Programme Specification MA Fine Art
1. Programme title
2. Awarding institution
3. Teaching institution
4. Programme accredited by
5. Final qualification
6. Academic year
7. Language of study
8. Mode of study
Master of Arts, Fine Art or Master of
Arts, Fine Arts, (Sonic)
Middlesex University
Middlesex University
N/A
MA Fine Art, MA Fine Art (Sonic)
2012/13
English
Full Time or Part Time
9. Criteria for admission to the programme
Portfolio of work, and normally a satisfactory completion of a first degree in
Fine Art or a related subject. Successful interview, or equivalent for OS
students if they are unable to attend for interview – this may include
extended email exchange or telephone interview. The programme
welcomes appropriately qualified candidates from a range of differing
experience and backgrounds. International students and those whose first
language is not English must demonstrate an IELTS score of 6.5 (or
equivalent). Students whose IELTS score in any of the components of the
test is less than 6.0 are strongly recommended to attend a Middlesex
University preparation programme.
10. Aims of the programme
The programme aims to:

Equip emerging artists to take part in the complex field of
contemporary fine art practice and discourse.
 Develop, sustain and achieve a high level of professional practice
 Place studio practice within the dynamically changing context of the
contemporary art world
Relate student practice to changes occurring in the culture at large nationally and globally
11. Programme outcomes
A. Knowledge and
understanding
On completion of this programme
the successful student will have
knowledge and understanding of :
1. material processes related
to the making of
contemporary fine art
2. the range, complexity and
Teaching/learning methods
Students gain knowledge and
understanding through



Lectures, seminars, group and
individual tutorials
Set and individually tailored
reading and institutional visits
Group critiques and
discussions
history of contemporary fine
art practice
3. how critical, historical and
theoretical writing has
contributed to the
understanding and
production of art
4. how the contemporary art
world (its institutions,
practices and discourses)
function both nationally and
internationally
5. the range of professional
activities relating to the field
of contemporary fine art


Workshop demonstrations
The production of research
essays and the giving of
presentations
Assessment Method
Students’ knowledge and
understanding is assessed by the
presentation of studio work, viva voce,
and the submission of research
essays and presentations.
B. Cognitive (thinking) skills
On completion of this programme
the successful student will be able
to:
1. analyse and critically
evaluate their work in the
wider contexts of historical
and contemporary practice
and discourse
2. engage complex and
conflicting ideas, concepts
and practices
3. interpret and analyse
encounters between ideas,
concepts and material
processes
4. analyse and clearly
articulate the links between
creative intentions,
materials process and
forms of presentation.
Teaching/learning methods
Students learn cognitive skills through
C. Practical skills
On completion of the programme
the successful student will be able
to:
Teaching/learning methods
Students learn practical skills through
1. clearly present complex
ideas and concepts related
to the field of contemporary
fine art practice and
discourse.
2. apply advanced research
skills appropriately to
chosen ideas, concepts and
areas of media practice.
3. demonstrate an advanced



Seminars, group and individual
tutorials
Group critiques and
discussions
The production of research
essays and the giving of
presentations
Assessment Method
Students’ cognitive skills are
assessed by viva voce at the
presentation of studio work, the
submission of research essays and
presentations.



Guided and self-directed
research and practice in the
studio
Institutional visits
Workshop demonstrations
Assessment Method
Students’ practical skills are assessed
by the submission of studio work with
viva voce at the end of each
and appropriate technical
competence in the choice
and use of media and
material processes
demonstrate
professionalism including
flexibility in responding to
changing situations and
needs.
D. Graduate Skills
On completion of this programme
the successful student will be able
to:
1. plan career development
and establish a learning
pattern for continued
professional development
2. clearly communicate ideas
and concepts in verbal,
written and other material
forms
3. team work effectively and
with professionalism
4. demonstrate good practice
in relation to health and
safety
5. demonstrate problem
solving skills, to exercise
initiative, personal
responsibility and
accountability
6. demonstrate methods of
investigation, research and
information gathering,
including use of information
technology
semester.
Teaching/learning methods
Students acquire graduate skills
through
Assessment method
Students’ graduate skills are
assessed by the submission of studio
work with viva voce at the end of each
semester, a Final Exhibition of work
and the submission of research
essays and presentations.
12. Programme structure (levels, modules, credits and progression
requirements)
12. 1 Overall structure of the programme
The MA Fine Art Programme is made up of studio and theory modules,
culminating in the final module that integrates ‘studio’ and ‘theory’. The final
assessment is based on the Studio Practice, Research and Exhibition
module that incorporates the ‘research essay’. The weighting between
‘studio’ and ‘theory’ is 80:20. The Programme is delivered over 4 terms in
full-time mode and 7 terms part-time mode (the part-time mode comprises 3
terms in year one and 4 terms in year two.) See diagram on p.27-28 for
more information.
12.2 Levels and modules
Starting in academic year 2010/11 the University is changing the way it
references modules to state the level of study in which these are
delivered. This is to comply with the national Framework for Higher
Education Qualifications. This implementation will be a gradual
process whilst records are updated. Therefore the old coding is
bracketed below.
Level 7: Term 1 and 2
COMPULSORY
OPTIONAL
PROGRESSION
REQUIREMENTS
Full time Students must
take all of the following:
FNA4033 (30 Credits)
FNA4099 (30 Credits)
FNA4066 (60 Credits)
The Exchange Module,
FNA4061 is available for
Exchange Students who
are also welcome to
audit all other MA
modules.
N/A
Part time Students must
take either:
FNA4033 (30 Credits)
FNA4099 (30 Credits)
Or
FNA4066 (60 Credits)
Term 3 (Summer)
COMPULSORY
OPTIONAL
Full time students must
take the following:
FNA4255
N/A
PROGRESSION
REQUIREMENTS
Successful completion
of:
FNA4033; FNA4099;
FNA4066
12.3 Non-compensatable modules (note statement in 12.2 regarding
FHEQ levels)
Module level
Module code
(7)
FNA4033
(7)
FNA4066
(7)
FNA4099
(7)
FNA4255
(7)
FNA4061
13. A curriculum map relating learning outcomes to modules
See Curriculum Map attached
14. Information about assessment regulations
Please refer to Middlesex University Guide and Regulations.
http://www.mdx.ac.uk/aboutus/Strategy/regulations/sectionepg.aspx
Assessment is carried out in relation to practical coursework, written
work and verbal presentations.
15. Placement opportunities, requirements and support (if applicable)
N/A
16. Future careers (if applicable)
Professional practice is emphasised throughout the programme. Much of
the formal and informal contact between staff and students is designed to
support the student’s choice of a career within the broad field of Fine Art,
and to enable the students to achieve their professional objectives. It is
recognised that some students may wish to continue their studies to
MPhil/PhD, and advice is provided in this regard.
17. Particular support for learning (if applicable)
All students are allocated a personal tutor to provide professional support
and academic advice. Teaching staff are research active and this actively
informs their teaching. Within the programme a number of differing teaching
aids are used, including a range of physical spaces for the display and
making of practical work - project spaces, performance rooms, and the
whole range of workshops on the Hendon campus. The library is an
excellent support for student learning, particularly well-stocked in relation to
Fine Art – in terms of books, journals, videos and slides. ILRS is available to
all enrolled students.
18. JACS code (or other relevant coding
system)
19. Relevant QAA subject benchmark
group(s)
W100
Art and Design
20. Reference points







Relevant University Regulations http://www.mdx.ac.uk/regulations/
QAA Subject Benchmark Statements for Art and Design
QAA Subject Review Report 9Q231/99 (Art and Design)
QAA Subject Overview Report Q013/2000 (Art and Design)
Middlesex University Corporate Plan
School of Arts Plan
Learning and Teaching Policy and Strategy Student, Staff, External
Examiners and Graduates feedback and comments
21. Other information
N/A
Please note programme specifications provide a concise summary of the main
features of the programme and the learning outcomes that a typical student might
reasonably be expected to achieve if s/he takes full advantage of the learning
opportunities that are provided. More detailed information about the programme can
be found in the student programme handbook and the University Regulations.