MA Contemporary Art Practice supports artists in further developing their practice and critical voice through practical experimentation, group critique, reflective writing, and public dissemination.
Our programme welcomes speculative approaches to art-making across all media. It provides the opportunity for review of existing experience as well as space and technical resource to hone new skills.
Our programme is aimed at artists who want to develop a more ambitious practice by extending their practical, theoretical and organisational knowledge in relation to Contemporary Art.
A defining aspect of our programme is the emphasis it places upon speculative criticism – we encourage a questioning of what art is and a developing curiosity for what it might be.
You will learn to produce and shape your own knowledge of Contemporary Art through self-directed practice and focused engagement with current discourse across the global stage. You will be guided by regular tutorials, group critique and debates, supported by a team of teaching art professionals who are all active in the creative field.
The programme aims to produce artists who are confident to share their work with public audiences, and who are equipped to compete beyond university for exhibition opportunities, Arts funding, competitive open calls and places on artist residencies.
In addition, MA Contemporary Art Practice provides a rich knowledge base for students who want to work in Arts organisations and a strong academic foundation for those who wish to pursue a postgraduate research programme in Art or a related subject.
Thinking about studying MA Contemporary Art Practice at Edinburgh College of Art? Discover the programme, how you'll be taught, and hear from our students about their study experiences with us.
The postgraduate programme offered a fast-paced year split between practice and theory, offering freedom and time for self-directed inquiry and research. I enjoyed the breadth of media and voices on the course that allowed for meeting new cultures, practices and creative voices. My biggest highlights were freedom in making and accessibility to specific workshops and resources, which were run by amazing technicians and professionals.
The School of Art offered a range of artist talks and events by world-class artists and researchers, making it an accessible and fascinating place of study, with the opportunity to witness industry leaders. Overall, the course questioned, pushed, and allowed for new thinking and transformation of individual practice within the means of contemporary art. It was helpful to think beyond the parameters of the course and consider professional opportunities and next steps.
A UK 2:1 honours degree, or its international equivalent, in a relevant subject.
If you do not meet the academic entry requirements you may still be considered on the basis of your portfolio and/or relevant professional experience.
You must submit a portfolio as part of your application. You can find out more about the portfolio requirements in the Applying section.
To find international equivalent qualifications, select where you studied from the country or region list.