Masters in Fine Arts UK: Top Universities, Fees, Requirements, Eligibility & Scholarships

Students who wish to pursue their dream and study Master in Fine Arts in the UK can find the best courses here. The universities in the UK offer the best programs which offer deep learning in studio and fine art. 

The universities in the UK combine educational quality with practical learning. The students are also provided with internships and ample work opportunities. Once the students receive their degree in fine arts, they are skilled enough to pursue research work in the same field. The curriculum offered by the universities here is quite interactive and helps students enhance their creativity and become independent artists or researchers. 

In this blog, we will have a look at the various master's courses offered in Fine Arts in the UK, the eligibility, the fee structure, and the admission processes. 

Highlights of Masters in Fine Arts in the UK

Why Study the Fine Arts Course in the UK? 

If you are wondering why the UK is the best choice to complete your master's in Fine Arts, you certainly need to know that the universities here provide quality education, and the courses are worth the money you spend. More than 89 universities from the UK are listed on the 2023 QS World University Ranking. Master's degrees from UK universities are also recognized worldwide. Also, the UK as a country is quite rich in history, and museums and students with a passion can find great inspiration for their work.

Other than the ones mentioned above, there are other advantages of studying in the UK. Let us see what they are.

Excellent academics – The United Kingdom has some of the best art universities, and all of these are recognized globally. This means students who complete their Masters in Fine Arts can work in the UK or any part of the world. 

The universities – Most of the art universities in the UK have found their place in the QS ranking board. The universities also offer various courses to choose from and pursue either full-time or part-time. International students are also provided with internships, stipends, and special discounts on tuition fees and scholarships. 

Course duration – The duration of a Master's in Fine Arts in the UK ranges from 1 year to 2 years. Once the master's is complete, students can either get into a job and start their professional career or opt for a Ph.D. Also, the students who pursue their master's from the top universities get enough time to look out for a job and apply for a work permit.

Types of Masters in Masters in Fine Arts in the UK

The Master of Fine Arts program allows students to study various subjects that are related to arts, filmmaking, graphic design, theatre, and creative writing to name a few. The course curriculum and the subjects taught vary from one course to another. 

The Master of Arts program is available as MA, which is Master of Arts, or MFA, which is Master of Fine Arts. The MA programs focus more on the theory of the art whereas the MFA programs provide practical learning and case studies. Also, the coursework for the Master of Fine Art program is of a performing nature, and the final assessment can be a performance or an exhibition.

Most of these courses have a duration of two or three years, or students can also complete the course in a year by studying full-time. 

Best Universities for Masters in Fine Arts in the UK

When we talk about the study of Art, it can refer to different types of study fields. So, when a student has masters in Fine arts, he/she can find many job opportunities to seek. The United Kingdom has some of the best art institutes in the world, and these attract students from all over the world. Let us have a look at the top universities for Masters in Fine Arts in the UK.

Royal College of Art – One of the best art universities in the UK, the Royal College of Art offers various courses to their students which include painting, fashion, sculpturing, etc. The programs offered by the university focus on both theory and practical, and provide the best environment for the students to enhance their skills.

University College London – Another top university in the UK, the University College London always welcomes students who are passionate about fine arts. Students who wish to upskill their talent or knowledge in art media, drawing, painting, or sculpture can apply to this university. The study environment here is great, and the students are also assigned a special educator to oversee their progress.

University of Arts London – Known as one of the world's best universities in art, the University of Arts London offers courses in design, communication, and art. The art courses are taught in its six schools. The research work done by the university can also be found in various workshops, exhibits, and art festivals.

University of Goldsmiths – The art department of the University of Goldsmiths offers MFA programs in curating and fine arts. The university is also known to have students from all over the globe, and this diverse community brings out the best in the students here. Also, the works of the professors here are often exhibited in workshops and art exhibitions. 

Oxford University – When we talk about the best universities in the UK, the list does seem incomplete without the mention of Oxford University. The university has the popular and most reputed Ruskin School of Art which is widely known for its faculty, teaching style, and curriculum offered.

Course Curriculum for Masters in Fine Arts in the UK

The course curriculum for a Master in Fine Arts in the UK can vary based on the course chosen and the university you are applying to. Most of these programs have topics related to sculpture, drawing, painting, and digital art. The study programs are designed in a way to improve the existing skills of the students and develop their knowledge of research methods.

Students can also refer to the official website of the University for More Details on the course curriculums. 

Admission Requirements & Eligibility Criteria for Masters in Fine Arts in the UK

Eligibility Criteria

The students applying for a Master in Fine Arts need to have a bachelor's degree; however, most universities do not need the UG program to have a relevant subject. Most universities ask for an artwork portfolio, and admission is provided based on the same. Apart from these a few universities will also ask for the scores of English language proficiency tests. Most of the universities ask for an IELTS score of 6.0 minimum along with TOEFL and PTE.

Admission Requirements

The admission process requires the students to meet the eligibility and also submit a digital portfolio along with a video task. The admission process requires the below-mentioned details from the students.

• General information
• Scorecards of English Language tests
• Certificates of the UG program
• Employment history if any
• A personal statement including why you wish to join the course, your skills, your experience, and why you are suitable for the admission
• A study proposal
• Letter of Recommendations
• Proof of funding
• A detailed portfolio along with a video task
• A valid passport 

Admission Process for Masters in Fine Arts in the UK

Once you have the required documents ready, you can get started with the admission process. The first step of the admission process starts with the submission of the application form online. Visit the official website of the university you wish to apply to, fill up the application form, pay the fees required and upload all the documents asked.

The outcome of the application will be announced via email. The university might also ask you for additional documents or an interview. Once you pass the interview, you will then receive a letter of acceptance from the university. 

Students who have obtained the letter of acceptance can go ahead and apply for the student visa and make their travel preparations. 

Cost of Studying for Masters in Fine Arts in the UK

The cost of studying for a Master in Fine Arts in the UK includes the tuition fees and the cost of living. 

Pre-admission costs - Students should also include the application fee, the visa charges, and the travel expenses when adding up the total cost of studying in the UK. The other costs include the fees for the IELTS or TOEFL, health insurance charges, etc.

Tuition fees – Most international students spend close to GBP 11,000 to GBP 32,300 on their tuition fees. This again depends on the course and the university.

Cost of living – The other charges international students need to consider are the rental, expenditure on food, travel, mobile bills, internet, books, supplies, and more. Though this is subject to the university and the location you chose to live in, the average costs can range between GBP 1000-1500 per month. 

Scholarships & Financial Aid for Masters in Fine Arts in the UK

Most of the universities in the UK offer excellent scholarships to international students. While most of the scholarships are merit-based, a few universities provide discounts on tuition fees, and also provide additional discounts to students from weak financial backgrounds. 

More information on the scholarships provided can be obtained on the website of the university you are applying to.

Career Opportunities after Masters in Fine Arts in the UK

If you are wondering about the job opportunities you might receive after completing the Master in Fine Arts in the UK, then there are a few points you can consider. The country has a rich history and is known for its architecture and museums. Hence, students can find excellent opportunities in the field of fine arts, making the investment in the master's course worthwhile. 

A few job profiles along with the average salary are listed below.