Who is this course for?  

The Post-Bac in Art & Ecology provides for two kinds of student:  

Students with a first degree (at National Framework of Qualifications level 7 or 8; www.nfq.ie/nfq/eu/) in fine art who wish to progress to an MFA programme and but have not yet developed their portfolio of work and personal artistic rationale to the standard necessary for admission to an MFA.  

Students who have a good degree (at National Framework of Qualifications level 7 or 8; www.nfq.ie/nfq/eu/) in a subject other than fine art and who wish to transfer into a fine art educational track by progressing to an MFA programme.  

Progression to an MFA programme on the successful completion of this programme is not guaranteed. 

What will I study?

Studio Practice and Critique is at the core of the programme, taking the form of negotiated projects for independent study that also involve portfolio preparation and career planning. Taught studio courses provide teaching in a choice of disciplines from the undergraduate curriculum where students work alongside undergraduate students. 

Theory Art and Ecology examines key concepts in land based and ecologically oriented art to contextualise the art historical field and the student’s emerging studio practice. 

An Introduction to Ecosystem Science provides an engagement with ecosystems through lectures and first-hand experience of the Burren. 

In Ecology and Sustainability in the Burren, the stewardship of the Burren is explored as a microcosm of global ecological and environmental concerns. 

You will also visit galleries and museums in Dublin with optional visits to London and Berlin. 

Course Structure 

Year 1, Semester 1 

Studio Practice and Critique 1 (Independent Study) 20 ECTS 
Theory and Art & Ecology (Taught) 5 ECTS 
Introduction to Ecosystem Science (Taught) 5 ECTS 

Year 1, Semester 2 

Studio Practice and Critique 3 (Independent Study) 20 ECTS 
Ecology & Sustainability in the Burren (Taught) 5 ECTS 
Studio Practice and Critique 4 (Taught) 5 ECTS – optional 
Studio Practice and Critique 5 (Taught) 5 ECTS – optional 

TOTAL FOR POST BACCALAUREATE ART & ECOLOGY : 60 ECTS 

Curriculum Information

Curriculum information relates to the current academic year (in most cases).
Course and module offerings and details may be subject to change.

• MFA/MA pathway: For students interested in pursuing a Masters level of study in Studio Art or Art & Ecology, this course will give the skills and theoretical knowledge needed to progress on to the MFA or MA.  
  
• Emphasis on developing artistic voice: Our modules give students the critical and historical information to inform their own concepts and ideas in their work within an ecological theme.
• Industry connections: Provides opportunities for students to visit major Irish exhibitions in Dublin, Galway and Limerick, and partnering organizations within the field of ecology.
• Collaborative Community: In addition to working with our faculty, students have the opportunity to meet with visiting artists and cultural professionals through a series of artist talks and one-to-one tutorials.

While the emphasis in our teaching methods is not industry-focused, students are given the skills to prepare their portfolios and profiles to exhibit as professional artists. 

Graduates have gone on to further research at Masters level and have subsequently acquired positions as lecturers and researchers in third level institutions. Graduates have also founded their own arts organizations and DIY gallery exhibitions.  Many are working as professional artists who regularly exhibit their work internationally.

European Field Trip 

As part of the MFA/MA in Art & Ecology, students have the option to take part in a faculty-led field trip to London in the Autumn semester and Barcelona in the Spring. This experience gives students the opportunity to visit major European art hubs to learn about contemporary and historical works, with faculty guidance. 

Over the course of the trip, students will visit galleries and museums during the day and can then explore the culture of the city independently in the evening. 

The trip typically lasts four days and includes an additional cost to cover flights and accommodation, which is kept as affordable as possible. 

Accrediting Body 

The course meets international standards with regard to coursework requirements, content hours, and faculty standards necessary to achieve the MFA/MA in Art & Ecology. The MFA/MA is accredited by University of Galway and is recognized as a Level 9 degree by the Irish Register of Qualifications (QQI) HERE.

How will I learn? 

On the successful completion of this programme students will be able to:  

1. Develop ecoliteracy to confidently navigate key scientific and environmental ethics so as to adequately inform an effective environmental or ecological art practice.  
2. Understand the range of creative practices commonly associated with the art and ecology field; from environmental art that responds to the environment, Nature or environmental issues as a theme, to long-term embedded-in-place ecological art practices that traverse art and non-art disciplinary and community knowledge of environments. 
3. Understand why ecological art practice as an expanded social art practice, can increase agency for change in how practitioners and their audiences relate to their environments. 
4. Understand that effective long-term ecological art practice requires social skills for collaboration and an aptitude for appreciating others ways of knowing the world (experiential, scientific, traditional, indigenous), in addition to artistic skills. 
5. Work effectively and sensitively with the natural forms, processes and elements of the indigenous landscape during the process of creating art.  

How Will I Be Assessed? 

Assessment and examination is by project work in each of the modules and by exhibition at the end of the programme, and by essay/presentation where applicable. Results are determined on a pass/fail (credit/no credit) basis.  

Assessment is undertaken by the Internal Examiners who are the Dean and faculty of the college, in association with the External Examiner. The role of the External Examiner is to assure critical distance in examinations so that results are comparable with similar programmes in other institutions. They have a duty to be impartial and, therefore, students should not confuse the External Examiner with the visiting artists. They will not normally provide feedback on a student’s work nor offer advice about it.  

Assessment criteria in studio subjects are standard across the college although varying in level between undergraduate and postgraduate programmes. 

Course queries: 
contact@burrencollege.ie   

Director of Admissions: 

Dr Lisa Newman  
E: lisa@burrencollege.ie 
T: 065 7077200 

Burren College of Art recognises that knowledge and skills can be acquired from a range of learning experiences. This is in line with the National Framework of Qualifications (NFQ) goals which aim to recognise all learning achievements by supporting the development of alternative pathways to qualifications (or awards) and by facilitating the recognition of prior learning (RPL). 

Prior experiences can be included in the initial application to the MFA/MA programme and will be considered by the faculty review committee.  To discuss these in advance of application submission, please contact the Admissions office at contact@burrencollege.ie 

• Applicants should have a Bachelors Degree with first or upper second class honours in Fine Art; or 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. A major in Fine Art is not a requirement. 
• 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. 

Please visit the Burren College of Art website to submit your application: 

https://www.burrencollege.ie/programmes/mfa-ma-in-studio-art/admissions/ 

Applicants should submit the following materials: 

The application deadline for the 2026/2027 entry year is February 1, 2026. Any enquiries may be directed to Lisa Newman, Director of Admissions, at lisa@burrencollege.ie 

• A completed application form (on website)
• 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 

Course Type	Year	EU Tuition	Student Contribution	Non-EU Tuition	Levy	Total Fee	Total EU Fee	Total Non-EU Fee

This is a compulsory section in the course page template.  

MFA in Art & Ecology 

(2 Semesters per yr.) EU Fee €9,500 per yr / International Fee €18,990 per Yr. 

MA in Art & Ecology 

(3 Semesters) EU Fee €11,955 / International Fee €23,460 

Other Fees 

• Programme Fee €550 per year
• Activity Fee €450 per year
• Optional Faculty-led trip to London €720*
• Optional Faculty-led trip to Berlin €720*
• Graduation Fee €100 final year 

*Indicative only, subject to change. 

Burren College of Art is an independent, not-for-profit institution which does not receive any State or government funding in the form of grants or support for Irish or EU students.  In recognition of this, we assist Irish and EU students by providing a 50% reduction in tuition fees, reserving additional most internal scholarship funds for our international (non-EU students). 

Michael Greene Merit Scholarship 

The Michael Greene Merit Scholarship is awarded to postgraduate applicants who demonstrate exceptional merit, commitment and financial need. The Scholarship awards bursaries ranging from 10-20% of Full Time tuition remission for all postgraduate programs  (NOTE: Scholarships are only available for international, non-EU students accepted to full-time enrolment in the PhD, MFA/MA and Post-Baccalaureate programmes). Part Time or Hybrid PhD degree programs are not eligible for scholarship funding. To be considered for the Michael Greene Merit Scholarship, you must have submitted your completed application to the College by February 1 for entry in the forthcoming Fall semester and be prepared to provide documentation of financial need (i.e. tax returns). The scholarship is not automatically renewable, and successful PhD/MFA awardees will need to re-apply for the scholarship annually. 

The Sean Scully Scholarship 

Renowned international artist, Sean Scully, has generously donated $10,000 USD towards tuition for an incoming student on an annual basis.  This award is available for MFA or MA students enrolling in either Studio Art or Art & Ecology and is based on a combination of demonstrated exceptional talent and financial need. This award is for one year only. 

The Bernice P. Shaughnessy and Janet M. Shaughnessy Scholarship 

This award was established in 2017 by alumnus Janet Shaughnessy (1952-2018) in loving memory of her mother, Bernice P. Shaughnessy (1921-2016). Janet wished to pay tribute to the Burren, and the meaningful experience she had while living and working there as a member of the first Burren College of Art MFA class, graduating in 2005. The Burren landscape, colors, sky, weather and seasons had a profound influence on her drawings. The quiet, the sea, and the space to explore her interior and exterior worlds continued to influence every part of her life. As executor of the fund, Janet’s husband, Hal Weaver, would enjoy informal communication with the scholarship recipient to discuss their ongoing progress. 

The €5000 scholarship, renewable for two years, will be awarded to an incoming international (non-EU) MFA student, whose application will show compelling ability and clarity of intention in choosing the Burren as an influential location for their work, as well as demonstrated financial need. Recipients must be enrolled full time and in good academic standing. This scholarship is available to all international Masters of Fine Art students in Studio Art or Art & Ecology. 

BCA Housing Scholarship

This Trust provides means-based scholarships to facilitate participation by the most talented EU and Non-EU artists on our Graduate Programmes. These awards fall into various categories: Full housing scholarship, partial housing scholarship and housing scholarships which include allocated duties. The award is for the academic year (Fall and Spring semesters, not including Christmas break). Selection is based on portfolio assessment and financial need. 

www.burrencollege.ie 

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