MFA/MA in Art & Ecology
Application Process
The application deadline is 1st February annually. All eligible applicants are interviewed either in person or by phone.
Applicants should have a Bachelors Degree with first or upper second class honours in Fine Art; or a Bachelors Degree with a major in Fine Art with a GPA or 3.50 or above; or evidence of equivalent achievement. In the case of an outstanding portfolio, a Bachelors Degree with a lower second class/2.2 honours/GPA of 3.0 may be accepted.
Overseas applicants from outside the EU must comply with Irish immigration rules regarding passport, visa, financial viability and evident of student status (e.g. letter of acceptance from the College).
English Language Requirements for non-native speakers of English: Applicants in this category should have competence in English, which is the language of tuition. They will be required to supply an IELTS with an overall score of 6.5 or more, unless their primary degree has been taken through English, certification of which must be supplied.
Applicants should submit the following materials:
We are currently accepting applications for the 2025/2026 entry year through the deadline of February 1, 2025. Any inquiries may be directed to Lisa Newman, Director of Admissions, at lisa@burrencollege.ie
- A completed application form
- A copy of a recent essay on art or a critical review of an exhibition you have recently visited (approx. 1000 words)
- A portfolio comprised of 10-15 works, which may be represented digitally as jpegs or links (if video) and sent through GoogleDocs or www.wetransfer.com
- A written statement of approx. 500 words that clearly states what you seek to attain through study on this programme
- A résumé providing details of education, employment history, exhibitions and publications
- Official certificate or transcript for all degree awards received
- Two letters of recommendation (May be emailed directly to lisa@burrencollege.ie and sent by your referees)
- A copy of your Passport
- Non-refundable application fee of €50 payable online here.
Note: We request official copies of transcripts to be either sent by password-protected email by your college or university, or sent as a hard copy to Admissions, Burren College of Art, Newtown Castle, Ballyvaughan, Co. Clare, Ireland. Portfolio images can be submitted electronically via GoogleDocs or www.wetransfer.com. All other application materials can be emailed to the Director of Admissions, Lisa Newman, at lisa@burrencollege.ie
MFA/MA in Art & Ecology Application Form
PLEASE NOTE: Once you’ve submitted your application, you should immediately see an acknowledgement page confirming the submission. If you do not see this, please contact Lisa Newman at lisa@burrencollege.ie to make sure your application has been received by the College.
Non-discrimination Policy
Burren College of Art does not discriminate on the basis of age, race, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, religion, national or ethnic origin, ability, or veteran status in any phase of its employment process, in any phase of its admission or scholarship programs, or other aspects of its educational programs or activities.
Academic Calendar 2025-2026
Spring 2025
January 6 – Spring Semester begins/Orientation Week
January 13 – Classes begin
February 25-26 – Midterm Critiques for all students
March 24 – Last week of studio time for Postgraduates
March 30-April 9 – Postgraduate final exhibition installation
April 9-11 – Final examinations and critiques
April 12 – Opening reception for Exhibition
April 14-18 – Final week of Spring Semester
April 24 – Graduation Ceremony
Summer Semester 2025 (MA only)
May 12-August 22 Final MA semester
August 4-14 MA exhibition installation
August 14-September 16 Final exhibition and assessment
Fall 2025
September 1 – Autumn Semester begins/Orientation Week
September 8 – Classes begin
October 20-21 Midterm Critiques for all students
December 8 – Final Week of Autumn Semester
Spring 2026 (TBC)
January 7 – Spring Semester begins/Orientation Week
January 12 – Classes begin
February 23-24 – Midterm Critiques for all students
March 23 – Last week of studio time for Postgraduates
March 29-April 8 – Postgraduate final exhibition installation
April 8-10 – Final examinations and critiques
April 11 – Opening reception for Exhibition
April 13-17 – Final week of Spring Semester
April 23 – Graduation Ceremony