Programme SpecificationMA Fine Art

1. Programme title / Master of Arts, Fine Art or Master of Arts, Fine Arts, (Sonic)
2. Awarding institution / Middlesex University
3. Teaching institution / Middlesex University
4. Programme accredited by / N/A
5. Final qualification / MA Fine Art, MA Fine Art (Sonic)
6. Academic year / 2012/13
7. Language of study / English
8. Mode of study / Full Time or Part Time
9. Criteria for admission to the programme
Portfolio of work, and normally a satisfactory completion of a first degree in Fine Art or a related subject. Successful interview, or equivalent for OS students if they are unable to attend for interview – this may include extended email exchange or telephone interview. The programme welcomes appropriately qualified candidates from a range of differing experience and backgrounds. International students and those whose first language is not English must demonstrate an IELTS score of 6.5 (or equivalent). Students whose IELTS score in any of the components of the test is less than 6.0 are strongly recommended to attend a Middlesex University preparation programme.
10. Aims of the programme
The programme aims to:
  • Equip emerging artists to take part in the complex field of contemporary fine art practice and discourse.
  • Develop, sustain and achieve a high level of professional practice
  • Place studio practice within the dynamically changing context of the contemporary art world
Relate student practice to changes occurring in the culture at large - nationally and globally
11. Programme outcomes
A. Knowledge and understanding
On completion of this programme the successful student will have knowledge and understanding of :
  1. material processes related to the making of contemporary fine art
  2. the range, complexity and history of contemporary fine art practice
  3. how critical, historical and theoretical writing has contributed to the understanding and production of art
  4. how the contemporary art world (its institutions, practices anddiscourses) function both nationally and internationally
  5. the range of professional activities relating to the field of contemporary fine art
/ Teaching/learning methods
Students gain knowledge and understanding through
  • Lectures, seminars, group and individual tutorials
  • Set and individually tailored reading and institutional visits
  • Group critiques and discussions
  • Workshop demonstrations
  • The production of research essays and the giving of presentations
Assessment Method
Students’ knowledge and understanding is assessed bythe presentation of studio work, viva voce, and the submission of research essays and presentations.
B. Cognitive (thinking) skills
On completion of this programme the successful student will be able to:
  1. analyse and critically evaluate their work in the wider contexts of historical and contemporary practice and discourse
  2. engage complex and conflicting ideas, concepts and practices
  3. interpret and analyse encounters between ideas, concepts and material processes
  4. analyse and clearly articulate the links between creative intentions, materials process and forms of presentation.
/ Teaching/learning methods
Students learn cognitive skills through
  • Seminars, group and individual tutorials
  • Group critiques and discussions
  • The production of research essays and the giving of presentations
Assessment Method
Students’ cognitive skills are assessed byviva voce at the presentation of studio work, the submission of research essays and presentations.
C. Practical skills
On completion of the programme the successful student will be able to:
  1. clearly present complex ideas and concepts related to the field of contemporary fine art practice and discourse.
  2. apply advanced research skills appropriately to chosen ideas, concepts and areas of media practice.
  3. demonstrate an advanced and appropriate technical competence in the choice and use of media and material processes demonstrate professionalism including flexibility in responding to changing situations and needs.
/ Teaching/learning methods
Students learn practical skills through
  • Guided and self-directed research and practice in the studio
  • Institutional visits
  • Workshop demonstrations
Assessment Method
Students’ practical skills are assessed bythe submission of studio work with viva voce at the end of each semester.
D. Graduate Skills
On completion of this programme the successful student will be able to:
  1. plan career development and establish a learning pattern for continued professional development
  2. clearly communicate ideas and concepts in verbal, written and other material forms
  3. team work effectively and with professionalism
  4. demonstrate good practice in relation to health and safety
  5. demonstrate problem solving skills, to exercise initiative, personal responsibility and accountability
  6. demonstrate methods of investigation, research and information gathering, including use of information technology
/ Teaching/learning methods
Students acquire graduate skills through
Assessment method
Students’ graduate skills are assessed bythe submission of studio work with viva voce at the end of each semester, a Final Exhibition of work and the submission of research essays and presentations.
12. Programme structure (levels, modules, credits and progression requirements)
12. 1 Overall structure of the programme
The MA Fine Art Programme is made up of studio and theory modules, culminating in the final module that integrates ‘studio’ and ‘theory’. The final assessment is based on the Studio Practice, Research and Exhibition module that incorporates the ‘research essay’. The weighting between ‘studio’ and ‘theory’ is 80:20. The Programme is delivered over 4 terms in full-time mode and 7 terms part-time mode (the part-time mode comprises 3 terms in year one and 4 terms in year two.) See diagram on p.27-28 for more information.
12.2 Levels and modules
Starting in academic year 2010/11 the University is changing the way it references modules to state the level of study in which these are delivered. This is to comply with the national Framework for Higher Education Qualifications. This implementation will be a gradual process whilst records are updated. Therefore the old coding is bracketed below.
Level 7: Term 1 and 2
COMPULSORY / OPTIONAL / PROGRESSION REQUIREMENTS
Full time Students must take all of the following:
FNA4033 (30 Credits)
FNA4099 (30 Credits)
FNA4066 (60 Credits)
Part time Students must take either:
FNA4033 (30 Credits)
FNA4099 (30 Credits)
Or
FNA4066 (60 Credits) / The Exchange Module, FNA4061 is available for Exchange Students who are also welcome to audit all other MA modules. / N/A
Term 3 (Summer)
COMPULSORY / OPTIONAL / PROGRESSION REQUIREMENTS
Full time students must take the following:
FNA4255 / N/A / Successful completion of:
FNA4033; FNA4099; FNA4066
12.3 Non-compensatable modules (note statement in 12.2 regarding FHEQ levels)
Module level / Module code
(7) / FNA4033
(7) / FNA4066
(7) / FNA4099
(7) / FNA4255
(7) / FNA4061
13. A curriculum map relating learning outcomes to modules
See Curriculum Map attached
14. Information about assessment regulations
Please refer to Middlesex University Guide and Regulations. Assessment is carried out in relation to practical coursework, written work and verbal presentations.
15. Placement opportunities, requirements and support (if applicable)
N/A
16. Future careers (if applicable)
Professional practice is emphasised throughout the programme. Much of the formal and informal contact between staff and students is designed to support the student’s choice of a career within the broad field of Fine Art, and to enable the students to achieve their professional objectives. It is recognised that some students may wish to continue their studies to MPhil/PhD, and advice is provided in this regard.
17. Particular support for learning (if applicable)
All students are allocated a personal tutor to provide professional support and academic advice. Teaching staff are research active and this actively informs their teaching. Within the programme a number of differing teaching aids are used, including a range of physical spaces for the display and making of practical work - project spaces, performance rooms, and the whole range of workshops on the Hendon campus. The library is an excellent support for student learning, particularly well-stocked in relation to Fine Art – in terms of books, journals, videos and slides. ILRS is available to all enrolled students.
18. JACS code (or other relevant coding system) / W100
19. Relevant QAA subject benchmark group(s) / Art and Design
20. Reference points
  • Relevant University Regulations
  • QAA Subject Benchmark Statements for Art and Design
  • QAA Subject Review Report 9Q231/99 (Art and Design)
  • QAA Subject Overview Report Q013/2000 (Art and Design)
  • Middlesex University Corporate Plan
  • School of Arts Plan
  • Learning and Teaching Policy and StrategyStudent, Staff, External Examiners and Graduates feedback and comments

21. Other information
N/A

Please note programme specifications provide a concise summary of the main features of the programme and the learning outcomes that a typical student might reasonably be expected to achieve if s/he takes full advantage of the learning opportunities that are provided. More detailed information about the programme can be found in the student programme handbook and the University Regulations.