Contemporary Art Practice MA
The University of Edinburgh
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( 4.2)

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Different course options
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Qualification

MA - Master of Arts

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Location

Main Campus

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Study mode

Full Time

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Start date

SEP-26

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Duration

21 Months

Course info

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Qualification

MA - Master of Arts

Location

Main Campus

Study mode

Full Time

Start date

SEP-26

Duration

21 Months

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Subjects

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Art & Design
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Location

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Domestic
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England
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Wales
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Course info

Our studio programme welcomes speculative and reflective approaches to art-making across all media. It provides opportunity for reflection, review and refinement of contemporary art practice towards public exhibition and professional portfolio. The programme is aimed at artists who want to develop a more ambitious practice by extending their practical, theoretical, organisational and economic knowledge in relation to contemporary art. As a student on this programme you will be supported through ...Read more

Our studio programme welcomes speculative and reflective approaches to art-making across all media. It provides opportunity for reflection, review and refinement of contemporary art practice towards public exhibition and professional portfolio. The programme is aimed at artists who want to develop a more ambitious practice by extending their practical, theoretical, organisational and economic knowledge in relation to contemporary art. As a student on this programme you will be supported through multiple opportunities for developing confidence as an artist, including: group presentations collaborative exhibitions peer-to-peer exchange. You will build on your existing skillset as you refine your approach and, ultimately, develop your artistic voice. At the end of the programme you will have a portfolio of work that is ready for wider public dissemination. A defining aspect of our programme is the emphasis it places upon speculative scepticism - not proceeding from the position of knowing what art is but being motivated by speculation on what it might be. We generate an atmosphere that supports mutual co-operation, a dynamic, intellectually ambitious environment in which staff and students can learn together. Our students often work collaboratively, therefore we are keen to select applicants based on their ability to work well as part of a creative team as much as we are interested in individual artistic and academic potential. The focus on building a supportive creative community, on the rigorous and experimental combination of theory and practice and the international profile of the student body makes our master’s programme unique.

Key stats

  IDP Connect
CUG Subject Ranking
CUG Subject Ranking
Source: Complete University Guide 2026
12th
CUG Ranking
CUG Ranking
Source: Complete University Guide 2026
18th

Modules

Modules (Year 1)
IDP Connect

Entry requirements

Normally a UK 2:1 honours degree or its international equivalent.

You must submit a portfolio as part of your application. Your portfolio should be formatted as an A4-sized PDF document of no more than 10 pages and contain:

images of your work (the number is up to you, but we would advise that you do not put more than four images on an individual page)

accompanied image text detailing title, medium, date and where appropriate web link to any supplementary documentation of the referenced work (for instance a link to video work)

a short artist statement (no more than 250 words)

no more than five URL links to any sites that further detail or document your work

Your application and portfolio should demonstrate:

evidence of practical and theoretical knowledge of, and experimentation with, a variety of formal, aesthetic and conceptual approaches to the production, distribution and exhibition of contemporary art

evidence of practical or theoretical work that addresses key thematic areas in contemporary art and theoretical discourse

evidence of collaborative working practices, either in a capacity as an artist or working curatorially; evidence of independent working practices, as an artist or curator

If you do not meet the academic entry requirements, we may still consider your application on the basis of your portfolio and/or relevant professional experience.

Tuition fees

Students living in

Domestic

£13,000 per year

This information is updated by IDP Connect, or in some cases the institution directly.
Please note: The fees might vary so please make sure you contact the institution for up to date information.

Students from Domestic

This is the fee you pay if the University is in the same country that you live in (England, Scotland, Wales, Northern Ireland)

Standard single room - 9950 per year

£13,000 per year

This information is updated by IDP Connect, or in some cases the institution directly.
Please note: The fees might vary so please make sure you contact the institution for up to date information.

Students from England

Standard single room - 9950 per year

£13,000 per year

This information is updated by IDP Connect, or in some cases the institution directly.
Please note: The fees might vary so please make sure you contact the institution for up to date information.

Students from Wales

Standard single room - 9950 per year

£13,000 per year

This information is updated by IDP Connect, or in some cases the institution directly.
Please note: The fees might vary so please make sure you contact the institution for up to date information.

Students from Northern Ireland

Standard single room - 9950 per year

£31,600 per year

This information is updated by IDP Connect, or in some cases the institution directly.
Please note: The fees might vary so please make sure you contact the institution for up to date information.

Students from EU

The amount you'll pay if you come to study here from somewhere in the EU.

Standard single room - 9950 per year

£31,600 per year

This information is updated by IDP Connect, or in some cases the institution directly.
Please note: The fees might vary so please make sure you contact the institution for up to date information.

Students from International

The amount you'll pay if you come to study here from a country outside the EU.

Standard single room - 9950 per year

IDP Connect

Uni info

The University of Edinburgh
Old College, South Bridge Edinburgh EH8 9YL United Kingdom
Nearest train station: Edinburgh Waverley  0.2 miles away
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