Mphil / PHD
Mphil
The MPhil (Fine Art) is a practice-based postgraduate research programme. The aim of the programme is the generation of a contribution to knowledge and understanding in the discipline of Fine Art.
Students will undertake a programme of enquiry conducted through a combination of practice-based research and other research methods as appropriate. Students undertaking the programme, are required to produce a significant body of work supported by a written thesis with a word count of approximately 20,000, providing a critical account of the research process undertaken. The student’s work will be presented in the form of a final exhibition of work at Burren College of Art.
The MPhil (Fine Art) provides a similar experience to years 1 and 2 of the PhD fulltime programme, providing the opportunity to undertake an extended body of research through fine art practice supported by a written text. It will also allow students to progress to the PhD (Studio Art), where the research being undertaken is adjudged to be sufficiently robust to meet the requirements for a PhD programme. Alternatively, it can also provide an exit route from the PhD programme, which provides recognition for the research completed, in situations where a student is unable to complete the requirements of the PhD programme, through personal or other circumstances.
PHD
The PhD in Studio Art is a practice-based research programme that enables artists to make an original contribution to knowledge and understanding in Fine Art. Centred on a single research question, it combines independent studio enquiry with scholarship, critical reflection and training in research methods, preparing graduates for further research and professional practice.
Full-time study takes four years at Burren College of Art, with a dedicated studio and year-round access to college facilities, alongside University of Galway libraries and student facilities. Part-time study takes six years; students maintain an external studio and attend BCA for selected supervision sessions and group events, supported by online supervision.
Research areas include New Materialism and ecological practice; Burren-specific and place-based enquiry; drawing and painting; public, site-specific, social and relational art; performance and new media; art and politics; and interdisciplinary collaboration across University of Galway. Other proposals may be considered where suitable supervision is available.
Candidates develop a body of artwork and a written account examining the research process, its theoretical and historical context, and its contribution to understanding. They present and defend their findings in a viva voce examination, demonstrating independent enquiry, critical evaluation and the ability to communicate original research of publishable quality.
