ART AND CREATIVE DESIGN

At the University of East London we provide an extensive, lively, and diverse arts education that prides itself on inclusivity. Our courses cater to both aspiring and seasoned artists and we draw students from all corners of the globe.

Led by Alexis Harding our MA Fine Art offers ample studio space and workshop opportunities, as well as courses in professional practice, art history, and theory. Our dynamic programme fosters dialogue, exhibition opportunities, and enables students to progress and elevate their artistic practice. It’s a perfect choice for continuing BA students or mature students seeking to return to academic pursuits. The Professional Doctorate in Fine Art (DFA) has been running for over 20 years and is widely recognised in the art world as the leading doctoral programme for fine artists. Unlike practice-based PhDs in fine art, we have a full programme and a strong student cohort, so you won’t feel isolated.

Industry Connection

We’re affiliated with galleries and project spaces including the Lisson Gallery, the National Portrait Gallery, London Art Fair, and Queer Circle.

Our Alumni

Students develop their practices and become established artists working with alumni such as Max Hattler, Michael Pinsky, Sharone Lifschitz and Professor Kangwook Lee. Others become curators, teachers, technicians, workshop leaders and academics.

Research

Our staff are practicing artists or academics with diverse research profiles, partnering with the Tate Modern, the Victoria & Albert Museum, Andrew W. Mellon Foundation and Arts Council England.

Impressive Spaces

All full-time postgraduates are guaranteed their own studio workspace, access to free equipment hire and dedicated exhibition spaces.

TOP-TIER FACILITIES

Our world-class workshops include woodwork, metalwork, digital fabrication, photography, and 3D printing. We have studios dedicated to textiles, lithography, and intaglio. For filmmakers we offer advanced production and post-production facilities.

Raise Your Profile

Our alumni have been winners or nominees of The Times Big Picture photographic award, the Hix art award, the Turner Prize, the Jerwood Drawing Prize and the John Moores Painting Prize.

We offer postgraduate programs of both Master’s and Professional Doctorate in Fine Art. We have incredible academics such as sculptor Richard Wilson, painters Alexis Harding and Lee Maelzer and writers Debra Shaw and Karen Raney. You’ll gain insight from guest lecturers such as Fourth Plinth curator Ekow Eshun and Queercircle founder Ashley Joiner. We have dedicated workshops with Arts Council England liaison Hannah Conroy who works specifically to help neurodiverse artists win grants.

Our campus boasts generously sized, well-equipped studios and workshops situated in close proximity. Additionally, we host a series of annual events, including Cultural Manoeuvres artist talks and the ‘Detour Ahead’ ‘How To...’ lecture series. During these events, established practitioners from a range of creative fields, including artists, writers, designers, photographers, and curators, share their experiences and offer valuable advice to students looking to break into the art world.

To be in London around the galleries and the artists teaching on the course has been extraordinary; the generous studio spaces, workshops and seminars has reinvented my practice!

Master of Arts (MA)

Fine Art

Minimum 2:2 degree in fine art or related creative arts subject and/or a strong portfolio

Professional

Doctorate Fine Art

Master’s degree in a related discipline, an established creative and professional practice and excellent knowledge of contemporary art OR Exceptional creative and professional practice and excellent knowledge of contemporary art

September One year full-time, Two years part-time

January Two years part-time

September Three years full-time, Five years part-time

View full course info at uel.ac.uk/pg-art-and-design