Overview
Our Fine Art MA encourages curiosity and innovation in a multidisciplinary, studio-based environment.
You’ll focus on:
- experimentation, risk-taking, and reflective practice
- exploring your creative identity
- working within various cultural, social, and historical contexts
Our unique student studios and exhibition spaces let you engage with artists, curators, scholars, and audiences. You’ll build connections that go beyond the classroom.
Through this Fine Art MA you will gain confidence in navigating the complexities of contemporary fine art, with versatile skills for a range of careers.
Important information
We’ve highlighted important information about your course. Please take note of any deadlines.
Your course and study experience – disclaimers and terms and conditions
Please rest assured we make all reasonable efforts to provide you with the programmes, services and facilities described. However, it may be necessary to make changes due to significant disruption, for example in response to Covid-19.
View our Academic experience page, which gives information about your Newcastle University study experience for the academic year 2024-25.
See our terms and conditions and student complaints information, which gives details of circumstances that may lead to changes to programmes, modules or University services.
What you’ll learn
During this Fine Art Masters you’ll explore your own creative interests and research questions, guided by a diverse staff made up of practicing artists and art historians. You’ll 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 modules on this course. A module is a unit of a course with its own approved aims and outcomes and assessment methods.
Course content changes
Module information is intended to provide an example of what you will study.
Our teaching is informed by research. Course content changes periodically to reflect developments in the discipline, the requirements of external bodies and partners, and student feedback.
Full details of the modules on offer will be published through the Programme Regulations and Specifications ahead of each academic year. This usually happens in May.
To find out more please see our terms and conditions.
Optional modules availability
Some courses have optional modules. Student demand for optional modules may affect availability.
Compulsory modules
Students will take all of the following modules:
| Module | Credits |
|---|---|
| Exhibiting Art | 20 |
| Studio Practice 1 | 40 |
| Art Writing | 20 |
| Studio Practice 2 | 40 |
| Studio Residency and Exhibition | 60 |
How you’ll learn
You’ll be taught using a range of methods, including:
- Lectures
- Seminars
- Workshops
- Case studies
- Practice driven small-group teaching
- Studio and gallery visits
Depending on your modules, you’ll be assessed through a combination of:
- Design or creative project
- Essay
- Oral presentation
- Portfolio
Your teaching and learning is also supported by Canvas. Canvas is a Virtual Learning Environment. You’ll use Canvas to submit your assignments and access your:
- module handbooks
- course materials
- groups
- course announcements and notifications
- written feedback
Throughout your studies, you’ll have access to support from:
- peers
- academics
- personal tutors
- our University Student Services Team
- student representatives
You’ll also be assigned an academic member of staff. They will be your personal tutor throughout your time with us. They can help with academic and personal issues.
Your development
Over the course of your degree you’ll develop a range of professional, research and practical skills.
You’ll 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 organisations 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
Further Study
This programme is excellent preparation for students interested in further developing their professional practice as an artist or researcher on our Fine Art MFA.
Industry links
You’ll benefit from our 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:
- The British Pavilion at the Venice Biennale
- European Ceramics Work Centre
- The NewBridge Project
- The British School at Rome
- Newcastle City, and local schools
Careers
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
Our Careers Service
Our award-winning Careers Service is one of the largest and best in the country, and we have strong links with employers. We provide an extensive range of opportunities to all students through our ncl+ initiative.
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 130 University – QS World University Rankings 2025
- Global Top 170 University – Times Higher Education World University Rankings 2024
- Top 125 for Arts and Humanities – Times Higher Education World University Rankings by Subject 2025
- Top 200 for Art and Design – QS World University Rankings by Subject 2024
- Top 25 in the UK and Top 100 in the world for sustainable development – Times Higher Education Impact Rankings 2024
Recognition of professional qualifications outside of the UK
From 1 January 2021 there is an update to the way professional qualifications are recognised by countries outside of the UK
Facilities
School of Arts and Cultures
Based in the heart of Newcastle city centre, our Fine Art department is part of the School of Arts and Cultures, which is home to a wide variety of courses, including:
- music
- media and cultural studies
- digital media
- museum, gallery and heritage studies
- 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.
We offer interdisciplinary practice, research and engagement within centres such as:
We also provide well-resourced workshops (all with full technical support) and student studios. We offer:
- purpose-built painting, sculpture, printmaking and digital media studios
- Wood, Metal, Casting, Digital, and Ceramics workshops
Our facilities also include:
- designated gallery and project spaces
- seminar rooms
- large lecture theatre
All students have the use of the award-winning Phillip Robinson Library and computer clusters around the University.
We’re based in the same building as the Hatton Gallery. This is one of the largest exhibition spaces in North East England. It accommodates both student shows and large touring exhibitions. The Hatton’s permanent collection consists of works of art from five centuries and includes the Elterwater Merzbarn construction by Kurt Schwitters.
Entry requirements
The entrance requirements below apply to 2025 entry.
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.
There may be circumstances where professional experience in the field may be considered alongside an undergraduate degree in a relevant field Professionals with considerable industry experience, but no UG degree, might be eligible for Accreditation of prior experiential learning (APEL) for direct entry into the programme.
