Fine Art MA
Arts University Bournemouth, United Kingdom
MA Fine Art
Arts University Bournemouth
Fine Art
MA Fine Art at Arts University Bournemouth — Program Overview
The MA Fine Art at Arts University Bournemouth (AUB) offers a stimulating community of creative practice in which curious individuals can interrogate what art is, what it can do, and how to develop a meaningful artistic role. The course invites students of all backgrounds, life circumstances, and professional experience to embrace experimental practice as a driver for self-discovery and cultural transformation.
Set within a specialist art and design university founded in 1880, the program supports practices that are multi-disciplinary and technologically innovative, alongside discipline-specific areas such as drawing, photography, sculpture, printmaking, painting, moving image, and performance. Deliberate cross-cultural dialogue between international and UK students provides a vehicle for exploring differences in working practices and methodologies.
Whether you aim to exhibit in contemporary galleries, work in the public domain, engage in social art enterprise, teach in academia, or pursue doctoral research, MA Fine Art at AUB supports your individual aspirations. The course is available full-time or part-time from September, or full-time from January, allowing for greater flexibility and inclusivity.
Key Program Highlights
- Structured around three equally weighted 60-credit units combining experimental studio practice with critical theoretical inquiry
- Specialist art and design university with purpose-built studios and industry-standard facilities on an award-winning campus
- Diverse, cross-cultural cohort fostering rich dialogue between students from varied disciplines, ethnicities, and professional backgrounds
- Flexible study modes including full-time and part-time options with September and January start dates
Curriculum and Modules — MA Fine Art
The MA Fine Art is delivered through three consecutive and equally weighted phases of study, each worth 60 credits, totalling 180 UK credits. The curriculum emphasises investigative studio practice, critical reflection, and the development of a substantial body of original artwork underpinned by rigorous research.
Strategies for Practice
60 creditsAn experimental phase that challenges pre-existing understanding of artistic materials, methods, and contexts. Short projects driven by thematic provocations revisit the fundamentals of Fine Art thinking, encouraging analysis of relevance for oneself and others.
Deconstructing Practice
60 creditsThis unit defines subject matter, intentions, and research parameters in relation to context. You survey existing practices, literature, concepts, theories, and enquiries relevant to an emerging subject focus while launching a major body of work.
Master's Project
60 creditsThe culminating unit in which you finalise and present a comprehensive, coherent body of original artwork. This project demonstrates advanced practical and conceptual understanding alongside the ability to position your work within contemporary art discourse.
Research Methodologies and Design Processes
Embedded across unitsIntegrated throughout the course, this strand develops your ability to research, investigate, describe, and critique issues and situations, providing original insights into contemporary practice and supporting your written critical output.
Professional Development Portfolio
Embedded across unitsRunning alongside studio modules, this component supports the acquisition of skills in communication, presentation, and autonomous learning in relation to your career aspirations as a practising artist or creative professional.
Critical and Contextual Studies
Embedded across unitsEngages you with contemporary art theory, sustainability, ethics, and political dimensions of practice. You contextualise your work in relation to other contemporary artists and connect your ideas with wider discourses, issues, and debates.
Specialist Practice Areas
Admission Requirements — MA Fine Art at AUB
Arts University Bournemouth welcomes applicants from a broad range of qualifications and educational backgrounds. The admissions process considers both formal academic achievements and knowledge and skills developed outside the classroom, including professional experience and portfolio evidence.
Academic Requirements
- Undergraduate DegreeBA (Hons) degree with minimum 2:1 classification in a relevant creative subject or equivalent
- Non-Standard EntryApplicants without standard qualifications may be considered if there is sufficient evidence of potential to fulfil course objectives
- PortfolioA portfolio of recent creative work demonstrating your artistic practice and development
- Personal StatementA statement outlining your motivations, artistic interests, and how you intend to develop your practice
- Professional ExperienceRelevant professional or creative experience is valued and considered alongside academic qualifications
English Language Requirements
- IELTS Academic6.5 overall with a minimum of 5.5 in each component (reading, writing, speaking, listening)
- TOEFL iBT80 overall with minimum scores of 18 in writing, listening, and reading and 19 in speaking
- PTE Academic64 overall with at least 59 in each section
Required Documents
For personalized admission guidance, document verification, and application support, please contact Uni4Edu
Scholarships & Funding
Arts University Bournemouth offers several scholarships and bursaries to support international students pursuing postgraduate study. These awards recognise and support creative talent within the global student community and may be applied as fee reductions.
International Postgraduate Scholarship
Up to GBP 3,000Available to international (overseas fee-paying) students who have been offered a place on a postgraduate course at AUB. Awarded based on creative talent and submitted scholarship application.
Postgraduate Progression Bursary
GBP 5,000 per annumAvailable to students who have completed an undergraduate degree at AUB and are progressing to a postgraduate MA course. This bursary is applied as a fee reduction for each year of study.
Chevening Scholarships (External)
Fully fundedFunded by the UK Foreign and Commonwealth Office, Chevening provides fully-funded scholarships for outstanding emerging leaders worldwide. AUB is an eligible institution for Chevening scholars pursuing postgraduate study.
For detailed tuition fee information, please contact Uni4Edu — we will guide you through the costs and available funding options for this program.
Career Prospects — MA Fine Art Graduates
MA Fine Art graduates from AUB are described as agile, confident, and autonomous creatives well-equipped for the contemporary art landscape. The program prepares you for diverse career paths across the creative industries, academia, and independent artistic practice, supported by AUB's location within one of Europe's fastest-growing creative and digital hubs.
Potential Career Roles
Types of Employers and Organisations
Rankings & Recognition
Arts University Bournemouth is a specialist creative arts institution founded in 1880, recognised for its focused approach to art, design, media, and performance education. AUB has been named a major advancer in the 2026 Complete University Guide, climbing 32 places to 61st in the UK and securing a top-five position among South West England universities.
| Subject | Ranking Body | Rank |
|---|---|---|
| Art and Design | Complete University Guide | Top 5 in South West England |
| Tourism, Transport, Travel & Heritage Studies | Guardian Subject Tables | #2 |
| Business and Management | Guardian Subject Tables | #23 |
| Creative Arts (Overall) | National Specialist Institution | Only art and design specialist in South West Top 5 |
How to Apply
Applying for this program is easy with Uni4Edu. Our team will guide you through every step of the process — from document preparation to final enrolment.
Contact Uni4Edu
Reach out to our team via email or phone. We will assess your profile and confirm your eligibility for this program.
Prepare Your Documents
Our advisors will provide you with a personalised checklist of required documents and help you prepare your application package.
Submit Your Application
Uni4Edu will submit your application on your behalf and keep you updated on its progress throughout the review period.
Receive Your Offer
Once accepted, we will help you understand your offer, arrange visa support if needed, and guide you through the enrolment process.
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