Course Summary
Studio Research forms the core of the MFA/MA and is comprised of studio-based individual mentoring and rigorous group critiques. Studio Research modules provide for studio-based experimentation and innovation, leading to the production of a substantial body of work. Historical & Critical Studies modules engage you in intensive critical discourse on contemporary art. Professional Studies modules facilitate the development of the personal, conceptual, technical and organisational skills necessary for professional practice as an artist.
College Link
Career Sectors
This course prepares you for working in the Career Sectors below. Follow the links to get a fuller understanding of the sectors you are preparing for.
Entry Requirements
Applicants should have a Bachelors Degree with first or upper second class honours in Fine Art; or a Bachelors Degree with a major in Fine Art with a GPA or 3.50 or above; or evidence of equivalent achievement. In the case of an outstanding portfolio, a Bachelors Degree with a lower second class/2.2 honours/GPA of 3.0 may be accepted.
Overseas applicants from outside the EU must comply with Irish immigration rules regarding passport, visa, financial viability and evident of student status (e.g. letter of acceptance from the College).
English Language Requirements for non-native speakers of English: Applicants in this category should have competence in English, which is the language of tuition. They will be required to supply an IELTS with an overall score of 6.5 or more, unless their primary degree has been taken through English, certification of which must be supplied.
Application Details
Closing Date: 1 February 2024. Applications are accepted on a rolling basis up to this deadline. Late applications may be considered if all places are not filled.
Apply online at: https://www.burrencollege.ie/programmes/mfa-ma-in-studio-art/admissions/
Next start date: September 2026
Fees
MFA in Studio Art / MFA in Art & Ecology
(2 Semesters per yr.) EU Fee €9,500 per yr / International Fee €18,860 per Yr.
MA in Studio Art / MA in Art & Ecology
(3 Semesters) EU Fee €11,875 / International Fee €23,300
Scholarship information available at www.burrencollege.ie.
The Student
Career Interests
This course is typically suited for people with the following Career Interests. If these interests do not describe you, this course may prepare you for work you may not find satisfying.
Creative
Creative people are drawn to careers and activities that enable them to take responsibility for the design, layout or sensory impact of something (visual, auditory etc). They may be atrracted to the traditional artistic pursuits such as painting, sculpture, singing, or music. Or they may show more interest in design activities, such as architecture, animation, or craft areas, such as pottery and ceramics.
Creative people use their personal understanding of people and the world they live in to guide their work. Creative people like to work in unstructured workplaces, enjoy taking risks and prefer a minimum of routine.
Career Progression
Our Professional Practices modules also prepare students for curating and installing exhibitions, either collaboratively or as solo artists. Students also learn promotional and marketing tools, as well as how to create a budget for exhibiting their work.
Graduates have gone on to further research at PhD level and have acquired positions as lecturers and researchers in third level institutions. Graduates have also founded their own arts organizations and DIY gallery exhibitions. Many are working as professional artists who regularly exhibit their work internationally.
Duration
MFA, 2 years (4 semesters), full-time