12 monthsProgramme duration
26 Aug, 2026Application Deadline
SepStarting Month
Programme overview
Main Subject
Art and Design
Degree
MA
Study Level
Masters
Study Mode
On Campus
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.
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.
Programme overview
Main Subject
Art and Design
Degree
MA
Study Level
Masters
Study Mode
On Campus
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.
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.
Admission Requirements
92+
2.8+
6.5+
169+
67+
120+
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.
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.
26 Aug 2026
1 Year
Sep
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