Course details

Summary

Develop your independent, research-informed practice in contemporary art in Elam’s vibrant, interdisciplinary environment.

Programme overview

The Master of Fine Arts programme provides an opportunity to advance both your creative practice and research abilities. You will develop your chosen specialization through research and experimentation within a dedicated postgraduate studio environment, encouraging cross-discipline perspectives. The aim of postgraduate study at Elam is to polish your practice and research skills in order to prepare you to make a meaningful, rich contribution to contemporary art.

Programme structure

The MFA has multiple entrance pathways (see Entry Requirements) and the structure of your programme will depend on at which stage you enter.

240 point MFA

In the first part of the programme (120 points), you will use practice-based research to develop a contemporary art research interest and foster critical engagement and dialogue, with the goal of advancing your level of studio-based learning.

If you maintain an average grade of B- or higher in your first part, you will be able to continue to the second part, when you then select one of the following options (120 points):

Masters Studio, studio-based practice including a piece of critical writing relevant to your research

Fine Arts Thesis, using your research as material for an entirely written submission

Fine Arts Research portfolio, which allows for flexibility of outcomes (eg a greater critical writing component; curatorial project)

120 point MFA

You will select one of the following options:

Masters Studio, studio-based practice including a piece of critical writing relevant to your research

Fine Arts Thesis, using your research as material for an entirely written submission

Fine Arts Research portfolio, which allows for flexibility of outcomes (eg a greater critical writing component; curatorial project)

Where could this programme take you?

There are three common areas where Elam graduates find employment – public sector, private organisations, or as a practising artist or entrepreneurial creative. As the business world looks to innovators, the capabilities developed through a creative education are becoming highly sought-after. For more, visit our careers webpage -

Jobs related to this programme

• Academia
• Art curator
• Art writer or critic
• Artist
• Creative director in an agency
• Designer
• Educator
• Researcher

Further study options

• Doctor of Fine Arts
• Doctor of Philosophy

Entry criteria

Research 120 points: You must have completed a one-year postgraduate degree, following an undergraduate degree, in fine art, contemporary art or visual art. Your study must have been at a recognised university (or similar institution) and you will need a GPE of 5.0.

Research 240 points: You must have completed an undergraduate degree in fine art, contemporary art or visual art at a recognised university (or similar institution). You will need a GPE of 5.0 in your final year of study.

English language requirements:
IELTS 6.5; TOEFL (iBT) 90; TOEFL (paper-based) 575; CAE or CPE 176; PTE 58; MELAB 85.