Overview
Newcastle University’s Master of Fine Arts is a two-year full-time studio-based course. It’s designed for fine art graduates and those with other backgrounds to progress their position as practitioners in the contemporary art world. It also offers a solid grounding for those hoping to progress to PhD degree study. We support practice and research in:
- painting
- sculpture
- digital media
- drawing
- performance
- photography
- printmaking
- installation
- film and video art
- art writing
Important information
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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
Based in our purpose-built studio spaces, you’ll work with internationally celebrated practicing artists
The MFA creates a platform to help you push your practice forward. You’ll do this through experimentation and by developing inventive, rigorous, and focused working methods. We provide a rich creative environment, along with time and space to develop.
We’ll supoort your development as an artist through:
- regular meetings with your studio supervisor
- cross-disciplinary seminars
- group studio discussions
- lectures by distinguished visiting artists
Alongside your practice, you’ll develop the skills needed to practice as an artist, such as:
- research
- writing
- professional
- intellectual
- practical
You’ll be part of a creative community, working to define your own artistic identity. You’ll do this through self-reflection and a critical understanding of the context in which you’re working.
You’ll exhibit at the end of each year, and the course culminates in a final public degree exhibition. The exhibition is held throughout the Fine Art Building and in the Hatton Gallery.
Newcastle is a great place to study contemporary visual art with a vibrant arts scene. We encourage you to exhibit in the city and make connections for use beyond your degree.
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.
Year 1
Compulsory modules
Students will take all of the following modules:
| Module | Credits |
|---|---|
| FIN8013 Studio Practice 1 | 40 |
| FIN8016 Art Writing | 20 |
| FIN8014 Studio Practice 2 | 40 |
| FIN8015 Studio Residency and Exhibition | 60 |
| FIN8019 Exhibiting Art | 20 |
Year 2
Compulsory modules
Students will take all of the following modules:
How you’ll learn
The Master of Fine Art is a two-year full-time studio-based course. Approximately 75% of the course (260 credits) is self-directed creative studio-based art practice. Your dissertation, professional practice training and other modules make up the remaining 25%.
Studio supervisors will support you throughout your MFA, with regular meetings to discuss your work. You can also discuss your work with all fine art staff, benefitting from the full range of expertise available. We deliver the course through:
- one-to-one studio tutorials
- seminars and group crits
- lectures
- workshops
We encourage and support the practice and study of art through:
- lively debate
- exhibiting
- thoughtful and informed investigation
- experimentation
- speculation
You’ll work in a practice-led environment, pursuing your art practice and research with a high level of independence.
We aim for you to have an understanding of cultural, social and political contexts, related to the art world and beyond. This is developed through events, exhibiting, seminars and peer group discussions.
Depending on your modules, you’ll be assessed through a combination of:
- Design or creative project
- Dissertation
Additional assessment information
The creative project will be in the form of an exhibition
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.
Our teaching is research led and we have a committed and dynamic team of academic staff. They’re all:
- excellent and engaged teachers
- active artists and researchers
- artists of international standing
Many national and international artists, curators and art theorists also work with us through our weekly visiting lecture programme. This is where some of the most interesting and original
- artists
- critics
- curators
- historians
- art professionals
working today present and discuss their projects.
Your development
Overseas opportunities
There are regular study trips abroad. We organise these optional trips at an additional cost. Recent trips have been to:
- New York
- the Venice Biennale
- Berlin
- Amsterdam
Our exchange scheme also gives you the chance to study in Europe or overseas at one of our partner institutions.
Your future
Careers
Our 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
The MFA also offers a solid grounding for those hoping to progress to PhD degree study.
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 consistently rated in the top five of all UK art schools.
We’re 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 international equivalent, plus a portfolio of recent art work.
Applicants who hold non-standard qualifications and/or have other relevant experience will be considered on an individual basis.
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.
