Examination arrangement

Course content

The course concentrates on the development of artistic research practice and contextualisation. It covers the entire range from research and concept development, reflection, articulation and realization. During semester four, the MFA candidate completes a body of independent and or collective artworks known as the final thesis project. Each student must also submit a written component that accompanies the artwork. This critical reflection aims to provide knowledge and insight into the artistic project. Each student should write a critical text that analyzes their process and the relationship of their work to contemporary art and discourse, with references to contemporary styles and particular artists. The presentation of the final thesis project is part of the annual semi-public presentations by all prospective graduating students in the International MFA program, which take place at the end of the semester. In preparation of the forthcoming master presentation/s, the course also sets out to explore the format of public presenting and event management and the practice of public display. Presenting in non-disciplinary formats in public is an intrinsic part of artistic practice. Through supervision, group discussions, guest lectures and workshops the course will investigate how publicly communicating or displaying work implies strategic relationships.

Learning outcome

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

• demonstrate the artistic knowledge, skills and competence required for contemporary art practice at an international level
• develop and carry out an independent (or contribute significantly to a) collective artistic project and present it in a pre-professional context
• identify and evaluate artistic and ethical challenges, as well as relevant theoretical issues
• analyse and communicate the intentions, values and meaning underlying their artistic work to an audience with and without artistic competence
• demonstrate knowledge and independent skills in their artistic research and use them effectively
• Establish, maintain, administer and present an artistic practice in a professional manner
• Assess their own artistic work and take responsibility for their own academic and professional development
• Negotiate and collaborate efficiently with others to initiate artistic projects. Successful completion of the course results in the presentation of a project and passing an oral defense, which are the requirements needed to earn an MFA degree.

Learning methods and activities

The course covers a range of pedagogical formats and activities:

• Attendance of MFA meetings - planning and arranging semi-public group or individual graduation presentations
• Group critique in the form of meetings with fellow students and supervisors
• Supervision with supervisors and fellow students
• Submission of MFA thesis: individual (or individual contribution to a collective) artistic project, along with documentation and a written critical reflection text
• Participation in MFA degree presentation/s
• Participation in learning activities such as supervision, group critiques and course specific seminars and projects is mandatory.

Specific conditions

Approved compulsory assignments are valid in the current semester.

Compulsory assignments

• Participation in course activities
• Hand-in: Technical Rider for MFA exhibition
• Hand-in: riskassessment for master exhibition
• Hand-in: written critical reflection for catalogue
• Hand-in: MFA project documentation portfolio

Further on evaluation

Final assessment - Submission of a Master thesis

During semester four, the MFA candidate completes a body of independent (or contributes significantly to a collective) artistic project known as the final thesis project. Each student must also submit a written component that accompanies their artistic project.

The presentation of the final thesis project is part of the annual international MFA presentation/s, which usually take place in a semi-public presentation format/s.

The final assessment comprises of three parts: presentation of a final artistic project, a written critical reflection and an oral examination. Successful completion of the publicly presented project and passing the final oral exam are the requirements needed to earn an MFA degree.

The Final Project Thesis includes:

1. ​Final Artistic Project and Presentation

The final cycle of each student’s studies culminates with a final presentation, produced by every prospective graduating student in the International MFA program. Within the presentation, the MFA candidate presents an advanced body of independent or collective artwork/s in their elected area of artistic research. The final artistic project presentation must be of a professional standard.

The student will situate the artwork in a suitable public environment. It should address the spatial considerations of the site where the artwork is being presented. In the case of site-specific or time-based formats, that the student follows an equally professional approach, in consideration of setting, realization, and communication of the artwork.

2. Critical reflection text

Students are required to submit some form of written critical reflection - a text of 20.000 characters, including empty spaces.

The critical reflection aims to provide knowledge and insight into the artistic project. The writing is a process of self-reflection and talks about the development of the work and reflection of the results. Each student should write a critical text that analyzes their process and the relationship of their project to contemporary art and discourse, with references to contemporary styles and particular cultural practitioners.

Furthermore, the student has to deliver a professional portfolio containing a short description, an artist's statement, documentation and if applicable, a video link, along with a detailed description of the artistic project.

The text and documentation should be delivered as compatible digital file formats or as a personal page in the Research Catalogue.

Thesis submission date in Inspera: beginning of April (date will be announced at the start of the semester)

3. Oral assessment

The oral presentation serves as adjusting oral assessment within the frame of the thesis presentation. A Thesis Review Committee, composed of the master student’s supervisor and at least one external examiner from outside the Art Department, will conduct an oral assessment to each student. The oral assessment will cover the student’s work - both the written part and public presentation of work - and its relationship to the field of contemporary art.

Specific conditions

Recommended previous knowledge

Students need to be signed up for the MFA program. Students signed up to other degrees or exchange students cannot take the thesis. All other courses in the study program (90 credits) must be passed before the work on the master thesis can be started.

Required previous knowledge

Students must have completed 90 study credits and the progress review must be successfully passed in BK3306 Advanced Artistic Work 3, to be considered eligible to enter the final semester and submit an MFA thesis.