Admission

To be admitted to this study programme, you have to show us what you wish to get out of the programme. We therefore ask you to submit a broad outline of the kind of artistic research that matters to you. What fascinates you about media, art, design and technology? What kind of experiments would you like to carry out? During the admission interview, you will discuss your ideas with us. Once admitted, your ideas will form the basis for your next two years.

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First Year

The first year of this study programme is mostly about exploring your chosen field. You will carry out your own experiments in our Hybrid Arts Lab, tinker with new technology for creative programming and explore research possibilities in art, design and performative practices. This will allow you to improve your knowledge and skills, get to know the international field of practice, forge new concepts and discover avenues of artistic research.

In your first year, you will spend a lot of time in Hybrid Arts Lab, where you will devise and carry out your own experiments. In addition, you will attend theory and research courses at the University of Groningen and take part in a joint research course 'Image & Experience in a technologically charged society' with master students of the University of Groningen. There is also plenty of time to discuss the results of experiments, workshops, research projects and your own progress with fellow students, experts and the public. Furthermore, you will visit relevant institutions, festivals, workplaces and centres of research: individually or as a group. 

Preparing for the second year

During your first year, you will gradually start to focus on the area you want to concentrate on in your second year, gathering ideas, improving your skills and gaining new knowledge to prepare for your practical research. This will help you to develop and refine the research plan that you will carry out in the second year and which will form the basis for your master's thesis. At the end of your first year, your work will be assessed to determine whether you are ready to start the second year.

Second year

Achieving your artistic goals

At the start of your second year, you will begin work on your graduation project. Most of your time will be devoted to working on this project. You will still attend classes, but fewer than in your first year. Supervisors will advise and guide you and stimulate your progress. Your goal this year is to complete your research project and write your master's thesis. There will be plenty of opportunities throughout the year to share what you have learned and experienced with others during group sessions, discussions and presentations. Depending on your needs, one or more guest lecturers may also be asked to contribute to the supervision of your research project. Second-year students also take part in a series of public dialogues to discuss their work with guest lecturers and others, which will help you to enhance your work and take it to the next level.

Additional subjects and projects

In addition to the regular sessions and classes, you will have the opportunity to attend a series of lectures at the University of Groningen about history, art, the psychology of art and art philosophy. You will also take part in a joint research course on Research & Development/New Media Art Practices with master students of the University of Groningen. You can also carry out projects of the Centre of Applied Research and other Hanze partners.

Graduation work and master's thesis

Towards the end of your second year, you will work on your graduation project and write a master's thesis in which you demonstrate your analytical skills, critical view, ability to reflect on your own work and overall research abilities. Your thesis should set out how you envisage your future position in the visual art world, contributing to the public discussion to advance the quality of life around the world. You will present both your artistic work and your master's thesis during your public graduation ceremony.

After graduation

After graduation

As a master of Fine Arts you can continue to set up your own artistic practice, individually or as a member of an artistic collective.