MA Fine Art
Attendance
Full-time, Part-time
Full-time 18 months
Part-time typically 36 months Starts September
At a glance
About this course
We want to attract people whose art, ideas and ambitions create diversity of thinking and purpose. The interdisciplinary opportunities we offer create an engaging professional experience covering all areas of the practice and theory of fine art.
We have a comprehensive range of technical resources and an excellent programme of visiting artists.
If you study full-time you have access to purpose-built studio space. Our teaching staff are high profile researchers and have doctorates. They are also fine artists, curators, researchers and writers at national and international levels.
You have access to a wide range of workshops and technical expertise across all areas of media and fabrication. These include sculpture painting performance computer programming metalwork video editing dark rooms sound studios film production equipment printmaking.
The course has a growing reputation as a supportive community in which you can develop your work. It is particularly suitable if you are
open-minded
ambitious
want new personal challenges across the diverse range of work
gain a more thorough understanding of all areas of that work
Critical analysis of current work and engaging in dialogue with and through that work, allow you to relate your practice to the wider field of fine art.
After you graduate you will have the confidence to assume an identity and place in fine art practice, nationally and internationally.
You work and exhibit in the heart of Sheffield's Cultural Industries Quarter. Our links include Sheffield Contemporary Arts Forum studios such as S1 and Bloc Yorkshire Artspace Society the Showroom Cinema Site Gallery.
The creative community in Sheffield is very active. We work collaboratively with artists and curators, as well as researchers, and students in other areas. You have access to a network of public galleries, art organisations and artist-run spaces, and opportunities for exhibiting and publishing happen throughout the year.
Funding
The Arts and Humanities Research Council (AHRC) awards bursaries to UK and EU students. The AHRC bases its awards on merit so careful preparation of your application is essential. Applications for the bursary competition must be received at the AHRC in the spring of each year but this requires a prior offer of a place on the course.
To give you enough time to make an appropriate application we recommend that you apply for the course before the end of January. You can find up-to-date details of the AHRC Professional and Vocational Awards scheme at www.ahrc.ac.uk
Associated careers
This course provides a postgraduate learning environment that supports your individual needs while helping develop your understanding of and involvement with a wider art world.
After completing it, you gain the confidence to exploit opportunities for practicing artists and work in associated aspects of fine art-related culture. There are also opportunities to register for further study at MPhil/PhD level within our Cultural Research Institute.
Our students are regularly involved in a wide range of exhibition, curatorial, performance, screening and publishing projects at regional, national and international levels.
Recent graduate successes include
Andrew Cooke was commissioned by Sheffield 08 for the Millennium Gallery in Art Sheffield 08. His work and the exhibition are reviewed in the Guardian.
Lesley Guy has exhibited new photographic and video work in Amsterdam and Sheffield in 2007/8, while also developing a review column in the Metro newspaper
Course content
Core modules
Research directions and critical studies
In this module you extend your knowledge of the range of approaches to research that have been used in art, and those that derive from other disciplines. You are introduced to an advanced range of contemporary critical theories, and examine key texts embodying these theories. Principles of research planning and the theory and practice of information searching ensure you are ready to effectively carry out your own research and critical practice.
Advanced art practice
During this studio-based module, you produce a body artwork in preparation for an exhibition. Your work may manifest itself across a range of contemporary art practices arising from individual intellectual and creative concerns. You have access to specialist workshop surgeries where you can seek individual support and advice to further your practical work.
MA art practice
On this module you will produce a body of work in any chosen media form. It draws together strategies of research, professional practice and critical thinking to form an advanced, mature, informed and professional practice. The module holds together these key aspects to reflect, and enable transition into, the wider contemporary art world.
Optional modules
writing art curating art art in space and place
Assessment
Self-negotiated models of examination enable students to present agreed bodies of work for self and peer group assessment as well as evaluation by tutors.
Entry requirements
Normally an honours degree in fine art or equivalent. You will have to submit evidence, in the form of an identifiable body of work, of significant creative ability and a commitment to theoretical issues in fine art.
Overseas applicants from countries whose first language is not English must normally produce evidence of competence in English. An IELTS score of 6.0 with 5.5 in all skills (or equivalent) is the standard for non-native speakers of English. If your English language skill is currently below an IELTS score of 6.0 with a minimum of 5.5 in all skills we recommend you consider a Sheffield Hallam University Pre-sessional English course which will enable you to achieve an equivalent English level.
Fees
Home and EU students
2013/14 academic year
Typically £4,590 for the course
Part-time study should be calculated pro rata.
International students
2013/14 academic year
Typically £10,980 for the course
2014/15 academic year
Typically £11,250 for the course
How to apply
Complete the application form available at www.shu.ac.uk/study/form
Contact details
For further information please contact the Faculty of Arts, Computing, Engineering and Sciences, Sheffield Hallam University, City Campus, Sheffield S1 1WB. Phone +44 (0)114 225 5179 or email aces-helpdesk@shu.ac.uk