Munster Technological University (MTU) are now taking applications for a 16-month full-time Masters (MA) in Contemporary Art Practice commencing this September.

The MA will be delivered over three semesters and is designed for artists and graduates who aim to expand their art practice in a critical, supportive and research-intensive environment.

Munster Technological University (MTU) is delighted to announce the opening of applications for its MA in Contemporary Art Practice, a 16-month full-time taught Masters programme designed for artists and graduates who wish to deepen and expand their art practice within a critical, supportive, and research-intensive environment. 

Commencing in September 2025 and delivered over three semesters, this programme enables students to examine what it means to make art in today’s world. It encourages experimentation across disciplines, supported by critical theory and engagement with a wide spectrum of contemporary issues. The course challenges students to develop ambitious bodies of work informed by contemporary discourse, with areas of research including performance studies, feminist and queer theory, ecology, postcolonial and decolonial thought, and curatorial practice.  

Whether you are an emerging or established artist, the MA in Contemporary Art Practice offers a transformative opportunity to interrogate your creative process, develop a sophisticated research-led practice, and connect with a vibrant network of peers, academics, and arts professionals. 

Sarah Kelleher, lecturer on the programme, said, “This MA is an invitation to artists to push the boundaries of their practice. It’s an intensive course, but one that offers extraordinary space - both physically and intellectually - to interrogate, explore, and grow as an artist in today’s complex world.”  

Structured into three themed semesters, Investigation, Research, and Presentation, the course begins with a semester of intense interaction, contextual seminars, and visiting lectures. The second semester is research-focused, allowing students to reflect and consolidate both studio and text-based work. The final semester centres on the production and public presentation of a major body of work, followed by critical reflection, documentation, and engagement with audience groups. 

Pádraig Spillane, also a lecturer on the programme, highlights the value of peer collaboration and professional exposure: “We’ve designed the course to be both demanding and dynamic. Students are given the space to focus on their individual research while being part of a collaborative and responsive community. Access to workshops, visiting artists, and curators helps foster a real-world awareness that supports long-term creative development.”  

Students benefit from individual studio spaces, access to MTU’s extensive facilities, a bespoke visitor lecture series, and professional development opportunities through collaborative projects. The course is designed to meet artists where they are, while propelling their practices forward in unexpected and critical directions. 

Speaking about the importance of the programme within the broader academic and cultural landscape, Trish Brennan, Head of Department of Fine Art and Applied Art at MTU, said, “The MA in Contemporary Art Practice reflects MTU’s ongoing commitment to supporting critical and innovative art practices in Ireland and beyond. This programme encourages artists to develop their studio work and meaningfully contribute to contemporary dialogues in art and society.” 

The course fee for EU applicants is €4,500. Non-EU applicants are encouraged to visit the MTU website for detailed fee information. MTU is committed to ensuring the cost of tuition does not discourage prospective students, and applicants eligible for Ireland’s SUSI grant support may apply directly to SUSI. 

Closing date for applications is Tuesday May 6th, 10am. For any queries, please contact Sarah Kelleher at sarah.kelleher@mtu.ie or Pádraig Spillane at padraig.spillane@mtu.ie.  

Further details and application information are available at: www.mtu.ie/courses/craartp9  

MTU launch new Masters in Contemporary Arts | Irish Independent