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University of Southampton: Fine Art
| Institution | University of Southampton View institution profile |
|---|---|
| Department | Winchester School of Art |
| Web | www.southampton.ac.uk/postgraduate |
| AdmissionsPGT.AH@soton.ac.uk | |
| Telephone | 023 8059 4732 |
| Study type | Taught |
MA
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.
| Level | RQF Level 7 |
|---|---|
| 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. |
| Location | Winchester School of Art Park Avenue Winchester SO23 8DL |
Summary
" This MA Fine Art course enables you to develop your individual practices in a supportive and critically engaged studio environment. Over 12 months you will produce a body of self-initiated work, supported by in-depth research in the fields and contexts that inform your practice. Through this process you will consolidate your own artistic position, learning to articulate your central concerns and to locate your work in relation to the key theoretical, cultural, and political debates of the 21st century.
You will have your own dedicated studio space in which to experiment with new materials and techniques, to expand the range of your creative practice, to hone existing skills, and embark on new collaborations. This fine art masters attracts students from across the world, providing a uniquely international mix and enabling a multicultural perspective to emerge during seminars.
You will have weekly contact with staff and invited guest lecturers and regular opportunities to install and exhibit your work in the project spaces and galleries on site. Workshops will introduce you to the full range of our technical provision including traditional facilities for printmaking and sculpture and cutting-edge digital media, 3D printing and laser cutting technologies.
Explore our specialist arts campus:
One of only a few specialist art schools in the Russell Group, you’ll be inspired to create in our purpose built studios and workshops and learn with expert creative practitioners at Winchester School of Art (WSA), part our University of Southampton community and just one hour from London. You’ll have industry exposure through guest lectures, work on live project briefs, and explore work internships where graduates have gone on to set up their own design labels or work at prestigious brands across the globe including Selfridges, Saatchi & Saatchi, Alexander McQueen, Burberry, ASOS, Nike and Apple. "
| Level | RQF Level 7 |
|---|---|
| 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. |
| Location | Winchester School of Art Park Avenue Winchester SO23 8DL |
Summary
Explore our specialist arts campus:
One of only a few specialist art schools in the Russell Group, you’ll be inspired to create in our purpose built studios and workshops and learn with expert creative practitioners at Winchester School of Art (WSA), part our University of Southampton community and just one hour from London. You’ll have industry exposure through guest lectures, work on live project briefs, and explore work internships where graduates have gone on to set up their own design labels or work at prestigious brands across the globe including Selfridges, Saatchi & Saatchi, Alexander McQueen, Burberry, ASOS, Nike and Apple.
This MA Fine Art course enables you to develop your individual practices in a supportive and critically engaged studio environment. Over 12 months you will produce a body of self-initiated work, supported by in-depth research in the fields and contexts that inform your practice. Through this process you will consolidate your own artistic position, learning to articulate your central concerns and to locate your work in relation to the key theoretical, cultural, and political debates of the 21st century.
You will have your own dedicated studio space in which to experiment with new materials and techniques, to expand the range of your creative practice, to hone existing skills, and embark on new collaborations. This fine art masters attracts students from across the world, providing a uniquely international mix and enabling a multicultural perspective to emerge during seminars.
You will have weekly contact with staff and invited guest lecturers and regular opportunities to install and exhibit your work in the project spaces and galleries on site. Workshops will introduce you to the full range of our technical provision including traditional facilities for printmaking and sculpture and cutting-edge digital media, 3D printing and laser cutting technologies.
| Level | RQF Level 7 |
|---|---|
| Entry requirements | Lower second-class degree or above, or an equivalent standard in other qualifications approved by the University. |
| Location | Winchester School of Art Park Avenue Winchester SO23 8DL |
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