Who is this course for?  

The MFA (2 years, 4 semesters) provides an immersive education in the development of professional practice as an artist. As an MFA graduate you will produce a final exhibition, the quality of which will show that you have gained the knowledge and skills necessary to survive and thrive as a practicing artist. You will also develop your capabilities for critical enquiry in the field of fine art through a written dissertation, demonstrating your ability to evaluate your work through an informed grasp of the social, cultural and theoretical concerns shaping discourse on contemporary fine art research and practice. 

The MA (1 year, 3 semesters) provides a masters-level education in art appropriate to a diverse range of applications. As an MA graduate you will produce a final exhibition, the quality of which will demonstrate that you have acquired a masters-level in artistic practice. Whereas the MFA requires the completion of a written thesis, in the MA you will also complete modules in critical enquiry, in order to develop your ability to evaluate your work through an informed grasp of the social, cultural and theoretical concerns, and will be required to create an Artist Statement in conjunction with your final exhibition. 

The PG Dip (1 year, 2 semesters) aims to provide students with a postgraduate education in the subject with credit that recognizes their level of attainment through study.  

What will I study?

The programme comprises closely related modules (three each semester) operated as an integrated and progressive learning experience resulting in students’ readiness for artistic practice and public exhibition. There are four stages to the programme, each comprising one semester and represented by a theme, each semester increasing the independence of study required.  

Semester 1 introduces students to graduate art research and is structured as a sequence of projects that explore the fundamentals of studio art and related studies. Semester 2 is focused on experimentation and exploration in which students establish their creative methods. Semester 3 is focused on the production of a body of work. Semester 4 is focused on the resolution and exhibition of the body of work. Students are supported by one on one and group contact with faculty throughout the programme.  

The modules deal with distinct aspects of artistic practice but are operated together as parts of one holistic experience. 

Course Structure 

Year 1, Semester 1 
Studio Research 1 : Introduction to Art Research Methods, 20 ECTS 
Professional Studies 1 : Introduction to Professionalism, 5 ECTS 
Historical & Critical Studies 1 : Bridging Theory and Practice, 5 ECTS 

 

Year 1, Semester 2 
Studio Research 2 : Refinement and Coherence of Enquiry and Practice, 20 ECTS 
Professional Studies 2 : Student Selected Project, 5 ECTS 
Historical & Critical Studies 2 : Formalising Research, 5 ECTS 

TOTAL FOR PGDip IN STUDIO ART 60 ECTS 

Year 1, Semester 3, Summer Term, For MA in Studio Art only 
Studio Research Project : The MA Exhibition, 30 ECTS

A studio-based, independent studies module for students seeking to graduate with the award of MA.  Students develop a body of work for exhibition supported by a written Artist’s Statement. 

TOTAL FOR MA IN STUDIO ART : 90 ECTS 

Year 2, Semester 3 
Studio Research 3 : Working Towards an Exhibition, 20 ECTS 
Professional Studies 3 : Organising and Publicising an Exhibition, 5 ECTS 
Historical & Critical Studies 3 : The Dissertation, 5 ECTS 

Year 2, Semester 4 
Studio Research 4 : The MFA Exhibition, 20 ECTS 
Professional Studies 4 : Exhibition Installation, 5 ECTS 
Historical & Critical Studies 4 : The Position Statement, 5 ECTS 
TOTAL FOR MFA IN STUDIO ART : 120 

• MPhil/PhD pathway: For students interested in pursuing a practice-based research degree, it is possible to transfer to the MPhil or PhD degree after the first year of the MFA (with faculty approval and a strong research proposal).
• Emphasis on developing artistic voice: Our modules give students the critical and historical information to inform their own concepts and ideas in their work within an ecological theme.
• Industry connections: Provides opportunities for students to visit major Irish exhibitions in Dublin, Galway and Limerick, and partnering organizations within the field of ecology.
• Collaborative Community: In addition to working with our faculty, students have the opportunity to meet with visiting artists and cultural professionals through a series of artist talks and one-to-one tutorials.

Selling points that set it apart from other courses.

• Unique placed-based learning in the environment of the Burren.
• Low student to teacher ratio of 4-1.
• Emphasis on the development of concepts and ideas to develop your independent voice as an artist.
• Partnerships with Irish environmental organizations including BurrenBeo and BurrenGeoPark, as well as School of the Art Institute of Chicago (US) and Royal College of Art (London) which include student exchange and visiting mentor.s
• Large studio spaces which students have 24/7 access to.
• Training in professional studies and exhibition development.

While the emphasis in our teaching methods is not industry-focused, students are given the skills to prepare their portfolios and profiles to exhibit as professional artists. 

Our Professional Practices modules also prepare students for curating and installing exhibitions, either collaboratively or as solo artists.  Students also learn promotional and marketing tools, as well as how to create a budget for exhibiting their work. 

Graduates have gone on to further research at PhD level and have acquired positions as lecturers and researchers in third level institutions. Graduates have also founded their own arts organizations and DIY gallery exhibitions.  Many are working as professional artists who regularly exhibit their work internationally. 

European Field Trip 

As part of the MFA/MA/PGDip in Studio Art, students have the option to take part in a faculty-led field trip to London in the Autumn semester and Barcelona in the Spring. This experience gives students the opportunity to visit major European art hubs to learn about contemporary and historical works, with faculty guidance. 

Over the course of the trip, students will visit galleries and museums during the day and can then explore the culture of the city independently in the evening. 

The trip typically lasts four days and includes an additional cost to cover flights and accommodation, which is kept as affordable as possible. 

Accrediting Body 

The course meets international standards with regard to coursework requirements, content hours, and faculty standards necessary to achieve the MFA/MA in Studio Art. The MFA/MA/PGDip is accredited by University of Galway and is recognized as a Level 9 degree by the Irish Register of Qualifications (QQI) HERE, HERE and HERE.

How will I learn?   (fixed heading) 

The MFA aims to provide students with a professional education so they may effectively operate as artists.  

Successful MFA graduates will:  

• Produce a final exhibition of both personal and collaborative work, the quality of which will demonstrate that they have acquired the confidence, skills and maturity necessary to function as successful artists. 
• Be able to critically evaluate their own work and that of their peers, informed by contemporary fine art practice and principles. 
• Demonstrate strong expressive and communicative abilities in visual, material, performative and verbal modes. 
• Display high level intellectual capabilities and more advanced understanding of the philosophical and cultural concerns of artistic production relevant to contemporary fine art.  

The MA aims to provide students with a postgraduate education in the subject with a view to a diverse range of applications.  

Successful MA graduates will:  

• Produce a final exhibition of both personal, the quality of which will demonstrate that they have acquired a masters level of art practice. 
• Be able to critically evaluate their own work and that of their peers, informed by contemporary fine art practice and ecological principles. 
• Demonstrate strong expressive and communicative abilities in visual, material, performative and verbal modes. 
• Display high level intellectual capabilities and more advanced understanding of the philosophical and cultural concerns of artistic production relevant to contemporary fine art.  

Successful PG Dip graduates will:  

• Be able to critically evaluate their own work and that of their peers, informed by contemporary fine art practice. 
• Demonstrate strong expressive and communicative abilities in visual, material, performative and verbal modes. 
• Display high level intellectual capabilities and more advanced understanding of the philosophical and cultural concerns of artistic production relevant to contemporary fine art. 

How Will I Be Assessed? 

Examination results are either Pass or Fail, without grades being formally awarded. However, the feedback forms provide information about progress in the fulfillment of stated criteria in the following categories: Excellent; Very Good; Good; Satisfactory; and Unsatisfactory. The forms also provide comments and advice.  

The results: Excellent; Very Good; and Good signify a Pass. The result Satisfactory is the borderline between Pass and Fail and signifies a risk of failure. Unsatisfactory signifies failure.  

A student who fails a module will have an opportunity to retrieve that failure in the following semester. A student who fails a module in the fourth semester will have an opportunity to retrieve that failure at a later date that will be specified, but not in time to receive the award of MFA at the Degree Conferring ceremony.  

It is necessary to pass all modules in the first year in order either to progress into the second year or to receive the award of Postgraduate Diploma in Fine Art, which is available as an intermediary award. It is necessary to pass all modules in the first and second years in order to receive the award of MFA. 

Assessment is conducted by an Internal Examination Board who are the Dean and faculty teaching on the programme. In the final examination they are joined by an External Examiner, an independent academic appointed by the university to assure critical distance and objectivity in the examination process. Upon completion of the external examination process an Examination Board meeting is convened, comprising of the Dean, External Examiner and a representative from the College of Arts, Social Sciences and Celtic Studies, who formally approve final marks.  

The role of the External Examiner is to assure critical distance in examinations so that results are comparable with similar programmes in other institutions.  

They have a duty to be impartial and, therefore, students should not confuse the External Examiner with the visiting artists. They will not normally provide feedback on a student’s work nor offer advice about it.

Course queries: 
contact@burrencollege.ie   

Director of Admissions: 

Dr Lisa Newman  
E: lisa@burrencollege.ie 
T: 065 7077200 

Burren College of Art recognises that knowledge and skills can be acquired from a range of learning experiences. This is in line with the National Framework of Qualifications (NFQ) goals which aim to recognise all learning achievements by supporting the development of alternative pathways to qualifications (or awards) and by facilitating the recognition of prior learning (RPL). 

Prior experiences can be included in the initial application to the MFA/MA programme and will be considered by the faculty review committee.  To discuss these in advance of application submission, please contact the Admissions office at contact@burrencollege.ie 

• Applicants should have a Bachelors Degree with first or upper second class honours in Fine Art; or a Bachelors Degree with a major in Fine Art with a GPA or 3.50 or above; or evidence of equivalent achievement. In the case of an outstanding portfolio, a Bachelors Degree with a lower second class/2.2 honours/GPA of 3.0 may be accepted. 
• Overseas applicants from outside the EU must comply with Irish immigration rules regarding passport, visa, financial viability and evident of student status (e.g. letter of acceptance from the College).
• English Language Requirements for non-native speakers of English: Applicants in this category should have competence in English, which is the language of tuition. They will be required to supply an IELTS with an overall score of 6.5 or more, unless their primary degree has been taken through English, certification of which must be supplied. 

Please visit the Burren College of Art website to submit your application: 

https://www.burrencollege.ie/programmes/mfa-ma-in-studio-art/admissions/ 

Applicants should submit the following materials: 

The application deadline for the 2026/2027 entry year is February 1, 2026. Any enquiries may be directed to Lisa Newman, Director of Admissions, at lisa@burrencollege.ie 

• A completed application form (on website)
• A copy of a recent essay on art or a critical review of an exhibition you have recently visited (approx. 1000 words)
• A portfolio comprised of 10-15 works, which may be represented digitally as jpeg or links (video) and sent through GoogleDocs or www.wetransfer.com
• A written statement of approx. 500 words that clearly states what you seek to attain through study on this programme
• A résumé providing details of education, employment history, exhibitions and publications
• Official certificate or transcript for all degree awards received
• Two letters of recommendation (May be emailed directly to lisa@burrencollege.ie and must be sent by your referees)
• A copy of your Passport
• Non-refundable application fee of €50 payable online here. 

Note: We request official copies of transcripts to be either sent by password-protected email by your college or university, or sent as a hard copy to Admissions, Burren College of Art, Newtown Castle, Ballyvaughan, Co. Clare, Ireland. Portfolio images can be submitted electronically via GoogleDocs or www.wetransfer.com. All other application materials can be emailed to the Director of Admissions, Lisa Newman, at lisa@burrencollege.ie 

Course Type	Year	EU Tuition	Student Contribution	Non-EU Tuition	Levy	Total Fee	Total EU Fee	Total Non-EU Fee

Burren College of Art is an independent, not-for-profit institution which does not receive any State or government funding in the form of grants or support for Irish or EU students.  In recognition of this, we assist Irish and EU students by providing a 50% reduction in tuition fees, reserving additional most internal scholarship funds for our international (non-EU students). 

Michael Greene Merit Scholarship 

The Michael Greene Merit Scholarship is awarded to postgraduate applicants who demonstrate exceptional merit, commitment and financial need. The Scholarship awards bursaries ranging from 10-20% of Full Time tuition remission for all postgraduate programs  (NOTE: Scholarships are only available for international, non-EU students accepted to full-time enrolment in the PhD, MFA/MA and Post-Baccalaureate programmes). Part Time or Hybrid PhD degree programs are not eligible for scholarship funding. To be considered for the Michael Greene Merit Scholarship, you must have submitted your completed application to the College by February 1 for entry in the forthcoming Fall semester and be prepared to provide documentation of financial need (i.e. tax returns). The scholarship is not automatically renewable, and successful PhD/MFA awardees will need to re-apply for the scholarship annually. 

The Sean Scully Scholarship 

Renowned international artist, Sean Scully, has generously donated $10,000 USD towards tuition for an incoming student on an annual basis.  This award is available for MFA or MA students enrolling in either Studio Art or Art & Ecology and is based on a combination of demonstrated exceptional talent and financial need. This award is for one year only. 

The Bernice P. Shaughnessy and Janet M. Shaughnessy Scholarship 

This award was established in 2017 by alumnus Janet Shaughnessy (1952-2018) in loving memory of her mother, Bernice P. Shaughnessy (1921-2016). Janet wished to pay tribute to the Burren, and the meaningful experience she had while living and working there as a member of the first Burren College of Art MFA class, graduating in 2005. The Burren landscape, colors, sky, weather and seasons had a profound influence on her drawings. The quiet, the sea, and the space to explore her interior and exterior worlds continued to influence every part of her life. As executor of the fund, Janet’s husband, Hal Weaver, would enjoy informal communication with the scholarship recipient to discuss their ongoing progress. 

The €5000 scholarship, renewable for two years, will be awarded to an incoming international (non-EU) MFA student, whose application will show compelling ability and clarity of intention in choosing the Burren as an influential location for their work, as well as demonstrated financial need. Recipients must be enrolled full time and in good academic standing. This scholarship is available to all international Masters of Fine Art students in Studio Art or Art & Ecology. 

BCA Housing Scholarship

This Trust provides means-based scholarships to facilitate participation by the most talented EU and Non-EU artists on our Graduate Programmes. These awards fall into various categories: Full housing scholarship, partial housing scholarship and housing scholarships which include allocated duties. The award is for the academic year (Fall and Spring semesters, not including Christmas break). Selection is based on portfolio assessment and financial need. 

www.burrencollege.ie 

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