Course summary
About this Course The MA Fine Art course at the University of Southampton (Winchester School of Art) offers a critically engaged studio environment for you to develop and consolidate your individual artistic practice. It encourages experimentation with new materials and techniques, helping you to refine existing skills and establish your unique artistic position. Through seminars and group feedback, you will learn to define your practice in relation to the key theoretical, cultural, and political debates of the 21st century. The program emphasizes studio-based experimentation and critical reflection on your work. We are ranked 8th in the UK for research quality (Complete University Guide 2026). Key Features of this Course • Dedicated Studio Space: You will have your own dedicated studio space to facilitate continuous creative experimentation. • Access to Facilities: You will have access to technical workshops and facilities for various media, including printmaking, sculpture, digital media, and 3D printing. • Exhibition Opportunities: There are regular opportunities to exhibit your work in project spaces and public galleries, including working closely with the John Hansard Gallery in Southampton, a university partner. • Interdisciplinary Focus: The course is ideal if you are interested in exploring interdisciplinary practices, with existing collaborations across scientific departments such as the Biomedical Imaging Unit and the National Oceanography Centre. • Core Modules: Focus on Methods of Artistic Research and extensive Studio Practice modules throughout the taught semesters, culminating in a major exhibition of your final work. Career Prospects This MA course prepares you for a successful career in the creative industries, either as a professional artist or in related fields. The MA Fine Art also serves as ideal preparation for those considering PhD research and an academic career, specifically in artistic research. As a graduate from a top 20 UK university for employability*, you'll be well-prepared for your next step. Further Information • Duration: Available for study full-time (1 year) or part-time (2 years). • Location: The course is based at the Winchester School of Art (WSA). • Entry Requirements: Applicants must submit a portfolio of work for assessment and demonstrate evidence of independent research in art practice and thinking. *Complete University Guide Graduate Prospects Ranking 2026.
Modules
Compulsory modules include: Contemporary Fine Art; Professional and Academic Skills; Final Project. Optional modules include: Digital Cultures; Entrepreneurship; Experimental Publishing; Exploring the Visual Language of Display; Global Marketing. For a full list of modules please visit: https://www.southampton.ac.uk/courses/fine-art-masters-ma#modules
Assessment method
Assessment methods vary by module but will include written assignments and visual (portfolio and exhibition) presentations.
How to apply
International applicants
If English is not your first language, you will need to demonstrate your English is at our Band C level - IELTS 6.5 overall, with minimum 6.0 in reading, writing, listening and speaking. For information on other accepted English language tests, please see the website.
Entry requirements
You’ll need at least a 2:2 degree in contemporary fine art. We will accept a 2:2 in another subject if you meet the portfolio requirement for this course. Your portfolio should show your recent artworks: Please include documentation of up to 10 works: painting, sculpture, installation, video, or any medium or media appropriate for you. Create a PDF document to present your work. Keep images to around 1MB, unless you need to make them larger. If video, please ensure that this can be viewed in the UK by using a platform such as YouTube or Vimeo. Use a password or code to keep it private if you wish. Demonstrate your knowledge and understanding of contemporary art practice through reflection on your work and references to other artists who have influenced you. Works in other fields, such as design, fashion or graphics, are not relevant unless directly related to your fine art practice. If you wish, you can include examples of professional practice in other subjects or careers, provided it has some relationship to your art.
English language requirements
| Test | Grade | Additional details |
|---|---|---|
| IELTS (Academic) | 6 | with no component below 5.5 |
All programmes at the University of Southampton are taught and assessed in the medium of English (other than those in modern foreign languages). Therefore, all applicants must demonstrate they possess at least a minimum standard of English language proficiency.
Find out more about the University’s English Language requirements
https://www.southampton.ac.uk/studentadmin/admissions/admissions-policies/language.page
Fees and funding
Tuition fees
No fee information has been provided for this course
Tuition fee status depends on a number of criteria and varies according to where in the UK you will study. For further guidance on the criteria for home or overseas tuition fees, please refer to the UKCISA website .
Additional fee information
https://www.southampton.ac.uk/courses/fees/postgraduate.page
Sponsorship information
A variety of scholarships, grants and bursaries may be available to help you fund your master’s study, both from the University and from other organisations. Please check the website for more information: https://www.southampton.ac.uk/courses/funding/postgraduate.page
Provider information
University of Southampton
Highfield
Southampton
SO17 1BJ