Program Overview

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Overview

The Master of Fine Art (MFA) is a two-year full-time course that encourages a critical and experimental approach to studio-practice. It is designed for fine art graduates and those with other backgrounds who wish to establish, progress, or extend their position as practitioners in the contemporary art world.

What You'll Learn

The MFA creates a platform to help you push your practice forward through experimentation and by developing inventive, rigorous, and focused working methods. You will develop the skills needed to practice as an artist, including career development, research, writing, professional, careers, intellectual, and practical skills. 75% of the course is studio-based art practice, with professional practice and dissertation modules making up the other 25%.

Modules

You will study modules on this course, including:

• Studio Work (Stage 2)
• Studio Practice 1
• Studio Practice 2
• Studio Residency and Exhibition
• Art Writing
• Exhibiting Art
• Dissertation

How You'll Learn

The MFA is based in purpose-built studio spaces, where you will work with leading researchers and practicing artists as you develop on your creative journey. You will be supported through:

• One-to-one studio tutorials
• Seminars and group crits
• Lectures, workshops, and seminars
• Cross-disciplinary seminars
• Group studio discussions
• Lectures by distinguished visiting artists

Your Development

The course equips you with the skills and knowledge needed for a career in the creative arts. As well as becoming artists, our graduates gain employment and make significant contributions in the arts arena, in areas such as:

• Exhibition curation
• Art history
• Education
• Gallery or arts administrators

Industry Links

We have strong links and partnerships in the industry, providing you with opportunities to engage with the art world in Newcastle and beyond. We work with artists, curators, and critics from various organizations.

Careers

Our course equips you with the skills and knowledge needed for a career in the creative arts. The MFA also offers a solid grounding for those hoping to progress to PhD degree study.

Facilities

The Fine Art department is consistently rated in the top five of all UK art schools. We offer well-resourced workshops and student studios, including:

• Purpose-built painting, sculpture, printmaking, and digital media studios
• Wood, Metal, Casting, Digital, and Ceramics workshops
• Designated gallery and project spaces
• Seminar rooms
• Large lecture theatre

Quality and Ranking

• 42% of our research is classified as 4* world-leading research – Research Excellence Framework 2021
• 65% increase in research power since 2014 – Research Excellence Framework 2021
• Global Top 140 University – QS World University Rankings 2026
• Global Top 160 University - Times Higher Education World University Rankings 2025

Fees and Funding

Tuition fees for 2026 entry (per year)

• Qualification: MA Full time
  • Home students: £11,400
  • International students: £26,500
• Qualification: MFA Full time
  • Home students: £11,400
  • International students: £26,500

Entry Requirements

Academic entry requirements

A good honours degree in fine art, or international equivalent, plus a portfolio of recent art work.

English Language requirements

Select your qualification:

• IELTS
• Pearson
• Duolingo English Test
• TOEFL
• Other

Admissions policy

This policy applies to all undergraduate and postgraduate admissions at Newcastle University.

Credit transfer and Recognition of Prior Learning

Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL) can allow you to convert existing relevant university-level knowledge, skills, and experience into credits towards a qualification.

How to Apply

Before you start

The course starts in September. We expect applications to be submitted by March 1st. We always consider later applications if there are spaces available.

Specialised application information

Portfolio

You need to submit a completed online application form together with 15-30 images of your studio work in the form of a digital portfolio.

Personal statement

In your application, you need to provide a statement about you and your current studio work.

Deposit

If you are an international student or a student from the EU, EEA, or Switzerland and you need a visa to study in the UK, you must pay a deposit of £1,500 or submit an official letter of sponsorship.