MA in Fine Art

Image above: Installation image from 'Picnic', the MA exhibition in Fine Art 2022 at Bergen Kunsthall. Photo: Bjarte Bjørkum

The study programme is research-based, and the faculty members’ own research forms the basis for teaching.

Our master’s programme consists of four core areas: individual practice, exhibition practice, theory and writing. Each student defines her or his own artistic project to be developed over the course of two years through individual research, experimentation, individual guidance, criticism, and discussion with faculty members and fellow students.

Broad Range
Students have the opportunity to work within and across many different types of media, techniques and materials. These can be combined to suit the topic and goals of the individual MA project. The study programme centres on the students’ individual projects, which can be formulated and developed in relation to different types of media and facilities. Students have access to workshops, technical expertise and guidance within a broad range of media and materials. This includes ceramics, textiles, printmaking, photography, painting, sculpture, installation, performance, audio, video and digital art.

Dialogue and Criticism
In addition to the individual MA projects, students participate in group activities. These consist of seminars, lectures, group critiques and shorter courses. To develop critical reflection, the MA programme includes a theoretical curriculum built on a series of lectures and topical seminars in addition to student-driven discussion forums.

The MA programme is not confined by interdisciplinary artistic boundaries – students participate in joint discussions on topics central to today’s artistic discourse. As a student at The Art Academy - Department of Contemporary Art, you have a good chance of entering an exchange student programme. Since the exchange programme is an integrated part of your studies, you will not be delayed in your study progress. Each year, approximately 30 of the department’s students go on an exchange programme, and we receive roughly the same number of exchange students ourselves.

At the end of the programme, all MA projects are presented in a public exhibition at Bergen Kunsthall.

Degree Show

At the end of the programme, all MA projects are presented in a public exhibition at Bergen Kunsthall. The show is usually accompanied by a live programme including performances, events and a seminar. This is presented and arranged by the students with the support of the staff at The Art Academy, and safeguarded by the high standards held by the Internationally acclaimed Kunsthall.