Advanced Artistic Work 3

The course supports the advanced development of the MFA thesis project, guiding students through the transition from experimentation to intentional, research-driven public presentation. Students refine the conceptual, methodological, and material dimensions of their work, and begin shaping the final form the thesis will take in exhibition and written reflection.

Contextualisation is approached in an advanced and integrative way. Students position their work within wider artistic, theoretical, and methodological debates, while articulating how their practice intersects with social, ethical, political, and environmental concerns. Collaboration across specialisations and engagement with local, national, and international partners help students situate their thesis project within a broader artistic and research ecology.

The course deepens students’ understanding of exhibition and dissemination strategies. Expanded exhibition practices—such as hybrid installations, site-specific or collaborative presentations, working systems, and research-in-progress displays—are explored as deliberate tools for communicating artistic thinking. Students develop a clear artistic concept, refine their individual approach, and plan the spatial and curatorial dimensions of the public presentation.

The course also introduces advanced forms of academic and reflective writing, particularly the critical reflection, which articulates the thesis project’s research context and artistic decisions.

The overall objective is to focus, develop, and prepare the MFA thesis project for final realisation, exhibition, and defence.

On completion of this course, students will be able to:

Thesis development & research

• Develop a clear and coherent plan for the realisation, presentation, and dissemination of their thesis project.
• Apply advanced artistic research methods and approaches appropriate to the final phase of the project.
• Integrate artistic, theoretical, and methodological perspectives to articulate the conceptual and research framework of the thesis.

Contextualisation & critical positioning

• Critically position their practice within wider contemporary and/or historical artistic contexts, as well as relevant social, ethical, political, or environmental debates.
• Identify and analyse theoretical, philosophical, cultural, and political issues relevant to their thesis project.
• Demonstrate an advanced understanding of how artistic research engages with and contributes to public discourse.

Exhibition, presentation & public articulation

• Select and shape exhibition, presentation, and dissemination formats that best communicate the research questions, processes, and outcomes of their thesis.
• Demonstrate the technical, organisational, and curatorial skills needed to produce and install their final work.
• Communicate their project clearly and professionally in oral, written, and critique settings, including through the development of the critical reflection.

Learning builds on the methods and research skills developed in earlier semesters, supporting the advanced progression of the thesis project. The course combines independent work with collective practice, cross-disciplinary exchange, and peer-to-peer engagement.

Learning activities include:

• Group critiques with fellow students and supervisors focused on refining the thesis project.
• Supervision and tutorials with supervisors and peers supporting advanced artistic, conceptual, and contextual development.
• Ongoing use of the Creative Process Journal (CPJ) to document artistic processes, contextual research, methodological choices, and developments relevant to the thesis.
• Engagement with external contexts, such as exhibitions, publications, labs, residencies, or community partnerships.
• Participation in MFA meetings that support collective planning and articulation of process-based and expanded public presentation formats.

These learning methods emphasise collaboration, shared inquiry, and interdisciplinary perspectives, supporting students in articulating and preparing a public-facing thesis project of artistic and professional depth.

Active participation in all learning activities is mandatory.

Specific conditions

Approved compulsory assignments are valid in the current semester.

This course is offered to international master’s students. Language of instruction is English.