Mphil / PHD
We are now accepting applications for the 2027/2028 entry year.
The deadline for the 2027/2028 entry year is February 1, 2027.
Any enquiries may be directed to Ivan Twohig at admissions@burrencollege.ie.
Mphil entry requirements
Applicants to the MPhil (Fine Art) should have a Bachelors degree with Honours in Fine Art (First class or 2:1, or a GPA of 3.50 or above), or a Masters degree in Fine Art (or relevant subject area). Applicants may also be considered if their degree is in an unrelated field but have relevant experience and can demonstrate an ability to work at postgraduate level.
Applications for the MPhil (Fine Art) will be made in two stages:
Mphil — Stage 1: Submit the following application form and supporting documents
- Online Application form (see below)
- An outline of a Research Proposal (up to 2000 words as a .doc, .docx, or PDF) detailing:
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- the proposed project title;
- the field of enquiry;
- the main research question proposing the aspect of the field of enquiry to be explored;
- the methods and methodology proposed;
- a bibliography and details of other sources of information relevant to the project.
- The reasons for wishing to undertake an MPhil and an indication of likely outcomes should also be provided;
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- Portfolio (10-15 jpeg images or 3-4 links to video). Your portfolio may be submitted electronically through GoogleDocs or www.wetransfer.com
- 2 letters of recommendation sent by your referees
- Official transcripts demonstrating evidence of previous degrees. These must be either official hard copies in envelopes stamped and sealed by the university or sent as password-protected e-transcripts.
- 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 at admissions@burrencollege.ie
Mphil — Stage 2: Shortlisted Applicants
A more detailed description of our Admissions Process and Timeline can be found at https://www.burrencollege.ie/wp-content/uploads/2026/08/Admissions-Process-and-Timeline-editAug2026_01.pdf
PHD entry requirements
Applicants to the PhD programme, if successful, initially enroll as MPhil students, with the option to transfer to the PhD in year one or year two of their studies (subject to supervisory approval).
All applicants for the PhD in Studio Art should have a masters degree in fine art (MFA or MA) or an MPhil (Fine Art). Applicants with an MFA or MPhil (Fine Art) may apply directly for the PhD programme.
Please note: If you already hold an MPhil and are offered a place, you may still be required to enroll at the level of MPhil with the option to apply to transfer to the PhD in year one or two.
Applicants who do not have an MFA or an MPhil (Fine Art) may first apply for the MFA or the MPhil (Fine Art) with the possibility of progression to PhD.
Applications for the PhD are in two stages:
PHD — Stage 1- Submit a Research Proposal and Application
- Online Application form (see below)
- An outline of your research proposal, including your proposed methodology and reading list (See guidelines below).
- Portfolio (10-15 jpeg images or 3-4 links to video). Your portfolio may be submitted electronically through GoogleDocs or www.wetransfer.com
- 2 letters of recommendation sent by your referees by email to admissions@burrencollege.ie
- Official transcripts demonstrating evidence of previous degrees. These must be either official hard copies in envelopes stamped and sealed by the university or sent as password-protected e-transcripts.
- 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, admissions@burrencollege.ie
Applications are reviewed by our faculty committee, and from 2027 will take place within one month of the February 1 application deadline. All eligible applicants will then be invited for virtual or in-person interview before the end of February, and may be invited to submit a revised version of their research proposal with recommendations. Unsuccessful or wait-listed applicants will also be notified within the 4 week period. Applicants will be notified of any delays related to this timeline.
A more detailed description of our Admissions Process and Timeline can be found HERE
Research Proposal
For full consideration, research proposals must adhere to the following guidelines. Please note that we are unable to consider proposals that do not adhere to this format.
PhD Studio Art: Practice Based Research Proposal
Content Guidelines for Submitting a Research Proposal
PHD — Stage 2 – Shortlisted Applicants
Offers of a place are made by University of Galway on the recommendation of Burren College of Art. They are subject to the applicant submitting a satisfactory PhD project proposal for registration with the university within the university’s time scale. Should the proposal not be accepted on first submission, registration will be delayed without defrayal of fees.
Application Portal
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 admissions@burrencollege.ie to make sure your application has been received by the College.
Academic Calendar 2026-2027
Autumn 2026
August 31 – Autumn Semester begins/Orientation Week
September 7 – Classes begin
October 20-21 – Midterm Critiques for all students
December 7-11 – Final week of Autumn Semester
Spring 2027
January 5 – Spring Semester begins/Orientation Week
January 11 – Classes begin
February 23-24 – Midterm Critiques for all students
March 22 – Last week of studio time for Postgraduates
March 29-April 6 – Postgraduate final exhibition installation
April 7-8 – Final examinations and critiques
April 10 – Opening reception for Exhibition
April 12-16 – Final week of Spring Semester
April 22 – Graduation Ceremony
Admissions policies
Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL): RPL involves the assessment of knowledge, skills and competence previously acquired. Prior Learning occurs in many contexts which include professional experience in the arts, exhibition records or non-academic learning. Our complete RPL Policy can be found HERE, and any questions regarding consideration of RPL for applying for postgraduate study can be directed to the Director of Admissions at admissions@burrencollege.ie.
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. More information on our English Language Policy can be found HERE.
Non-Discrimination Policy
Burren College of Art does not discriminate on the basis of gender, age, race, disability, ethnic origin, religion, sexual orientation, membership of the Traveller community, 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.