Course Description
Art in the Contemporary World
Art in the Contemporary World is a taught masters programme that examines contemporary art practices and their contexts. The course offers an opportunity for focused engagement with the varied challenges of todays most ambitious art. It bridges the relationship between theory and practice by creating exciting study options for artists, curators and writers. We welcome graduates from a variety of backgrounds, including: fine art; art history; philosophy; literature; film studies; architecture; communications; or design.
There are 2 pathways available: (i) a one year, theory only MA; (ii) a two year theory/ practice MFA. All students take the theory modules in their first year. MA students complete a major research topic (typically a written thesis) by the end of the year; MFA students undertake a second year of practice. A key feature of the MFA is that practice is understood in an expanded sense to include not only studio practices (represented by NCAD studio expertise) but also practices facilitated by Visual Culture staff including: curating; critical and creative writing; event organization; a major research project.
Course content for the Visual Culture theory modules is divided into four thematic strands: (i) Practices explores the range of current international art practices; (ii) Situations is comprised of elective options addressing social and cultural contexts for art practice today or occasions of interdisciplinary crossover with other fields (iii) Theories is a series of seminars focusing on key theoretical approaches relevant to contemporary art; (iv) Writing, which explores different models and strategies for writing on art.
| Training Provider | National College of Art & Design NCAD |
| Course Location | Dublin |
| Location Postcode | Dublin 8 |
| Course Qualification | Masters Degree |
| Awarding Body | UCD |
| Course Duration | MA 1 year (or 2 years part time) 90 ECTS credits Taught masters Visual Culture Pathway MFA 2 years 120 ECTS credits Taught masters Theory/Practice |
| Course Fee | POA |
| Entry Requirements | 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. |
| Carear Path | Graduates from 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. |
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