Master of Fine Art - FAQs

DJCAD is ranked highly for research, what does that mean and how will I benefit?

The research community at DJCAD is diverse and highly regarded. In the latest national research assessment exercise, a UK government census to measure the quality of research outputs, community and their impact across all academic disciplines, DJCAD came top in Scotland and amongst the top 10 in Art and Design in the UK. For students this means staff are engaged and active in the discipline, they produce work that is internationally and often world leading, and regularly win funding for projects.

I am already having some success as an artist, can I incorporate planned projects into my Masters?

We expect students to undertake Masters at different stages of their careers, and for different reasons. For some, practice including exhibition are an established part of their activity, and we reflect this within the programme. Several current students have incorporated into their study projects established with external partners before they started the MFA course. A renewed focus on developing professional abilities and networks through external activities has resulted in the ‘Futures’ suite of modules. These include ‘Going Public’, ‘Placement’ and ‘Learning and Teaching in Higher Education’, and with consultation some of these can incorporate existing commitments where they compliment the personal programme of study.

Are you like other Masters Programmes?

We are different. We're committed to providing the creative and intellectual framework and the conditions for students to navigate from where they are now to where they'd like to be. As an art college within a research-led university we are particularly well-placed to nurture interdisciplinary relationships. Students’ previous experience is highly valued and is considered when helping define their new challenges and ambitions; this informs the projects they develop and undertake.

Do I need to have studied UG (Fine) Art?

No, but you should be able to demonstrate that you have an understanding of historical and current issues in art (and related fields where appropriate to your proposed study programme) and that you are able to visualise, conceptualise or embody ideas. We welcome students with a high level of motivation who have established an individual voice through a body of work at Undergraduate study or through professional experience. Alexandra Ross, currently a PhD candidate at DJCAD investigating issues in curating undertook the MFA with previous degrees in Law and Museum and Gallery Studies.

Do you ask for a portfolio?

Yes. The application form provides guidelines. Alternative forms can be discussed by contacting the MFA Director.

How are the taught components structured?

This academic year, teaching delivered through the modules is focused on a Monday, Tuesday and Wednesday. There are times when this may vary depending on the range of duties MFA staff carry out beyond their commitment to MFA. We acknowledge that candidates often apply to the course with a range of commitments that are relevant to their MFA study, so you should feel free to discuss flexible working patterns with the Course Director.  

Is there an interview?

The MFA Director prefers to speak to candidates before an application is submitted. This can be a meeting, a phone conversation or a Skype session. Contact Professor Tracy Mackenna t.mackenna@dundee.ac.uk to arrange this.