About this course
Develop your artistic practice and understanding of contemporary art, relating to wider social and cultural contexts, with leading artists on LJMU's Fine Art MA.
- Benefit from state-of-the-art workspaces and facilities within the modern, purpose-built and RIBA award-winning John Lennon Art and Design Building
- Enjoy direct links with Liverpool's most significant arts organisations, such as TATE Liverpool, Biennial, Bluecoat and FACT
- Work in allocated studio space (for full-time students)
- Network and collaborate in professional fields to boost your career prospects
- The 2022 Liverpool School of Art and Design MA Online Degree Show
- View and engage with work produced by masters students from the Liverpool School of Art and Design
- Take advantage of the generous Michael Pugh Thomas and Julia Carter Preston Legacy 1000 scholarships offered to postgraduate applicants
Join a small group of students from a diverse range of backgrounds to develop your practice within a global context. You will benefit from a high level of discussion and reflection, test your artistic thinking, create exhibitions, events and collaborations.
We bring to the discussion of your work our expertise as artists with an established international exhibition practice. From our base in the shared cross-MA studio, we work in a number of architecturally diverse sites across the city for short projects and public-facing exhibitions. We see exhibition making as a medium to push your practice; to take risks, experiment and hone your professional skills. We invite curators and leading artists from the UK and internationally, to join us in crits and assessments. In many of these projects you take the lead, with our support from scouting and negotiating sites to marketing and promotion. In doing so you are also building a professional network which will be invaluable to you after you graduate.
Our institutional partners Tate Liverpool, Liverpool Biennial and FACT support our Masters programme, through participating in crits and collaborating on projects, events and international guest lectures. We collaborate every second year with the Liverpool Biennial in placing your Masters show within the framework of the Biennial programme. We also work closely with a number of dynamic local initiatives including MAKE Liverpool, The Royal Standard and CBS, to develop meaningful relationships with the wider cultural context of Liverpool.
The MA offers opportunities for interdisciplinary dialogues with students on our other Masters courses through the cross-school modules: Research and Practice 1 and 2 and Collaborative Practice. And we encourage exchange of perspectives, expertise or equipment with all faculties from Astrophysics to Zoology. You will also have access to the Exhibition Research Lab, a creative partnership led by the Liverpool School of Art and Design and, as previously mentioned, Liverpool Biennial, which acts as an interface for collaboration with national and international artists, designers and public audiences.
Gina's story
With a BA and an MA in Philosophy from the University of Leeds, Gina came to LJMU to study for an MA in Fine Art.
I came here on the recommendation of a friend already studying on the course. I was attracted by the discursive nature of the programme and its links with external facilities and institutions in Liverpool.
The course has a real feeling of community and a sense of collaboration. It has really exceeded my expectations in terms of the opportunities I have been given.
Our tutors are very hands on and provide great academic feedback but there is so much more on offer too. The library staff are excellent and there’s a lot of holistic, wellbeing support.
The student population is very much integrated into the local community in Liverpool and I think that’s why so many former students stay here. It is a super-friendly, value for money city with lots going on. And although it may be known for its industrial heritage, Liverpool offers easy access to beaches and green spaces so there’s plenty of natural beauty too.”
Matthew Merrick 2019 MA Fine Art student.
Matthew Merrick is a multi media artist studying for an MA in Fine Art at Liverpool John Moores University. Scratch on the retina, 2019 is a video he produced for his final project.
Course modules
Discover the building blocks of your programme
Further guidance on modules
Modules are designated core or optional in accordance with professional body requirements, as applicable, and LJMU’s Academic Framework Regulations. Whilst you are required to study core modules, optional modules provide you with an element of choice. Their availability may vary and will be subject to meeting minimum student numbers.
Where changes to modules are necessary these will be communicated as appropriate.
Core modules
Research and Practice 1
30 credits
30 credits
This module is shared by all students studying on taught postgraduate programmes at Liverpool School of Art and Design and allows you to collaborate across programmes.
- A series of lectures, seminars, tutorials and visits will introduce you to current and emerging practice in relation to a diverse range of historical, theoretical and critical principles
- Guest lecturers will expose you to areas of collaboration
- Seminars and tutorials will require you to share, discuss and evaluate your ideas and practice with others
Transdisciplinary Practice
30 credits
30 credits
This module intends to promote in depth investigation into contemporary creative practices and provide, through the possibilities of transdisciplinary participation in live Institute of Art and Technology research projects, an understanding of the social, cultural and economic environment of the city.
Within the module, you will facilitate an engagement with cultural and regulatory institutions and organisations to enrich your experience of the professional environment of contemporary urban art and design.
Through key Institute of Art and Technology projects and partnerships, a range of transdisciplinary projects which challenge the notion of the interdisciplinary practice within the context of contemporary art & design, and which enable you to propose, plan, organise, publish and promote your work and research within the context of The Institute of Art and Design.
Research and Practice 2 (Fine Art)
30 credits
30 credits
This module aims to develop your skills to carry out research in the field of history and theory. It 1) develops your ability to construct a coherent written argument in essay form and 2) provides knowledge of various modes of writing.
Studio Practice (Fine Art)
30 credits
30 credits
Studio Practice encompasses a broad range of approaches to art making. It aims to:
- help you develop your practice in relation to your own concerns and locate it within the broader context of Contemporary Fine Art practice
- develop verbal communication skills in relation to your own practice and the broader context of Contemporary Fine Art Practice
- provide technical skills and methodologies relevant to the enhancement of your practice
Major Project (Fine Art)
60 credits
60 credits
This module will support the development of self-directed and in-depth body of work appropriate to the your concerns. This will enable you to plan, organize and deliver a final exhibition project or equivalent, through effective time and resource management, demonstrating a high level of critical engagement, creative achievement and appropriate technical ability. During the module you will have the opportunity to improve your ability to speak publicly about your work and enhance your capacity to engage in professional practice.
Your Learning Experience
An insight into teaching on your course
Study hours
You will have around nine hours guided learning each week, although we would expect your self-directed input to be substantially more. There will also be blocks of time scheduled for concentrated research activity, critique and symposium throughout the programme.
Teaching methods
Your lectures, seminars and tutorials will take place in the John Lennon Art and Design Building and at some of our partner organisations. This will enable you to benefit from University academic debate and the practical input/critical discussion generated from the presentation of your work and ideas in a range of professional environments.
Applied learning
As a student on this course, you will have access to the Exhibition Research Lab (ERL) - a creative partnership led by Liverpool School of Art and Design and Liverpool Biennial. It acts as an interface to collaboration with local, national and international artists, designers, creative industry commercial partners and public audiences.
You will also have the opportunity to complete work placements, abroad and in the UK, with partners such as Grizdale Arts and Van Abbermusem. You will be encouraged to develop further collaborations in the realisation of projects with partners in business, neighbourhoods and the public sector.
How learning is monitored on your programme
To cater for the wide-ranging content of our courses and the varied learning preferences of our students, we offer a range of assessment methods on each programme.
Where you will study
What you can expect from your School
Learning takes place in the Liverpool School of Art and Design, part of the Mount Pleasant Campus. Here you will have the opportunity to develop your work in state-of-the-art workspaces and facilities within a stimulating and critically demanding environment.
Course tutors
Our staff are committed to the highest standards of teaching and learning
James Schofield
Programme leader
Participate in the annual postgraduate degree show, which allows students to showcase and curate their work to an audience of artists, fellow students and members of public. See last year's show.
Participate in the annual postgraduate degree show, which allows students to showcase and curate their work to an audience of artists, fellow students and members of public. See last year's show.
James is an artist, curator and postgraduate researcher focussing on artist-led practice in the UK post-Great Recession. His research is focused on artist-led practices and organisation in the UK post-financial crisis and the relationship it has with neoliberalism, globalisation and network culture.
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Professor
Career paths
Further your career prospects
LJMU has an excellent employability record with 96% (HESA 2018) of our postgraduates in work or further study six months after graduation. Our applied learning techniques and strong industry connections ensure our students are fully prepared for the workplace on graduation and understand how to apply their knowledge in a real world context.
This Masters programme is entirely geared towards facilitating a practical understanding of how you might exploit your own practice in the professional sphere.
During your studies you will come across opportunities for networking, collaboration and work-related experiences, preparing you for roles in the cultural sector as well as for further research.
The John Lennon Art and Design Building is a knowledge hub for the regions creative industries and studying here will enable you to establish significant links with the professional fields in which your future career will develop.
"There have been lots of opportunities to take part in exhibitions and get feedback on our work."
-Gina Tsang, Fine Art student
Fees and funding
Tuition Fees:
There are many ways to fund postgraduate study for home and international students
Fees
The fees quoted at the top of this page cover registration, tuition, supervision, assessment and examinations as well as:
- library membership with access to printed, multimedia and digital resources
- access to programme-appropriate software
- library and student IT support
- free on-campus wifi via eduroam
Additional costs
Although not all of the following are compulsory/relevant, you should keep in mind the costs of:
- accommodation and living expenditure
- books (should you wish to have your own copies)
- printing, photocopying and stationery
- PC/laptop (should you prefer to purchase your own for independent study and online learning activities)
- mobile phone/tablet (to access online services)
- field trips (travel and activity costs)
- placements (travel expenses and living costs)
- student visas (international students only)
- study abroad opportunities (travel costs, accommodation, visas and immunisations)
- academic conferences (travel costs)
- professional-body membership
- graduation (gown hire etc)
Funding
There are many ways to fund postgraduate study for home and international students. From loans to International Scholarships and subject-specific funding, you’ll find all of the information you need on our specialist postgraduate funding pages.
Please be aware that the UK’s departure from the EU may affect your tuition fees. Learn more about your fee status and which tuition fees are relevant to you.
Entry requirements
You will need:
Qualification requirements
Undergraduate degree
- a good honours degree (normally 2:1 or above) in a visual arts related subject or professional qualifications and industry experience. However, please note that applicants who hold a degree from another discipline, or have experiential learning in lieu of a degree, will also be considered for entry on an individual basis
Additional requirements
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Interview required
- to attend a Skype/Zoom interview during which you will provide evidence of your learning capability, study opportunity and commitment to postgraduate study. Applicants should put together 5 slides of work to look at during their Skype/Zoom interviews. These should be images which relate to your most current interests - this may include some old work only if it makes sense in relation to the kind of direction/thinking you are interested in developing on the MA
We recommend applications are submitted by July to allow sufficient time for these to be considered and for interviews to be arranged before the programme commences. Applications will however be considered up until the end of August.
Further information
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Extra Requirements
- a reference
- a satisfactory portfolio of work - please note we are unable to consider your application until this is received. When applying please attach photographs of examples of your work in the form of JPEGS. Please add up to 10 jpegs, video or sound clips or a link to an online portfolio to enable us to consider your application. If you do not provide a portfolio at the point of application you will be contacted to submit this to our upload attachment facility
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RPL
- RPL is accepted on this programme
International requirements
IELTS
- IELTS English language requirement: 6.0 (minimum 5.5 in each component)
How to apply
Securing your place at LJMU
To apply for this programme, you are required to complete an LJMU online application form. You will need to provide details of previous qualifications and a personal statement outlining why you wish to study this programme.
Your application information should demonstrate that you have a sufficient level of knowledge to embark on the programme (including the required linguistic competence) and complete it within the time limits.
When you submit your application form you will receive a confirmation email, which will include your Applicant ID. Please ensure you quote your name and Applicant ID in any correspondence.
Your student experience
There's so much more to university than just studying for a degree.
Postgraduate life at LJMU
See the amazing support you will get from the university, the academic expertise of the staff here, the first-class learning environment, fabulous libraries, excellent career guidance and their ongoing love affair with the city of Liverpool.
Accommodation
As a new student at LJMU, we guarantee accommodation right in the heart of the dynamic city centre, with easy access to the main University campuses.
You can view our approved accommodation to see the halls that we offer to new students.
Your campus
We’re very proud of our campuses. Not only because they provide a modern and inspiring learning space for all our students but also because they’re a place people really want to be.
Living in Liverpool
Liverpool is one of Europe's most dynamic and cultured cities. Come find out why it's a great city to study in.
Go abroad
LJMU aims to make international opportunities available to every student. You may be able to study abroad as part of your degree at one of our 100+ partner universities across the world. You could also complete a work placement or apply for one of our prestigious worldwide internship programmes.
Sports, societies and lifestyle
Getting involved in sports, clubs and societies at Liverpool John Moores University is a great way to challenge yourself, meet people who share your interests, and feel more connected to the University community.
Talk to our students
Connect with a current LJMU student through Unibuddy for insights and advice on university life, courses, and more.
See what our students are saying
At LJMU we want you to know you’re making the right choice by studying with us. You can see what our students are saying about their experience with us through their reviews on the following websites:
News and views
Browse through the latest stories and updates from the University and beyond
The University reserves the right to withdraw or make alterations to a course and facilities if necessary; this may be because such changes are deemed to be beneficial to students, are minor in nature and unlikely to impact negatively upon students or become necessary due to circumstances beyond the control of the University. Where this does happen, the University operates a policy of consultation, advice and support to all enrolled students affected by the proposed change to their course or module.