Contemporary Art Practice Master of Letters

The MLitt Contemporary Art Practice (formerly MLitt Fine Art Practice) is a one-year postgraduate programme designed to both challenge and support students in exploring how their artistic practices can be activated, with the goal of building sustainable careers as artists or creative practitioners beyond their time on the programme.

Practical enquiry is central to the MLitt Contemporary Art Practice experience, where students engage with ideas, methods, media, themes, and contexts through the process of making and sharing artworks. This intensive, studio-based programme is driven by the ethos of thinking through making and making things happen, encouraging students to develop a critically supportive dialogue with fellow postgraduate artists.

The programme invites students to consider how contemporary art practice might respond to the conditions of today’s world. Students and staff collaborate to envision what contemporary art could become, rather than merely adhering to established norms and conventions. It recognises that the definition of ‘Contemporary Art’ is constantly evolving. As such, the programme provides opportunities to situate one’s practice within the diverse landscape of contemporary art, potentially extending or reshaping how these practices are perceived now and in the future.

A key feature of the programme is its emphasis on reaching external audiences. Taking full advantage of its location in Glasgow, the programme includes a range of student-led events and activities, such as exhibitions, performances, and presentations, designed to bring art practices to life. These activities not only draw inspiration from but also contribute toGlasgow’s vibrant cultural heritage. This events-based approach helps students build a portfolio of live engagements and gain confidence in presenting their work to diverse audiences.