MC266 - Master of Fine Art
Plan: MC266 - Master of Fine Art
Campus: City Campus
Overview
Program detailsPurpose of the ProgramArticulation and pathwaysEntrance requirementsExternal accreditation and industry linksStudent expenses and charges in addition to feesLibrary, IT and specialist resourcesProgram details
Award title: Master of Fine Art
Award abbreviation: MFA
Total credit points: 192
Career: PGRD
Duration: 2 years full-time, 3 years reduced study load, reduced duration available
Location: Onshore, AUSCY campus
Owning school: Art (340H)
Owning school URL: www.rmit.edu.au/about/schools-colleges/art
ASCED code: 100301
CRICOS code: 092466D
Top of pagePurpose of the Program
The Master of Fine Art is a postgraduate professional practice degree offering study in areas such as sculpture, painting, printmaking, drawing, photography, sound, video, ceramics and gold and silversmithing. The program has a pluralistic and interdisciplinary focus and cross-disciplinary dialogue is encouraged to enrich your experience and knowledge.
The program offers you a rigorous, supportive and dynamic environment where an investigation of issues pertinent to contemporary art practice sit alongside and inform the production of art. Central to the program is a balance between studio practice and the conceptual and theoretical concerns that underpin the making of art.
Through studio based learning and independent research you will develop the skills to locate your artwork within appropriate contemporary, conceptual and theoretical contexts. You will engage with new developments in artistic production and their associated discourses while at the same time building a body of artwork that demonstrates a level of technical and conceptual excellence in contemporary art practice.
The program attracts candidates from diverse backgrounds, age groups and nationalities, including leading art practitioners, students graduating directly from undergraduate programs and artists returning to postgraduate study to enliven their practice. You will engage with your peers to develop extended dialogues and provide critical support for each other’s practice.
A capstone experience is provided through the course VART3619 Fine Art Studio 4 in which you will integrate and synthesise your knowledge, connect theory to practice and demonstrate your holistic achievement of the program learning outcomes. The capstone experience of the course is a major project that culminates in an exhibition of work for assessment, accompanied by a detailed research document and visual documentation of the work undertaken during the program. In the course VART3613 Strategies for Creative Research, you will engage with research tools and methods, ranging from visual and library research to critiques and cultural contexts to deepen your creative practice through the interplay of making and reflecting.
The minor 'Making Art Public' creates an option within this program to translate your artistic practice into viable public art projects. The program options list also provides choices that will equip you with the specialized skills and industry connections.
Successful completion of the program will give you a pathway to higher degree research and see you prepared to work in national and global contexts as a practising artist.
You will be required to attend on campus classes throughout the delivery of the program so that you can produce high quality artworks. On campus classes will also provide opportunities for you to critique your own work and the work of others in a group setting with your lecturers and fellow students. Some courses may be delivered online or blended online and face to face.
Top of pageArticulation and pathways
If you have already developed areas of skill and knowledge included in this program (for example, through prior studies or work experience), you can apply for credit once you have enrolled in this program.
If you have gained one of the following qualifications in fine art you will be eligible for masters exemptions relevant to your qualification level as stated in the table below.
If you have a qualification in another discipline, you may still be eligible for masters exemptions.
| Qualification level | Exemptions | Remaining program duration |
|---|---|---|
| Bachelor degree | 48 credit points (equivalent to one semester full time study) | 144 credit points (equivalent to three semesters full time study) |
| Bachelor honours degree | 96 credit points (equivalent to two semesters full time study) | 96 credit points (equivalent to two semesters full time study) |
| Graduate certificate | 48 credit points (equivalent to one semester full time study) | 144 credit points (equivalent to three semesters full time study) |
| Graduate diploma | 96 credit points (equivalent to two semesters full time study) |
96 credit points (equivalent to two semesters full time study) |
*Duration indicated is the normal study duration; for some programs spring and summer semesters may be offered, reducing the study duration.
Upon successful completion of this program you may be eligible to undertake further studies in related programs at RMIT University, including DR208 - PhD (Art) subject to the program's entrance requirements.
Top of pageEntrance requirements
You must have:
- successfully completed an Australian Bachelor degree (or equivalent overseas qualification) or
- at least 5 years of relevant work experience, studio practice or professional practice.
To have your professional experience considered you must submit with your application a CV and a personal statement detailing your experience.
English language requirement
A minimum of IELTS (Academic module) overall score of 6.5, with no band less than 6.0, or equivalent.
For equivalents to English entry requirements, see the English requirements web page.
Selection tasks
You must complete and submit a selection task and may be required to attend a folio presentation.
Top of pageExternal accreditation and industry links
There are no professional bodies that accredit programs in fine art in Australia. As such, this program is not accredited by any professional organisation.
The School of Art has many close links with creative industries which take a variety of forms. Academics in the School are practising professional artists, writers, historians and curators maintaining strong linkages within national and global Fine Art practice and the community. External industry experts and speakers are regularly invited to speak to staff and students through a number of forums.
Master of Fine Art graduates have successfully undertaken international residencies in Krems Austria, worked on projects in China, Japan and the USA. They are regularly curated into high profile exhibitions.
The program is regularly monitored through the School of Art Industry Advisory Committee, which consists of external Arts and Photography Industry professionals, advising the School in facilitating a program that is relevant to the field of Art, both nationally and internationally.
Top of pageStudent expenses and charges in addition to fees
Once you are enrolled as a student in this program you will need to allow for expenses other than university tuition fees. Additional expenses may relate to the purchase of art materials, lecture notes, textbooks, stationery, consumables such as printer paper, fees levied by commercial internet service providers for internet access outside of the university campus, and other relevant costs.
Top of pageLibrary, IT and specialist resources
Library resources and services
RMIT Library provides extensive resources, services and study space. All RMIT students have access to scholarly resources including course related material, books, e-books, journals and databases.
You can find more information on Library resources and services at: http://www.rmit.edu.au/library
One-on-one study support is available for assistance with assignment preparation, academic writing, referencing, maths and study skills. To contact Library staff for help, phone, email or chat via the Ask the Library service.https://www.rmit.edu.au/library/about-and-contacts/ask-the-library
For information resources relevant to specific subject areas please refer to the library subject guides here: https://rmit.libguides.com/
IT and Wireless
If you have a laptop or other wireless-enabled device you can connect to RMIT’s fast Wi-Fi. While on campus, no matter how you work or where you work, you’re able to connect, collaborate and create using this secure network. In addition, with myDesktop, you can access your RMIT desktop and applications from home or wherever you have an internet connection.
Online learning tools and content
You can access online learning tools and content for your program and associated courses at myRMIT www.rmit.edu.au/myrmit
Other resources
As an enrolled School of Art student you can access computer laboratories throughout the University. There are also computers for you as a School of Art postgraduate student located in Building 49 level 3 and Building 39 level 3.
Technical Assistance
Technical services (studio) teams are available to support your projects, selected access to workshops, and presentation space bookings. Check details via the Technical Services Canvas shell.
Production Facilities and Equipment
You will receive support and access relevant to your enrolments and course work. While you are enrolled in Fine Art Studio 1, 2, 3, 4, you will be assigned a shared studio space to develop your work. While you are enrolled in Fine Art Studio 1, 2, 3, 4, or a course requiring practical work, you may be granted access to workshops and equipment loans, relevant to your study. Facilities and workshops across the school to support your area of practice may include light fabrication workshops, printmaking, AV studios, computer labs, AV recording equipment, ceramics and gold and silver-smithing studios, large format photo printing facilities, and printmaking studios. Students may need to already be familiar with techniques and technologies in these areas, and access may be subject to availability, inductions, previous experience, and adherence to work health safety protocols. We may not always be able to provide technical or workshop training, and students may need to gain technical skills through program options or other avenues.
RMIT will provide you with resources and tools for learning in this course through our online systems. The University Library has extensive resources for Art students and has produced a subject guide that includes quality online and print resources for your studies [http://rmit.libguides.com/sb.php?subject_id=67925].
You can also loan equipment from:
DSC Audio Visual Tech Services
Office Location: Building 8 level 7 room 91
phone: 9925 3419
email: DSC-AV@rmit.edu.au
Services available to you as a student at RMIT University
RMIT University provides a range of services, resources and opportunities to support your learning and wellbeing so you can achieve your study and career goals.
- Transition to RMIT
- Disability, long-term illness, mental health support: Equitable Learning Service can create a tailored plan that supports your needs and identifies ongoing assistance so you can participate in your studies.
- Career Development and employment: get help finding a job, planning your career and exploring opportunities like volunteering, global study experiences and scholarships.
- Health and wellbeing: access medical and psychological support services as well as fitness and faith-based facilities, health, housing and financial matters
- Accommodation: help finding accommodation if you’re joining RMIT from interstate or overseas or leaving home for the first time.
- Build connections with peers: participate in arts, sport, recreation, fitness activities
We also offer a dedicated support service for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander students: Indigenous students - RMIT University
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