Fine Art: Studio Art (MA)

This two-year full-time programme is designed to educate artists to a level appropriate to professional practice or progression to doctoral studies. Progression to PhD can be an option. The MFA is operated as an integrated and progressive learning experience. The modules Studio Research, Historical & Critical Studies and Professional Studies deal with the three main aspects of artistic practice but are operated together as elements of the one holistic experience.

The MFA is a joint Burren College of Art/National University of Ireland, Galway programme based at the Burren College of Art. Students register as full students of NUI Galway. The programme operates in association with the Royal College of Art, London and the School of the Art Institute of Chicago, which provides visiting faculty to the programme. 

MFA students have their own dedicated studio space at Burren College of Art and the availability of all BCA faculty as appropriate.

Year 1, Semester 1: Introduction to Graduate Art Research 

• Studio Research 1, Introduction to Art Research Methods. 20 ECTS 
• Professional Skills 1, Documentation as Artistic Production. 5 ECTS 
• Historical and Critical Studies 1, Bridging Theory and Practice. 5 ECTS

 Year 1, Semester 2: Experimentation and Exploration 

• Studio Research 2, Refinement & Coherence of Enquiry and Practice. 20 ECTS 
• Professional Skills 2, Student Selected Project. 5 ECTS 
• Historical and Critical Studies 2, Formalising Discourse. 5 ECTS
•  Year 2, Semester 1: The Development of a Body of Work

Studio Research 3, Working Towards an Exhibition. 20 ECTS 

• Professional Skills 3, Organising and Publicising an Exhibition. 5 ECTS 
• Historical and Critical Studies 3, The Dissertation. 5 ECTS

 Year 2, Semester 2: The Resolution of a Body of Work

• Studio Research 4, The MFA Exhibition. 20 ECTS 
• Professional Skills 4, Exhibition Installation. 5 ECTS 
• Historical and Critical Studies 4, The Artist's Statement. 5 ECTS