The MFA was established 1979, is based in Belfast and has a long and proven track record of providing a rigorous studio-based programme with access to the expertise of a core staff of nationally and internationally recognised visiting artists. Within the studio and wider environments the diversity of teaching input by staff and visiting artists reflects the range of approaches and contexts embraced.

We recognise contemporary Art practice as being open and pluralistic which encourages dialogue between diverse disciplines. A multi-disciplinary/ inter-media approach enables you to work in a flexible manner that offers the maximum opportunity for individual practice. You are asked to engage with systems of enquiry that explore and embrace traditional exhibition formats alongside wider lateral models of production, distribution and dissemination. Critical discourse on practice with an emphasis on analysis and self-reflection contributes to an understanding of contemporary art located within a larger cultural, social and political context. As practising artists, many of our graduates go on to establish their own studios, successfully exhibiting nationally and internationally, gaining public art and gallery commissions, residencies, fellowships, awards and prizes. Others develop careers in other sectors of the arts, such as curatorial practice, arts writer, art critic, community arts, education, academic art research, art facilitation and administration, while others have built reputations in the wider creative fields where innovative artists are highly valued as problem solvers.

The MFA programme is offered in full-time mode over 2 academic years. There is an exit qualification of Postgraduate Diploma after one academic year, with a further one academic year for MFA completion.