MFA/MA in Studio Art

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.

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 jpeg or links (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 must be 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