Two minute stories


Discover the stories of our Art students

Fine Art at UCA

Are you ready to question, be critical, be curious and be enthusiastic about testing the boundaries of what constitutes fine art practice? Join us on our MA Fine Art course at UCA Farnham do all this and take your own work to the next level.

Our course welcomes fine artists who are looking to re-examine their current work and research.

We want you to critically evaluate your practice and the work of others, constantly developing your visual and conceptual thinking. You'll then establish and refine a research project to be developed into either a practice-based or theoretically-led enquiry beyond graduation.

You’ll be guided by a community of teaching staff comprised of professional artists, curators and theorists, who will also actively promote you and your work in the wider world.

UCA Farnham is renowned for its world-leading research and range of first-class facilities, including bronze foundry, printmaking studios, metals, wood and casting facilities and resources. We provide specialist studio spaces for both full and part-time students, and dedicated technical staff are on hand to support individual projects and give introductions to workshop areas.

Course entry options

Select from the options below to find out more about the different study options available for this course:

What you'll study

What you'll
study

The content of the course may be subject to change. Curriculum content is provided as a guide.

Critical Perspectives
Through a series of lectures, discussions in seminar sessions and written pieces, you’ll examine the meaning of contemporary practice and methods of working, alongside students from the MFA Photography course.

Together, you’ll learn about the range of theoretical and critical debates which have impacted significantly on recent contemporary practice. As well as understanding how these relate to political and social contexts, you’ll also consider the materials you use, and how they might be placed in wider culture.

Research and Practice
You’ll devise an initial study proposal, in consultation with your tutors. While experimentation and open enquiry is encouraged, you’ll need to present a coherent framework for this investigation, which will be critiqued, discussed and updated as the unit progresses. This will ensure your enquiry remains within and around the focus subjects of current critical debates. You’ll also learn about how best to present your practice externally, as part of your development and growth as an artist.

Professional Practice and Negotiated Study
Rigorous deconstruction and analysis of your practice from Term 1 will enable you to find focus and identify an area of enquiry for you to focus on. From here, you’ll begin to plan an Independent Project, which will form the foundation for your Final Major Project in the final term.

You’ll be challenged to organise all aspects of the project, from concept to execution through to identifying an external artist-run space in London or the South-east to display it.

In the third term of the course, you'll apply the knowledge gained through your research to create a final body of work.

Final Major Project
The culmination of your studies throughout the course, we expect your Final Major Project – building upon your Independent Project - to reflect your identity, not only as an artist but as a researcher. You’ll take ownership of and thrive in a chosen area of enquiry, from concept and theory through to practice and public presentation, and beyond as you take your practice further.

 

Course specifications

Please note, syllabus content indicated is provided as a guide. The content of the course may be subject to change in line with our Student Terms and Conditions for example, as required by external professional bodies or to improve the quality of the course.

Fees & funding

Fees & financial support

Tuition fees

  • 2024/25 entry: £10,500

Tuition fees

Tuition fees

  • 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

Please note: the fees listed here are correct for the stated academic year only. For more detailed information about our course fees please see our fees and finance pages

UCA scholarships and fee discounts

At UCA we have a number of financial support information 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 scholarships and fee discounts.

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 your Course Information for details of the costs you may incur.

Facilities

Fine Art facilities include extensive studio spaces and access to workshops for painting, 2D and 3D laser cutting, sculpture, wood and plaster and mould-making. There are also print studios with relief and block printing, plate or stone lithography, intaglio, letterpress, photopolymer plate printing, and screen-printing. There’s also access to film and photography studios and performance workshops. Our modern library has a wealth of books, journals, special collections and online resources.

View 360 virtual tour

Fine Art studios, UCA Farnham

Print studios, UCA Farnham

Foundry wax and plaster room, UCA Farnham

Library, UCA Farnham

Shamini Holloway

"I was really impressed by UCA Farnham. The environment was great and quickly felt like home, in fact, it still does! The facilities and expertise of staff across all disciplines was exactly what I needed to progress my project to the next stage of realisation."

Shamini Holloway

Entry & portfolio requirements

Entry & portfolio
requirements

MA course

  • A good honours degree or equivalent qualification in a related discipline

and/or

  • 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.

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. Further information will be provided once you have applied.

MA course

The entry requirements for this course will depend on the country your qualifications are from, please check the equivalent qualifications for your country:

Any additional entry requirements listed in the UK requirements section, e.g., subject requirements, work experience or professional qualifications, also apply to international applicants applying with equivalent qualifications.

Portfolio requirements

You will be required to submit a portfolio for review. Further information on specific portfolio requirements and how to submit your portfolio will be sent to you after we have reviewed your application.


MA course with Integrated International Pre-Masters course

  • A recognised bachelor degree or 3 year diploma with a strong portfolio in a relevant subject.

Any additional entry requirements listed in the UK requirements section, e.g., subject requirements, work experience or professional qualifications, also apply to international applicants applying with equivalent qualifications.

Portfolio requirements

You will be required to submit a portfolio for review. Further information on specific portfolio requirements and how to submit your portfolio will be sent to you after we have reviewed your application.


English language requirements

To study at UCA, you'll need to have a certain level of English language skill. And so, to make sure you meet the requirements of your course, we ask for evidence of your English language ability, please check the level of English language required:

Don't meet the international entry requirements or English language requirements?

You may be able to enter the course through the following entry pathways:

Apply now

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