MA / MFA Art in the Contemporary World

at National College of Art and Design

Course content is divided into four thematic strands:
 

• ‘Practices’ explores the range of current international art practices and reflects on the varied conditions for the production of art today

• ‘Situations’ is comprised of elective options addressing specific themes relevant to contemporary art and connections between art and other fields of contemporary culture

• ‘Theories’ is a series of seminars focusing on key theoretical approaches relevant to contemporary art

• ‘Writing’ offers students opportunities to explore different models and strategies for writing on art.

Students on the MA Art in the Contemporary World take two taught semesters and then embark on a period of independent research.
 

Students taking the MFA Art in the Contemporary World take the same taught courses over two semesters but can develop larger body of independent research in writing, curating or art practice over a second year of study.
 

Practices

Practices is a year long seminar exploring the range and diversity of current international and local art practices. The classes focus on the various ways in which art now responds to, or can be contextualised by, a series of significant shifts in the conditions of contemporary life. These include technological advances that have affected how the world is now seen, or how people communicate and gather information. Such changes have dramatically influenced our understanding of private and public space, and altered our sense of how we express or understand our own individuality. Other changes in contemporary life, with wide social and cultural implications are also explored.

The programme is open to graduates with an honours degree award of 2.2 or higher, or an equivalent academic or professional qualification in a relevant discipline. The College also takes into consideration prior learning and experience.

English language:
 

• Students who have not been educated through English must show proof of achieving IELTS 6.5 (with a minimum of 6 in the writing section on the Academic Version) or an equivalent score in another accepted test.

NON EU/International Fees:
 

• €14500

Graduates from the MA Art in the Contemporary World have gone on to receive international awards and residencies, to take up respected curatorial positions and to publish their writings in prominent academic journals and art magazines.