MASTER OF FINE ART
MASTER OF FINE ART
GRADUATE DIPLOMA OF FINE ART
The Master of Fine Art (MFA) is designed for BFA or equivalent graduates who wish to further develop their individual studio practice toward a higher level of specialised knowledge and professional expertise. The course exemplifies the National Art School’s belief in the studio-based model of learning that facilitates dialogue between studio practice and theory.
The Graduate Diploma of Fine Art (GDFA) qualification is nested within the first year of the Master of Fine Art course and provides an early exit point from the MFA. Like the MFA course, the GDFA also reflects the National Art School’s belief in the importance of studio-based model of learning that facilitates dialogue between studio practice and theory.
The program is delivered over two academic years in a full-time study mode. The course involves a blend of both coursework and research modes of study in order to support the development of independent enquiry through studio practice and research at a postgraduate level. MFA students propose and undertake the development of a Studio Research Project within a selected studio discipline. Over the course of the 2 years, candidates are expected to produce a highly developed and resolved body of work with a written dissertation that provides a critical context for their studio work. Students are provided with studio space and access to workshop facilities in their Studio Specialisation discipline and their self-directed studio project is supported and supervised by academic faculty whose own practices and specialsed knowledge are relevant to the candidate’s project. Studio Specialisation is offered in the studio disciplines of: Ceramics, Drawing, Painting, Photomedia, Printmaking and Sculpture.
‘THE NATIONAL ART SCHOOL HAS BEEN INTEGRAL IN MY DEVELOPMENT AS AN ARTIST. THE MAIN THING, I SUPPOSE, IS THE SENSE OF COMMUNITY. NO ONE REALLY LEAVES NAS, THAT’S THE BEST THING. THE DIALOGUE BETWEEN OTHER ARTISTS IS ALWAYS OPEN. IT’S A PRACTITIONER’S ART SCHOOL – YOU DRAW, YOU PAINT, YOU SCULPT. YOU DO. I WOULDN’T GO TO ANY OTHER INSTITUTION.’ Elliott Nimmo, 2015 Master of Fine Art graduate
SEMESTER 2
YEAR 1
SEMESTER 1
COURSE STRUCTURE
STUDIO
STUDIO SEMINAR
ART HISTORY & THEORY
Studio Specialisation 4 CER400 / DRA400 / PAI400 / PHO400 / PRI400 / SCU400
Studio Seminar 4 STS400
Art History & Theory Seminar 4 AHT400
36 CP 3 HPW
12 CP 2 HPW
12 CP 2 HPW
36 credit points
12 credit points
12 credit points
SEMESTER 2
YEAR 2
SEMESTER 1
First Year MFA Credit Point Total: 60 STUDIO
STUDIO SEMINAR
Studio Specialisation 5 CER500 / DRA500 / PA500 / PHO500 / PRI500 / SCU50
Studio Seminar 5 STS500
36 CP 26 Hrs Indvidual Supervision (1 HPW) MAJOR BODY OF WORK
12 CP 52 HRS Seminar Participation (2HPW) EXEGESIS
36 credit points
24 credit points Second Year MFA Credit Point Total: 60
HOW TO APPLY
BE INFORMED
PREPARE FOR INTERVIEW
Come to Open Day and our Course Information Evenings, talk to lecturers, explore the studios and experience first-hand what it’s like to be a NAS student. See the work produced by students at our end of year graduate shows. Check out our website and follow us on social media. Reach out to our student services team for more information.
Interviews take place on campus in early December. This is your opportunity to talk about your art practice, and why you want to study at the National Art School. We look at your portfolio and discuss how you see your work developing.
MAKE AN APPLICATION
Offers are made as soon as possible after interviews are complete. Successful applicants must complete and return an Acceptance of Offer by the due date to confirm their place on the course.
Master of Fine Art applications are made directly to National Art School. Full admission requirements, application forms and guidelines are available at nas.edu.au.
IF YOU ARE SUCCESSFUL
nas.edu.au enquiries@nas.edu.au +61 2 9339 8744 Forbes Street Darlinghurst Sydney NSW 2010 Australia CRICOS 03197B
Photo by Christopher Phillips
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