Course summary

Embark on a transformative journey with our MA Fine Art program, where contemporary practice is considered in relation to art histories, philosophies, theory, and the global. Based in the vibrant city of Birmingham, MA Fine Art brings together a diverse community of international creative visual thinkers and makers with the aim of cultivating innovative, imaginative, and self-reflexive approaches to making contemporary art. Our course encourages a plurality of visions based on individual, proposal-led study, whilst encouraging a range of media exploration. From drawing, painting and print, to sculpture, digital media and performance, our program allows you to experiment with a variety of artistic techniques and develop your unique voice through analogue and digital processes. Whilst on the postgraduate program you will explore relevant themes & develop professional strategies, delving into the material, political, cultural, and theoretical factors shaping contemporary fine art. You'll gain hands-on experience in professional production, advanced research methods, contextual understanding and effective dissemination of your work. You will build connections and expand your horizons by immersing yourself in a creative learning environment that nurtures collaboration within the art discipline and beyond. You will be encouraged to engage with the exciting Birmingham art scene and connect with wider art ecologies, preparing you for a confident future in the creative industries. What's covered in the course? During the course you will have expert guidance and learn from a dedicated team of experienced academics, researchers, artists, and technicians who will mentor you throughout your journey. The transformatory energy of the course is best expressed in the words of one of our students: "My MA in Fine Art enabled me the time and space to reach a new level of critical engagement with my practice. Continual discussion with my peers from a diverse range of disciplines pushed my work into new territories and encouraged crucial challenges that gave rise to bold developments. The MA was a perfect opportunity to experiment, question, and take risks essential to the progression of a substantial and enriched practice." – Betsy Bradley During your time with us you will study at the historic Birmingham School of Art (Margaret Street Campus), an extraordinary, Grade-1 listed arts and crafts building, and be part of a vibrant postgraduate community. Birmingham School of Art was part of a revolutionary movement to make art available to all, as the UK’s first art school run by a town council. We continue to be inspired by this legacy and its commitment to making fine art education inclusive. Our alumni have been successful in diverse sectors such as education, the cultural industries, and arts organizations in both the public and private sectors, demonstrating the level of preparation offered to support continued practice or to work in a variety of creative art professions. Alumni are artists, academics, researchers, have founded creative project and gallery spaces, and have worked in national and international arts and educational organisations.