Art and Process

Overview

Course Duration: 1 Year Full-time / 2 Years Part-time

MA:AP is an intensive and stimulating taught masters course in Fine Art. This research-intensive programme enables students to investigate, develop, and position their art practice in a rigorous learning environment. MA:AP offers innovative approaches to learning, individual studio spaces, access to college workshops and facilities, professional experience through collaborative projects, 1:1 tuition, peer-to-peer exchange, and a bespoke visitor lecture series. 

Lecturing Team: Dr Lucy Dawe-Lane, Dr Helen Farrell, Pádraig Spillane, Sarah Kelleher.

MA in Art & Process contributors have included: Colin Crotty, Ailbhe Ní Bhriain, Isabel Nolan, Clodagh Emoe, Dawn Williams, Matt Packer, James L. Hayes, John Graham, Maud Cotter, Stephen Brandes, Adrian Duncan, Lisa Le Feuvre, Georgina Jackson, Sarah Hayden, Dr Tina Kinsella, Dr Eve Olney.

MA Art and Process Alumni include: Fiona Kelly, Orla O’Byrne, inter_site Collective, Sarah O'Flaherty, Peter Nash, Ciara Rodgers, Tom Doig, Ida Mitrani, Sharon McCarthy, Natasha Pike, Lynn-Marie Dennehy, Deirdre Breen.

Course Delivery

Location: 46 Grand Parade, Cork

12 months delivered full-time over 3 semesters, from January to December, and part-time over 2 calendar years.

Award

Master of Arts in Art & Process (Level 9, 90 ECTS on the National Framework of Qualifications).

What will I study?

The concept of process is understood in a variety of ways: as material exploration and the engagement with medium and technique; as theoretical investigation and systems of enquiry without resolved or object-based endpoints; as innovative models of art distribution, including the possibilities of working outside traditional sites of art production and reception. Process also refers to the progression each student achieves over the course of the MA, which involves the deconstruction and rebuilding of individual practice.

• Investigations: The spring trimester opens the course with an intensive period of interaction and events, contextualising art practice within contemporary critical thinking through seminars, visiting lectures, and a study trip.
• Research: The summer trimester is defined by independent research. Having rehearsed research methodologies, this is a period to reflect on and consolidate practice.
• Presentation: The autumn/winter trimester is defined by intensive studio development with a high level of critical input, which builds towards an exhibition of work. This exhibition is then the object of further learning opportunities, through a final period of critical reflection, characterised by writing, documentation, and working with audience groups.

Entry Requirements

MA:AP welcomes applicants with diverse backgrounds. Those holding a Level 8 Honours Bachelor Degree in Fine Art or an associated discipline, with a minimum of an Honours 2.2 (or equivalent) are eligible to apply for the programme. Graduates from other subject areas are invited to apply provided they meet the entry requirements.

Applicants who hold a Level 8 award at pass level or a Level 7 award (or equivalent) may be considered on the basis of significant relevant experience.  In certain circumstances mature applicants with professional experience will be considered for eligibility through recognition of prior and experiential learning, policies for which are well established in MTU.

How to Apply:

Online application opens in May for course commencing the following January.  MA in Art & Process closing date for 2024 applications is 12 noon Friday Nov 10 2023.  All applications will be reviewed week the week following deadline, and applicants who are successful in stage 1 of application review will be invited to meet with academic team for stage 2, 

MA in Art & Process operates a rolling closing date, and late applications will continue to be accepted up until 12 noon on Dec 1st.  Note; late applications are not eligible to apply for 2024 Fees scholarship.

Applicants will be required to pay an acceptance fee of €450 online if a place on the course is offered. This fee is deductible from the overall course fee.

Please upload the following supporting documentation with your application:

• Sample of Written Work may include one of the following: 1 x chapter of thesis plus full bibliography / an abstract of recent piece of writing/a critical review of a recent show which you consider to be significant.
• Statement on your current practice and concerns (Max. 500 words) 
• How do you think this course would benefit your practice? (Max. 200 words)

Images:

• Up to 10 images, saved as a single PDF document (max file size: 20MB)
• This should include relevant contextual information (material, dimensions, installation details etc.)

Video:

• Video should be uploaded in the form of links to youtube/vimeo/personal website where work is hosted. 
• Maximum of 3 samples, in extracts of no longer than 5 minutes each. 
• Links can be listed and uploaded as a text document (word/pdf) along with relevant supporting information (duration, installation details etc.) or listed in the Additional Information field

Note: Choose the format above most suited to your practice and label all files clearly.

What is RPL?

Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL) is when formal recognition is given for what you already know prior to starting on a programme or module. With recognition of prior learning the focus is on learning and not on experience as such. You can apply for RPL in any MTU accredited programme or module. Programmes which are accredited by professional bodies or any external awarding bodies may have their own procedures for RPL which you should refer to.

Fees

Course Fees:

MA in Art & Process is delivered full-time over 3 semesters, from January to December, and part-time over 2 calendar years.  Please read tuition fees information below, including MA in Art & Process Fees Scholarship 2024.

Full-time:

• EU Applicants: €4,500
• Non-EU Applicants: €13,500
  For information on visa requirements, please see www.mtu.ie/international/non-eu

*Full-time students - Union of Students in Ireland (USI) Levy
The USI membership levy of €7 has been introduced as a result of a referendum where students opted to affiliate to the national Students’ Union. This levy must be paid before the start of Semester 1.

​Part-time:

• EU Applicants: €4,500 

Part-time fees are calculated related to credit value of modules undertaken annually.

Fees quoted relate to the academic year 2024 only and are subject to change on an annual basis. Course fees must be paid before attending lectures.

MA in Art & Process Fees Scholarship 2024

MA in Art & Process is committed to ensuring the cost of tuition does not discourage applications and are pleased to announce a tuition fees scholarship for 2024.  

If you wish to be considered for 2024 MA in Art & Process Scholarship, please submit an additional scholarship application letter with ‘supporting documentation’ on course application i.e. attach a one page letter named ‘Scholarship Application’ outlining why you should be considered for the scholarship, and how this scholarship will benefit your art practice career progression.  Scholarship application letter should be included as part of application with supporting documents.  All successful applicant’s scholarship applications will be reviewed for consideration.

All MA in Art & Process applications are considered on the basis of prior academic achievement, portfolio and written submissions as outlined in application process.  

* MA in Art & Process Scholarship covers EU Tuition Fees for full-time/part-time study.

MA in Art & Process applicants eligible for Ireland’s SUSI grant support can apply when course offer is made. 

Student Universal Support Ireland (SUSI) is Ireland’s national awarding authority for further and higher education grants.