Studying for a Master of Fine Arts (MFA) in the UK offers aspiring artists, designers, and creative practitioners a unique and enriching experience. The UK is renowned for its rich artistic heritage and vibrant cultural scene, making it an ideal destination for pursuing an MFA degree.
The UK has many prestigious art schools that offer leading MFA courses. MFA degrees provide a wide range of specialisations, allowing you to focus on your artistic discipline or explore interdisciplinary approaches. Whether your interests lie in painting, sculpture, photography, graphic design, digital media, or performance art, you can find courses that cater to your passions. Moreover, many courses provide flexibility regarding module choices, enabling you to shape your curriculum according to your artistic goals and interests.
Learn more about the top universities for studying MFA in the UK below, or book a free consultation with SI-UK London today.
Top 10 UK Universities for Master of Fine Arts
Below is the list of the top ten universities in the UK to study Master of Fine Arts, according to the QS World University Rankings by Subject 2024.
1. Royal College of Art
The master of art course at the Royal College of Art offers creative practitioners a unique and engaging opportunity to come together in a collaborative community. Through the master of arts subject, you will identify and examine the professional context in which your work operates. Live projects will activate and extend your practice, allowing you to engage with audiences and develop a robust, ethical, and research-informed approach.
The MFA degree offers a tailored experience based on your interests and goals. You can choose from various electives that align with the School's specialist research areas. Additionally, college-wide electives provide cross-disciplinary connections and enable you to engage with the knowledge and practices across the broader institution.
- Course in focus: Arts & Humanities MFA
- Entry requirements: A level 6 qualification such as a Bachelor's degree or Graduate Diploma in a subject associated with the arts or humanities
- International fees: £38,600
- International rank: 1
2. University of the Arts London
The MA Fine Art at UAL's Central Saint Martins provides a platform for various experimental practices. The master of arts offers a transformative experience that challenges and pushes the boundaries of your artistic practice, placing it within a contemporary critical context. UAL's art courses attract diverse international artists working in various mediums, including painting, sculpture, printmaking, installation, time-based art, and digital media.
The MFA course fosters an environment where complex social, cultural, and artistic perspectives are explored and negotiated. Within this context, art-making becomes a space for testing ideas and exploring different media.
The MA Fine Art programme has a history of innovative teaching methods, and you will have opportunities to collaborate with students from different disciplines and at various levels of qualification.
- Course in focus: MA Fine Art
- Entry requirements: An honours degree or an equivalent EU/international qualification.
- International fees: £18,350 per year
- International rank: 2
3. Glasgow School of Art
The MFA course at Glasgow School of Art is a two-year, multidisciplinary course with significant value for aspiring artists. The extended duration allows students to delve deep into their creative practice, analysing, modifying, developing, and solidifying their artistic vision.
MFA students at Glasgow School of Art not only learn from the MFA course curriculum but also actively contribute to its delivery. They benefit from their peers' collective experiences and engage with the vibrant art community in Glasgow, further enriching their learning journey. This dynamic context highly values Independent learning, self-reliance, originality, initiative, and enterprise.
- Course in focus: Master of Fine Art
- Entry requirements: A UK bachelor's honours degree (or its international equivalent) in Fine Art or a related subject
- International rank: 13
4. Goldsmiths, University of London
Renowned as one of the most influential MFA courses globally, the MFA programme at Goldsmiths University of London examines art-making practices rigorously.
You will actively engage with the evolving role of artists in today's art world, the position of art practices within the complex tapestry of art history, and their relevance to broader social and cultural processes. The programme's diverse international cohort of artists, encompassing a wide range of media, stimulates discussions about how individual artists' work and ideas are interpreted across various social, artistic, and intellectual contexts.
Goldsmith's primary focus lies in challenging established expectations and questioning whether artists' works can shift these expectations, potentially redefining the very essence of art.
- Course in focus: MFA Fine Art
- Entry requirements: Undergraduate degree of at least second class (or international equivalent) plus experience as an artist
- International fees: £27,780
- International rank: 21
5. University of Oxford
The master of art course at the University of Oxford offers a rich tapestry of disciplines, encompassing diverse artistic practices such as painting, sculpture, printmaking, photography, art writing, installation, video, sound, performance, and other experimental forms in contemporary art. The primary objective of Oxford's MFA course is to foster experimentation while providing a critical framework for developing artistic work.
The MFA studios are on a single floor, featuring individual studio spaces alongside shared and open areas. This unique setting cultivates an intimate environment conducive to self-directed peer learning, supported by a permanent and visiting staff renowned for their expertise and excellence in their respective fields. The artistic environment provided by the programme is exceptional, setting it apart from larger art schools in the UK.
- Course in focus: Master of Fine Art (MFA)
- Entry requirements: A first-class or strong upper-second-class undergraduate degree with honours in fine art or a related subject
- International fees: £33,970
- International rank: 25
6. Loughborough University
The Fine Arts BA at Loughborough promotes advanced skills in contemporary fine art within a supportive, intellectually stimulating environment. Students design their degrees with optional modules while gaining solid theoretical foundations. The programme offers a vibrant, creative atmosphere, exploring diverse mediums, from drawing to digital media.
Focusing on art history and visual culture, it encourages critical connections with society, politics, and the environment. Graduates gain professional, practical, and transferable skills, preparing them for careers as professional practitioners or further postgraduate study, shaping confident, experienced artists.
- Course in focus: BA (Hons) Fine Art
- Entry requirements: ABB from 3 A-Levels. 34 (6,5,5 HL).
- International fees: £23,000
- International rank: 32
7. University College London
The Slade School of Fine Art at UCL is a leading UK department that emphasizes experimental, discursive, and critical approaches to research and practice. Faculty members are practising artists with diverse research interests. Located amidst major cultural institutions, the school offers unparalleled resources.
The 24-month Fine Art MA hones painting, sculpture, or fine art media skills while promoting critical awareness and cultural context exploration. This programme, which is taught at the renowned Slade School of Fine Art, supports interdisciplinary, collaborative art-making and prepares graduates for professional artistry and research.
- Course in focus: Fine Art MA
- Entry requirements: A first degree in Fine Art at second-class Bachelor's level or above or overseas equivalent.
- International fees: £34,400
- International rank: 43
8. Lancaster University
The MAF course immerses you in Lancaster's vibrant cultural scene, collaborating with leading organisations and festivals. Our team of practising artists will provide personalised guidance, shaping your residency at esteemed venues like Brantwood and Liverpool Biennial.
The dedicated studio space and technical support refine your craft and launch your career with professional networking opportunities. Tailor your experience through specialised residencies and theoretical understanding, preparing for your final project with a blend of practical skills and critical insight.
- Course in focus: Fine Art MA
- Entry requirements: 2:1 (UK Hons) degree or equivalent in fine art or a related subject.
- International fees: £23,875
- International rank: 51-100
9. Manchester Metropolitan University
The MA/MFA Fine Art at Manchester Metropolitan University "provides a stimulating environment in which you will be guided to develop your creative aspirations, reach a critical maturity, and gain the self-confidence and skills that will enable you to work as a successful artist."
- Course in focus: MA/MFA Fine Art
- Entry requirements: You will normally have an undergraduate UK honours degree (or international equivalent) a degree-equivalent postgraduate diploma or a professional qualification. You may also need to submit a Digital Portfolio and overseas applicants will require IELTS with an overall score of 6.5 with no less than 5.5 in any category.
- International fees: £3417 per 30 credits per year.
- International rank: 51-100
10. Nottingham Trent University
The MFA in Fine Art at Nottingham Trent University combines studio and theoretical training that promotes critical reflection within dynamic societal contexts. With access to world-renowned faculty and cutting-edge workshops, students develop their artistic practice and engage with contemporary art discourse.
The programme emphasises individual vision, collaborative exploration, and the creation of meaningful artwork. Students build a substantial body of work through self-initiated projects and seminars while connecting with a diverse network of industry professionals.
- Course in focus: Fine Art MFA
- Entry requirements: 2.1 honours degree in a related subject and a creative portfolio
- International fees: £15,750
- International rank: 51-100
Master of Fine Arts Scholarships
Prominent names in the UK study industry, including the British Council, Chevening, and the revered Commonwealth Scholarship Commission, generously offer master of art scholarships to exceptional individuals. Selection criteria encompass a blend of academic prowess, outstanding artistic potential, and genuine financial need, ensuring that deserving candidates are granted the means to realise their artistic dreams in the UK.
MFA scholarships are available as a discount on tuition fees, living costs, and, in some instances, supplementary allowances.
Master of Fine Arts Careers
Many MFA graduates thrive as freelancers, actively participating in exhibitions, securing coveted commissions, and leaving an indelible artistic imprint on public art projects. Some even venture into the entrepreneurial territory, establishing flourishing art studios, design firms, or innovative creative agencies. The UK's flourishing art scene and rich cultural heritage are an inspiring backdrop, offering a platform for MFA graduates to showcase their talent and profoundly contribute to the ever-evolving arts landscape.
The most common job profiles of MFA graduates in the UK are:
- Advertising art director.
- Animator.
- Art therapist.
- Ceramics designer.
- Commercial art gallery manager.
- Community arts worker.
- Concept artist.
- Fine artist.
Study Fine Arts in the UK
Contact SI-UK if you want to learn more about studying MFA in the UK or to begin your MFA application for the upcoming intake.
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