Examination arrangement

Course content

The course concentrates on the development of artistic research practice and contextualisation. It covers the initial phases of research and concept development of an artistic research project. The course focuses on questions of artistic research and what constitutes practice-led research in contemporary art. This course prepares MFA candidates for practice-based research in contemporary art. It aims to help MFA candidates to steep themselves in the theory of their own research area, and to develop relevant methods and techniques of inquiry in contemporary art, in which they will apply to their projects.

Learning outcome

The objective is to focus and develop an MFA artistic research project which is to be presented and defended in the MFA exhibition and final exam at the end of the two-year term. On completion of this course, students will be able to:

- develop a set of working questions and objectives for their artistic research project

- develop relevant approaches and methods for proceeding forward with their artistic research

- identify and contextualize currently dynamic issues in oneʼs field of research, in the sense of open questions, new topics and trends

- be able to communicate their project orally within group discussions and in written form

Learning methods and activities

The course covers a range of pedagogical formats and activities:

• Participation in a presentational format to showcase artistic work
• Group critique in the form of meetings with fellow students and supervisors
• Supervision with supervisors and fellow students
• Further development of an artistic project throughout the semester. A presentation of work and processes and/or documentation thereof, are assessed at the end of the semester - in a progress review.

Specific conditions

Approved compulsory assignments are valid in the current semester.

Compulsory assignments

• Participation in course activities
• Participation in Project Week
• Participation in Open Academy

Further on evaluation

The individual progression is examined in a progress review at the end of the term.

• Progress Review: Assessment of overall artistic development according to learning outcome in the shape of an interview.
• Written Summary: 6000-8000 characters including spaces, summing up activities of the term, elaborating on a set of working questions and objectives for an artistic research project.
• Documentation: Sufficient visual, audiovisual or other documentation of activities, process and results.
• The text and documentation should be delivered as compatible file formats, or as a personal page in the Research Catalogue. All materials must be submitted in Inspera.
• Postponed or new exams will be held in the next exam period.

Specific conditions

Recommended previous knowledge

Admission to the MFA programme is required.

Required previous knowledge

Bachelor of Fine Art or documented equivalent artistic level

Credit reductions