Fine Art (MA)

You’ll need a 2.2 degree or equivalent international qualification and to submit a portfolio that articulates your interests and exploration of contemporary fine art.
You’ll need to demonstrate your artistic ability relevant to Fine Art by submitting a varied portfolio, including evidence of the process behind your work.

English language requirements

If English isn't your first language, you'll need to complete an International English Language Testing System (IELTS) to demonstrate your competence in English. You'll need all of the following scores as a minimum:

We accept other English language tests. Find out which English language tests we accept.

If you don’t meet the English language requirements, you can achieve the level you need by completing a pre-sessional English programme before you start your course.

Pre-masters

If you don’t meet the academic requirements, you can complete a pre-master's programme through our partnership with OnCampus. Learn more about the programmes available.

Got a question?

Please contact us if you're not sure you have the right experience or qualifications to get onto this course.

Email: enquiries@southampton.ac.uk
Tel: +44(0)23 8059 5000

The course runs either full-time or part-time. The full-time course runs for 1 year. In the first 9 months (semester 1 and 2) you'll study taught modules. For the last 3 months, over the summer, you'll work on your final project. The part-time course runs for 2 years.

In this time you'll produce ambitious artwork supported by in-depth research in the fields and contexts that inform your practice. To support this development you will take a range of theory modules alongside the core studio modules. These will introduce you to key cultural and political debates of the 21st century. You'll also study a professional skills module where you'll gain knowledge and confidence to succeed within a career in the creative industries.

Semester 1 overview

In your first semester, you'll be encouraged to explore different media, develop you capacity to critically reflect on your work. Through your modules you'll learn about artistic research and contemporary debates. You'll also have the chance to extend your artistic practice through studio-based experimentation.

You'll study the following core modules:

• Methods of Artistic Research
• Studio Practice 1

Semester 2 overview

For your second semester you'll improve on your media knowledge and critical reflection skills. You'll also begin developing ideas for your final project to begin working on over the summer.

Your final project is an opportunity to develop a distinctive portfolio of work that you'll showcase as part of a major exhibition on campus at the end of the course.

Core modules in your second semester include:

• Studio Practice 2
• Studio Practice 3

You'll get to choose one of the following optional modules:

• Exploring the Visual Language of Display
• Visual Culture

Want more detail? See all the modules in the course.

Learning

Alongside your studio practice you’ll learn through: 

• lectures 
• seminars 
• tutorials 
• screenings and study visits 
• talks by visiting practitioners bring additional insights 

You’ll have regular sessions with your tutor as well as frequent informal discussions with teaching staff about your work. You will also take part in weekly group critiques with other students on the course, which will offer new perspectives on your own work and hone your own critical skills.

Assessment

We'll assess you using academic criteria to evaluate your intellectual engagement with your work, as well as your technical skill. Assessment methods vary by module but will include written assignments and visual (portfolio and exhibition) presentations.

Final Major Project

For your final project you will create a solo exhibition of your work in an expansive studio space at WSA. This exhibition will be supported by a portfolio of developmental work.

Academic Support

You’ll receive ongoing support and feedback as you progress through the course. The diverse creative community at Winchester School of Art provides an enriching and supportive environment in which to take your practice to the next level.

You’ll have a personal academic tutor who will be your first point of contact for any queries or issues you might have, whether academic or personal. You’ll also have access to a wide range of advice and welfare services offered by the School and the wider university.

You’ll gain the confidence and professional skills to take forward a career as an artist in the arts, cultural and media industries. 

You could choose to undertake further study at PhD level, or to pursue a career in arts-related organisations and other sectors. Previous graduates are enjoying success as professional artists and other related roles in teaching, the media, animation and curation. For example, one recent graduate is now Director’s Assistant at the prestigious Today Art Museum in Beijing.

We're a top 20 UK university for employability (QS Graduate Employability Rankings 2022). Our Careers, Employability and Student Enterprise team will support you throughout your time as a student and for up to 5 years after graduation. This support includes:

• work experience schemes
• CV/resume and interview skills workshops
• networking events
• careers fairs attended by top employers
• a wealth of volunteering opportunities
• study abroad and summer school opportunities

We have a thriving entrepreneurship culture. You'll be able to take advantage of:

• our dedicated start-up incubator, Futureworlds
• a wide variety of enterprise events run throughout the year
• our partnership in the world’s number 1 business incubator, SETsquared

Tuition fees

Fees for a year's study:

• UK students pay £9,250.
• EU and international students pay £25,400.

Check fees for other versions of this course.

Deposit

If you're an international student on a full-time course, we'll ask you to pay £2,000 of your tuition fees in advance, as a deposit.

Your offer letter will tell you when this should be paid and provide full terms and conditions.

Find out about exemptions, refunds and how to pay your deposit on our tuition fees for overseas students page.

What your fees pay for

Your tuition fee covers the full cost of tuition and any exams. The fee you pay will remain the same each year from when you start studying this course. This includes if you suspend and return.

Find out how to pay your tuition fees.

Accommodation and living costs, such as travel and food, are not included in your tuition fees. There may also be extra costs for retake and professional exams.

Explore:

• accommodation costs
• living costs
• budgeting advice
• fees, charges and expenses regulations

10% alumni discount

If you’re a graduate of the University of Southampton, you could be eligible for a 10% discount on your postgraduate tuition fees.

Postgraduate Master’s Loans (UK nationals only)

This can help with course fees and living costs while you study a postgraduate master's course. Find out if you're eligible.

Southampton Arts and Humanities Deans Global Talent Scholarship

Ten scholarships of £10,000 each are available to international students studying for an undergraduate degree or a postgraduate master’s degree in Arts and Humanities.

Find out more about the Southampton Arts and Humanities Deans Global Talent Scholarship, including eligibility, deadlines and how to apply.

Other postgraduate funding options

A variety of additional funding options may be available to help you pay for your master’s study. Both from the University and other organisations.

Funding for EU and international students

Find out about funding you could get as an international student.

1. Use the blue 'apply for this course' button on this page to take you to our postgraduate admissions system.
2. Create an account which gives you access to your own application portal. . 
3. Search for the course you want to apply for.
4. Complete the application form and upload any supporting documents.
5. Pay the £50 application assessment fee, (there are some exemptions, check terms and conditions).
6. Submit your application.

For further details of our admission process, read our step by step guide to postgraduate taught applications.

Application deadlines

There are different application deadlines for this course. Applications are expected to close:

• International students: Tuesday 29 July 2025, midday UK time
• UK students: Tuesday 9 September 2025, midday UK time

We advise applying early as applications may close before the expected deadline if places are filled.

Application assessment fee

We’ll ask you to pay a £50 application assessment fee if you’re applying for a postgraduate taught course.

This is an extra one-off charge which is separate to your tuition fees and is payable per application. It covers the work and time it takes us to assess your application. You’ll be prompted to pay when you submit your application which won’t progress until you've paid.

If you're a current or former University of Southampton student, or if you’re applying for certain scholarships, you will not need to pay the fee. PGCE applications through GOV.UK and Master of Research (MRes) degree applications are also exempt. Find out if you’re exempt on our terms and conditions page.

Supporting information

Portfolio guidance

Your portfolio is one of the most important parts of your application. It is your opportunity to show us your work, and it is our opportunity to find out more about you.

Your portfolio should contain your most recent and relevant work. It should be clear, logical and a professional presentation of your work.

You can submit your portfolio in any of the following formats:

• PDF file under 10mb in size
• PowerPoint presentation
• blog
• website
• YouTube video

We understand you may not be coming straight from an undergraduate course and we will accept older work in your portfolio. However, please include as much of your recent work as possible. We welcome and assess each application individually.

MA Fine Art

• Evidence of independent research in art practice and in thinking.
• Evidence of your knowledge and understanding of the broader
  contemporary art context.
• We want to see the development process you use to create your
  work in whatever medium or media that may be – stills or video
  (10 minutes, maximum, compressed video please).
• Please indicate scale, date and materials used in your work.

Personal statement

When you apply you’ll need to submit a personal statement explaining why you want to take the course. 

You’ll need to include information about: 

• your knowledge of the subject area
• why you want to study a postgraduate qualification in this course
• how you intend to use your qualification

References are not required for this programme.

Please include the required paperwork showing your first degree and your IELTS English language test score (if you are a non-native English speaker) with your application. Without these, your application may be delayed.

You may also be asked to provide:

• a degree transcript
• a CV/resume
• an art portfolio

What happens after you apply

You'll be able to track your application through our online Applicant Record System.

We receive a high volume of applications for this course. This means you may not receive a response to your application for up to 12 weeks.

Unfortunately, due to number of applications we receive, we may not be able to give you specific feedback on your application if you are unsuccessful.

Equality and diversity

We treat and select everyone in line with our Equality and Diversity Statement.

Got a question?

Please contact us if you're not sure you have the right experience or qualifications to get onto this course.

Email: enquiries@southampton.ac.uk
Tel: +44(0)23 8059 5000