Program Overview

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Overview

The Fine Art MA at Newcastle University is a 1-year full-time studio-based course that encourages curiosity and innovation in a multidisciplinary environment. The program supports a critical and experimental approach to practice and research in all areas of Contemporary Fine Art.

What You'll Learn

You will explore your own creative interests and research questions, guided by a diverse team of practicing artists, researchers, and art historians. The program places a strong emphasis on student-centered learning, and you will work in the postgraduate studios, sharing studio, modules, and teaching with MFA students.

• You will develop skills as an independent artist and expand your knowledge of the contemporary art field by:
  • Gaining a thorough understanding of the diversity of fine art methods
  • Discovering the value of communication, collaboration, and community building
  • Developing an awareness of the aesthetic, ethical, and social contexts of art as a human experience
  • Exploring curating and exhibiting practices
  • Building expertise and independence as an artist through your own residency in a large exhibition space
  • Advancing your self-reflection, communication, and critical thinking by exploring leading-edge research and practice

Modules

You will study the following modules:

• Studio Practice 1 (40 credits)
• Studio Practice 2 (40 credits)
• Studio Residency and Exhibition (60 credits)
• Art Writing (20 credits)
• Exhibiting Art (20 credits)

How You'll Learn

You will be taught using a range of methods, including:

• Lectures
• Seminars
• Workshops
• Case studies
• Practice-driven small-group teaching
• Studio and gallery visits

The MA Fine Art is a modular one-year full-time studio-based course with a total value of 180 credits. 75% of the course is studio work, with professional practice and Art writing modules making up the other 25%.

Your Development

Over the course of your degree, you will develop a range of professional, research, and practical skills. You will learn how to:

• Critically assess different models of theory and practice in the visual arts
• Communicate clearly and confidently, both verbally and in writing, with a range of professional organizations and individuals
• Use secondary and digital resources efficiently and appropriately
• Plan and manage professional projects
• Think critically and creatively to solve problems in relation to the production, exhibition, and communication of your practice

Your Future

This 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

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
• Top 100 for Performing Arts - QS World University Rankings by Subject 2025
• Top 125 for Arts and Humanities – Times Higher Education World University Rankings by Subject 2025
• Top 150 for Art and Design - QS World University Rankings by Subject 2025
• Top 25 in the UK and Top 100 in the world for sustainable development – Times Higher Education Impact Rankings 2024

Facilities

The Fine Art department is part of the School of Arts and Cultures, which is home to a wide variety of courses, including:

• Music
• Curating
• PR & Journalism
• Digital Media
• Media and Cultural studies
• Museum and Gallery Studies
• Heritage and Communication
• Film

At the School of Arts and Cultures, we're committed to the education of artists, along with the practice, exhibition, history, and theory of art.

Fees and Funding

Tuition fees for 2026 entry (per year)

• Qualification: MA Full time
  • Home students: Full time: 12 months, Tuition fees (per year) £11,400
  • International students: Full time: 12 months, Tuition fees (per year) £26,500
• Qualification: MA Part time
  • Home students: Part time: 24 months, Tuition fees (per year) £5,700

Entry Requirements

Academic entry requirements

A good honours degree in fine art (or other relevant subject), or international equivalent, plus a portfolio of recent artwork. Applicants who hold non-standard qualifications and/or have other relevant experience will be considered on an individual basis.

English Language requirements

Select your qualification:

• IELTS
• Pearson
• Duolingo English Test
• TOEFL
• Other
• Pre-Sessional Entry - 6 weeks
• Pre-Sessional Entry - 10 weeks

Admissions policy

This policy applies to all undergraduate and postgraduate admissions at Newcastle University. It is intended to provide information about our admissions policies and procedures to applicants and potential applicants, to their advisors and family members, and to staff of the University.

How to Apply

Before you start

• Start Dates: The course starts in September.
• Closing Dates: We expect applications to be submitted by March 1st. We always consider later applications if there are spaces available. Please contact the Degree Programme Director.
• Specialised application information: After consideration of your portfolio and your application, you may be invited to attend an interview - in-person or on Zoom for those applicants outside of the UK.

Programme codes

• Qualification: MA Full time, Full time: 12 months, Programme Code: 4186F
• Qualification: MA Part time, Part time: 24 months, Programme Code: 4186P

Using the application portal

The application portal has instructions to guide you through your application. It will tell you what documents you need and how to upload them.

You can choose to start your application, save your details and come back to complete it later.

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

The deposit is payable after you receive an offer to study with us. The deposit is non-refundable, but we will deduct it from your tuition fees when you register.