Master of Arts in Fine Art at University of Cape Town

Programme overview

The MA in Fine Art is for candidates undertaking advanced study in an aspect of art history, contemporary art discourse and cognate fields. It develops the ability to conduct independent research with a methodology appropriate to the project.

Faculty: Faculty of Humanities | Department: Michaelis School of Fine Art | Duration: Minimum 2 years (180 NQF credits, HEQSF level 9) | Study mode: full-time | Location: Cape Town, Western Cape, South Africa

What you will study

Candidates work under a supervisor on a research proposal with defined research questions and write a dissertation of up to 50,000 words, examined by dissertation only. The programme includes a weekly reading group in the first year, regular seminars, annual progress reviews and a field trip to a major contemporary exhibition. At least one seminar paper is presented each year.

Official programme page

Application information

Entry requirements

A preliminary research proposal must be submitted with the application. Candidates should have at least an upper second class in Discourse of Art or Visual Art History 3000-level courses and an overall upper second-class pass in Theory and Practice of Art. Faculty Rule FM3 and University General Rules apply. The deadline is 31 October each year (late applications at the School's discretion). Selection is based on the research proposal and availability of suitable supervision, on the recommendation of the Head of Department.

Tuition is charged per module, so the total depends on the modules you register for each year. Current fees are listed in the official fee schedule.

The application fee is R100 for undergraduate and postgraduate applications from South Africa and the SADC region, and R300 for applications from outside the SADC region; it is non-refundable and payable by direct deposit, EFT or credit card (online). UCT students and graduates are exempt except for GSB programmes.

Apply through the official page: https://applyonline.uct.ac.za

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