices within art, including art history, journalism, and creative writing.
• Module 2: Research Contexts: Delves into the design and usage of language as a research tool and creative medium.
• Module 3: Art Writing as Practice: Investigates and applies research methodologies to connect textual and artistic production.
• Module 4: Professional Contexts: Provides opportunities to engage with industry professionals through projects and partnerships.
• Module 5: Major Project: Undertakes a sustained individual research project, culminating in a creative writing portfolio.

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Assessment:

Assessments vary across modules and may include:

• Critical essays
• Creative writing pieces
• Project reports
• Portfolio presentations
• Research proposals

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Teaching:

The program employs a learner-centered approach with interactive seminars, individual tutorials, workshops, and guest lectures by renowned artists and writers. Students benefit from the expertise of experienced faculty and visiting professionals.

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Careers:

Graduates pursue diverse careers in various fields associated with the art world, including:

• Art criticism and reviewing
• Writing for exhibition catalogues and art journals
• Art editing and content creation
• Cultural organization publishing and research
• Art publishing and editing

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Other:

• The program includes opportunities for collaborative projects and networking with other students in the MA Fine Art program.
• Students have access to UCA's extensive library resources, digital media labs, and fine art studios.
• There are opportunities for international study trips and participation in professional conferences.
• Scholarships and fee discounts are available for eligible students.
This program aims to equip students with the knowledge and skills to succeed as critical thinkers and innovative writers within the evolving landscape of contemporary art discourse.

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UK

2024/25 entry (full-time): £10,500 2024/25 entry (part-time): £5,250

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EU

2024/25 entry (full-time): £10,500 (see fee discount information) 2024/25 entry (part-time): £5,250 (see fee discount information)

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International

2024/25 entry (MA): £18,000 2024/25 entry (Integrated International Pre-Masters course - 30 weeks): £17,500 2024/25 entry (Integrated International Pre-Masters course - 15 weeks): £8,750