Fine Art

Entry requirements

Normally a suitable undergraduate honours degree (Second Class or above), or equivalent from a university outside the UK. You should include a portfolio of current work, a written statement about your practice, and a programme of research you wish to pursue.

Months of entry

September

Course content

Our MA Fine Art programme, delivered by high-profile international artists, and an additional guest artist, focuses on exhibitions and professional practice.

Develop your creative inquisitiveness and prepare for the professional art world or further research at doctoral level at the Reading School of Art.

Choose MA Fine Art at the University of Reading

• Reading is a top 10 university in the UK for Art and Design (ranked 9th in The Complete University Guide, 2026)
• We rank in the top 100 for Arts and Humanities globally (joint 92) and 21 in the UK (QS World University Rankings by Subject, 2025).
• 97% of our research is of international standing (REF 2021, combining 4*, 3* and 2* submissions – Art and Design: History, Practice and Theory; Art)
• 100% of our research impact has been classed as ‘outstanding’ or ‘very considerable’ (REF 2021, combining 4* and 3* submissions – Art and Design: History, Practice and Theory; Art).

How you’ll study

Taught by a team of practising artists, curators and writers, our Master of Fine Arts degree offers you the time and space to engage with exhibition and curatorial initiatives, contemporary art practise, theoretical texts and publication projects.

As an MA Fine Art student, you’ll have your own dedicated space, accessible 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. You’ll become part of a vibrant postgraduate community, where you’ll broaden your artistic practice.

You will learn through critical understanding and reflection, through professional practice and criticism. Teaching is carried out in lectures, tutorials and small group seminars.

The themes covered in your seminars will include:

• developing a research-based art practice plan
• documenting and writing about your work
• presenting exhibition proposals
• risk assessments and cooperative working.

Exhibition and studio crits are at the core of your master's training, with your work reviewed and analysed by your tutors and peers.

You will also have the opportunity to be in taught in a major European city on our International Study Visit.

Our Master of Fine Arts (MFA) degree places emphasis on student-centred learning and directed research and you will develop an independent approach to learning. The MFA will also enable you to improve your skills by analysing and understanding the current discussions in contemporary art.

For more information, please visit the Reading School of Art website.

Information for international students

IELTS: 6.5 overall with no element less than 6.0 (or equivalent).