Course Summary
The aim of this programme is to produce advanced art that actively engages with contemporary society and the public sphere.
College Link
Career Sectors
This course prepares you for working in the Career Sectors below. Follow the links to get a fuller understanding of the sectors you are preparing for.
Entry Requirements
All applicants are expected to present an approved Bachelor degree at minimum level of 2nd class honours (2.2)
Applicants who do not meet the minimum academic entry requirements may be considered on the basis of prior work or learning experience (RPEL). Candidates may be required to pass a qualifying examination set by the relevant department before being accepted to a Masters degree programme. Attendance at selected undergraduate lecture courses at NCAD, together with related written work may be prescribed.
You may apply for the programme if you are currently completing your Undergraduate Degree. NCAD will review the rest of your application If necessary, we can make you a Conditional Offer. When your degree is completed and you send us final transcripts we will upgrade this to a Full Offer.
Essential Supporting Documents
- A Statement of Interest - 500 words framing your reasons for applying to the programme. Please indicate a subject/discipline area that you believe can best advance your practice.
- A recent CV
- Certified transcripts of previous programmes followed
- Certified copies of degree/ certificates and/or other appropriate third level qualifications bearing the official stamp of the institution.
- Reference 1 (Academic - Head of School/Department preferred)
*Some referees prefer to submit the reference directly to the college. If this is the case, please instruct your referee to email a standard reference to [email protected].
*Please make sure all references contain the letterhead and the institution contact email address for the referee.
- Reference 2 (Tutor or Current/Recent Employer)
Portfolio
- Applications for Fine Art programmes must be supported by visual or other documentation that best represents your practice.
- Applicants are requested to upload a document via the online application which contains a link to an online portfolio or to a portfolio* folder on Google Drive. The portfolio / folder should contain 10-15 images maximum.
- Weblinks to Vimeo or YouTube should be submitted for viewing video clips. Clips should be no longer than 10 minutes. Clear titles, sizes, dates, media, dimensions and contextualisation of the imagery must accompany your submission on an Image Description Sheet.
- Links to artists' websites, online galleries, or other online art sites will not be accepted as a portfolio. Failure to submit a 10 to 15 piece portfolio will render your application incomplete.
Document Description
When uploading documents please make sure you clearly label them using the Description Box.
English Language Requirements
All programmes in NCAD are taught through English. International Applicants are asked to provide proof of their English Language Proficiency.
Full details of acceptable tests and the standard required can be found at the following link: https://www.ncad.ie/study-at-ncad/international/english-language-requirement/
Application Details
There is an application fee of €55.00*
The next intake for the MFA Fine Art is January 2025.
Fees
Step 1: Click on "Application Weblink" below.
Step 2: Fill in your details
Step 3: Upload your Supporting Documents
- You can also submit your application even before you upload the necessary documents.
- You can not add new documents after you have submitted.
- Additional documents can be sent to [email protected] and we will upload them on your behalf.
Step 4: Pay the application fee & submit your application to NCAD
- If you are applying for multiple Postgraduate Programmes then you are only obliged to pay the application fee once.
*Complete your application as far as the fee payment page
*Click save + exit
*Email [email protected] and let us know you are ready to submit and we will submit the application on your behalf.
- NCAD Graduates are not required to pay the application fee.
*Complete your application as far as the fee payment page
*Click save + exit
*Email [email protected] and let us know you are ready to submit and we will submit the application on your behalf.
The Student
Career Interests
This course is typically suited for people with the following Career Interests. If these interests do not describe you, this course may prepare you for work you may not find satisfying.
Creative
Creative people are drawn to careers and activities that enable them to take responsibility for the design, layout or sensory impact of something (visual, auditory etc). They may be atrracted to the traditional artistic pursuits such as painting, sculpture, singing, or music. Or they may show more interest in design activities, such as architecture, animation, or craft areas, such as pottery and ceramics.
Creative people use their personal understanding of people and the world they live in to guide their work. Creative people like to work in unstructured workplaces, enjoy taking risks and prefer a minimum of routine.
Career Progression
After Your Degree
An MFA qualification is generally accepted as a prerequisite for further professional development in art and related fields. The alumni of the MFA at NCAD have gone on to pursue a variety of careers as artists, curators, academics, doctoral researchers and entrepreneurial arts professionals in expanded fields. Ireland has a vibrant visual arts sector that embraces contemporary art museums, formal gallery spaces, private galleries, artist initiated/artist run spaces.
Dublin is home to a smart, dynamic, curious, friendly and youthful population that contributes to its reputation as an active, engaging and outward-looking European city. Irish culture has an international profile across the arts in literature, music, film, theatre, visual art and architecture that combines rich traditions with youthful risk taking innovation.