Degree project Master's programme in Fine Arts, 30 Credits

Contents

Within the course is planned, implemented, presented and assessed the students’ final projects within the master’s programme in fine arts. They will be presented at the end of the semester in the frame work of a public group exhibition which concludes the courses Artistic Practice A-C. During initial seminars, the work of the semester is planned based on an initial review of the individual plans for the degree project presented under the course Artistic Practice C and the experience of the smaller group exhibition, which was also held during Artistic Practice C.

Once the students have formulated the starting point for the degree project, the further investigation includes the choice of focus, the artistic and investigative approach and methodology for the planning and the carrying out of the work within given time and space.

The thesis work contains a theoretical text (minimum of five A4 pages) based on the project, emphasizing on the variety of problems within the work and its methodology, as well as a reflection on references to artistic theory and practice. Furthermore, within the course and as part of the thesis work, it is crucial to plan, organize, and construct the final group exhibition within the whole class. In the same manner, a catalog will be produced where all the thesis works are presented, all within given time, spatial and economic frameworks. For this, the students organize a professional documentation of their own artworks and the museum exhibition as a whole. As part of the degree project, each student presents his own work during the final group exhibition to an audience at least on one occasion. The students are encouraged to animate the final exhibition by showing public performances, and/or organizing guided tours for the public, or other events. Finally, during the final exam, which will be organized as a (group critique) seminar, each student will critically review and oppose another degree project as well as defend her/his own work.

During the semester, the students receive individual, and group support by supervisors and peers to prepare and implement the various content elements mentioned above.
 

Expected learning outcomes

After completion of the thesis, the student will show

• substantial in-depth knowledge and understanding in the field of global contemporary art including knowledge of the area's practical and theoretical foundation as well as knowledge and experience of methods and processes,
• substantial in-depth ability to choose, describe, analyze and interpret forms, techniques, content and concepts in their own artistic approach in the field of contemporary art,
• substantial in-depth ability to independently create, implement and express ideas in the field of contemporary art, identify, formulate and solve artistic and formative problems as well as carry out artistic tasks within the given framework,
• ability to present and critically discuss their activities and artistic practice within the group and in writing,
• ability to accept criticism (including critic perceived as negative) as a constructive encouragement, and integrate reflection upon such critic into the future practice,
• skills and knowledge required to work independently as an artist internationally,
• skills to critically analyze and discuss her/his own and others’ artistic practice, also from social, legal and economic points of view, taking into account class, ethnicity and gender, as well as
• ability to identify their need for additional knowledge and to take responsibility for their knowledge development.

Required Knowledge

Participation in the course requires that the student is admitted to the Master's programme in Fine arts at the Academy of Fine Arts, Umeå University and has received the grade Pass in all courses given in the first and second semester and in at least 25,5 credits of the courses given in the third semester.

Form of instruction

The course is conducted in the form of individual work and group work, as well as supervision in studios and workshops, as well as studio discussions and seminars throughout the entire master’s group. In introductory seminars, the final term is planned and each student presents a revised plan for his /her degree project verbally or in writing. A schedule for individual work and group work during the semester is made taking into account the temporal and spatial framework for the degree project. Each student can receive certain financial support for the implementation of his degree project within the framework set before the start of the semester.

During the course, the student has the right to at least two individual tutorials. In addition, the course includes individual supervision of exam texts and group supervision.

During the latter part of the course, the students, individually and with the tutors in the group, identify and plan the tasks to be performed for the final group exhibition where the degree work is presented; as well as for the catalogue that will be available during the exhibition.

At the final examining seminar in connection with the exhibition, the student presents her or his degree project verbally and defends the same. In addition, the student must oppose another degree project. The examiner is an external professional with an internationally proven track record in curatorial and/or artistic practice.

Certain written material is distributed during the course. Language of instruction is English.
 

Examination modes

The student is continuously examined, but especially at the final seminars in connection with the graduation exhibition, where the degree work is presented and defended and each student also opposes another degree project. Emphasis is placed on a critical dialogue with the examiner and the opponent.

The examination of the student in seminar form includes critical assessment of

• the student's exhibited artwork,
• the student's participation in the completion of the graduation exhibition, the exhibition catalogue and documentation of the exhibited work in a suitable format,
• a reflective text based on the exhibited artistic work (at least five A4 pages), which relates to contemporary theory and practice in the field of contemporary art,
• a presentation of the artwork for the public in the framework of the graduation exhibition,
• a verbal presentation of the thesis work during a final seminar in connection with the graduation exhibition,
• the student's verbal defense of her / his own thesis work during the final seminar, as well as
• critical opposition to a fellow student's degree project.

The artistic work is presented in seminar form (approximately 45 minutes) in the presence of the entire class and the supervisor, an opponent from the group, and an external examiner. In assessing and evaluating the degree project, emphasis is placed on results demonstrated with the artwork, as well as effort, knowledge and skills in relation to the set goals for the master's programme. The verbal and written presentation shall include an analysis of the background and context of the project, as well as a reflection of method, practice with references within and outside the field of contemporary art. The students’ participation and collaboration in the preparation of the exhibition catalogue and in the construction of the exhibition are also included in the overall assessment of the degree project.

The reflective texts of five A4 pages or more are written in English.

On the course the grades Pass or Fail are given. For students who have not been approved at the regular exam opportunity, a further examination opportunity will be arranged within three months as well as a sampling test within one year.
 

Other regulations

Credits are individually tested according to Umeå University's credit rating system.
See http://www.umu.se/utbildning/antagning/tillgodoraknande/