Master in Fine Art

Admission requirements

Applicants will have completed a BA degree in Fine Art or in related fields of art and theory. Applicants who do not fulfill the above requirement can be admitted to the program provided that they demonstrate an understanding of fine art, its principles and mediums. It is an advantage for applicants to have had some time to work as artists after completing their BA degree.

Furthermore, applicants are required to supplement their application with a statement outlining their area of ​​interest within the field and the methods and/or research questions that they intend to investigate further through their art practices and studies.

Language requirements

The Master Program in Fine Art is an international program conducted in English. Students must be proficient in spoken and written English in the academic context. If there is doubt concerning language skills, applicants may be required to submit evidence of English proficiency

About the study programme

Societal and environmental concerns are considered and informed by the contexts of theory and practice. High emphasis is placed on individuality and flexibility in students' choice of materials and methods.academic and technical support is provided by active practitioners.

The program fosters inquisitive and innovative approaches from environmentally aware practitioners, unafraid to critique and challenge societal norms and situations, and exercising the potential role of art in world-making and shaping.

The full-time study program spans four semesters over a two-year period and is taught through workshops, individual tutorials, group critiques, seminars and lectures. A range of highly qualified artists and guest lecturers are associated with the Department who,for the final project support students on a one-to-one basis in the development of their artworks. As part of the program there are opportunities for group and solo-exhibitions both within the premises of the University and as part of the dynamic Icelandic art scene within Reykjavík and around Iceland.

After graduation

Graduates of the MA programmein art are equipped to work independently and in diverse contexts in art and a variety of critical and inquisitive fields. MA studies also prepare students for further research (doctoral studies).

Iceland University of the Arts provides higher education in the fine arts, theatre, theatre making, dance, music, design, architecture and art education. Four department faculties offer degree programmes at bachelor’s level, and four departments offer master programmes. The Music Department also offers a diploma programme. It operates in a global environment and measures itself against academies that excel in arts education in neighbouring countries. The Iceland Academy of the Arts places emphasis on enhancing cooperation with other higher education institutions in the country and various other institutions and enterprises. 

The Iceland Academy of the Arts is an active participant in international cooperation. The Academy has made bilateral agreements with about 120 higher education institutions in Europe through the Erasmus programme. Within NordPlus, the Academy cooperates with about 90 art academies in the Nordics and the Baltics. Preparations are being made for cooperation with art academies in Asia, including China, Japan and Thailand. Students can therefore complete a part of their studies in foreign places. In general, the student exchange lasts one semester. A large number of foreign exchange students also studies at the Iceland Academy of the Arts, and numerous foreign guest teachers teach at the Academy for longer or shorter periods of time.