If you love both making art and studying the history and theory of art, then the Fine Art (MA) degree is for you. 

The Fine Art MA (Hons) has been running since 1948. It is a unique, five-year programme that combines the studio practice of fine art with the academic study of the history of art. It provides an equal split between art practice and art history. 

Through this course, you will gain a professional understanding of artistic practice and an extensive knowledge of art history and its study methods.

How long it takes to complete this degree programme

This programme takes five years to complete.

This unique five-year programme allows students to combine the studio practice of fine art with the academic study of art history.

A key benefit to studying a five-year degree programme is that you can study a range of subjects, outside your chosen degree programme in Year 1 and Year 2.

Studying towards a degree in fine art is a highly transferable qualification, providing you with a significant foundation upon which to build a dynamic and fulfilling career.

Our students go on to become:

• curators
• artists
• archivists
• teachers
• gallerists

Many have had successful careers as artists, exhibiting commercially and in institutions internationally. Previous graduates have gone on to be directors of institutions or started their own galleries.

Students have also gone in less traditional directions and have found careers in:

• marketing
• copyediting and copywriting
• poetry and other creative writing
• journalism
• teachers or art and art history

We have also had students use the transferable skills they have learned through their degrees to work with charitable organisations and project management.

You can find out more on our alumni website.

ECA alumni website 

Careers Service

Our Careers Service can help you to fully develop your potential and achieve your future goals.

The Careers Service supports you not only while you are studying at the University, but also for up to two years after you finish your studies.

With the Careers Service, you can:

• access digital resources to help you understand your skills and strengths
• try different types of experiences and reflect on how and what you develop
• get help finding work, including part-time jobs, vacation work, internships and graduate jobs
• attend careers events and practice interviews
• get information and advice to help you make informed decisions

Visit the Careers Service website

Further study

After you complete your programme, you may want to go onto further study at Edinburgh or a different university. You could progress to:

• a masters degree
• a postgraduate diploma or certificate
• a PhD
• a second undergraduate degree

Find out about options for further study 

Postgraduate degrees you might be interested in could include:

• MA Contemporary Art Practice
• MA Contemporary Art Theory
• Global Premodern Art: History, Heritage and Curation MSc
• History of Art, Theory and Display MSc
• Modern and Contemporary Art: History, Curating and Criticism MSc
• Collections and Curating Practices MScR
• History of Art MScR
• History of Art PhD, MPhil
• PhD in Art

If you'd like to study on an undergraduate programme at Edinburgh College of Art, you must apply through UCAS. You can find out how to do this on the University of Edinburgh website, where you'll also be able to: 

• See the structure of the programme and what you will study each year
• See detailed entrance requirements for each programme on the Degree Finder
• Get information on what to expect after you apply
• Find out about fees
• Find out where to go for further advice and guidance.

You need to submit a digital portfolio to show your artistic skill and potential. 

The portfolio guidance for 2026 entry will be released in August 2025.