Advanced Artistic Work 4 - Master Thesis

The course supports the final development and realisation of the MFA thesis project. Students consolidate and apply the artistic, theoretical, and methodological perspectives developed throughout the programme, working with a high level of independence and professional responsibility. The course guides students through completing a coherent artistic project, preparing the written critical reflection, and planning the public presentation.

Contextualisation at this stage involves synthesising artistic, theoretical, and methodological positions into a coherent research stance. Students articulate how their practice produces knowledge, engages with contemporary debates, and contributes to artistic and societal discourse.

Exhibition practice is approached as a site of research and authorship. Students develop intentional presentation strategies—spatial, conceptual, and curatorial—that embody the conceptual, material, and methodological claims of their thesis. Expanded exhibition practices, such as hybrid installations, site-responsive formats, relational or process-based approaches, and research-as-display, are used as deliberate tools for public articulation.

The thesis is presented as part of the semi-public MFA exhibitions. In preparation, the course supports the development of skills in public presentation, event organisation, and the strategic and relational dimensions of display. Students also complete a written critical reflection analysing their processes, methods, artistic decisions, and contextual positioning.

The objective of the course is to independently realise, present, and defend the MFA thesis project at a professional level. Students synthesise artistic, theoretical, and methodological perspectives into a coherent body of work.

Artistic research, authorship & thesis realisation

•Demonstrate advanced artistic knowledge, skills, and competence appropriate for contemporary art practice at an international level.

• Synthesise artistic, theoretical, and methodological perspectives into a coherent research position supporting the thesis.• Independently realise an artistic project (or contribute substantially to a collective one) and present it in a pre-professional context.• Demonstrate advanced competence in artistic research and apply this throughout the thesis realisation.

Critical articulation & contextual positioning

•Position their work critically within contemporary and historical artistic contexts and broader social, ethical, political, and environmental debates.• Identify and evaluate artistic, ethical, and theoretical challenges relevant to the thesis.

• Produce a critical written reflection articulating the intentions, processes, research frameworks, and conceptual foundations of their work.

• Communicate the values, meanings, and research insights of their project to audiences with and without specialist knowledge.

Exhibition, dissemination & public communication

•Design and implement exhibition and dissemination strategies that embody the conceptual, material, and methodological claims of the thesis.

• Employ expanded exhibition formats—such as site-responsive installations, hybrid or collaborative presentations, relational systems, durational or process-based approaches, or research-as-display—to communicate artistic thinking.

• Present their thesis publicly in a rigorous, coherent, and professionally executed manner, demonstrating spatial, visual, and discursive competence.

Professional practice, collaboration & development

• Establish and present an artistic practice in a professional and responsible manner.• Collaborate and negotiate effectively with peers, supervisors, and external partners to realise artistic projects.• Critically assess their own artistic work and take responsibility for ongoing academic, artistic, and professional development.

Successful completion of the MFA requires the public presentation of the final artistic / thesis project, a written critical reflection and the passing of an oral examination.

Learning combines independent artistic work with collective processes. Students consolidate methods and research from earlier semesters and apply them to the realisation of the thesis, supported by supervision, collective critique, and shared planning of public presentations. The Creative Process Journal (CPJ) is used to document artistic processes and support the critical reflection. Engagement with external contexts may include exhibitions, publications, labs, residencies, or community partnerships. Preparation for the MFA degree show takes place through a Collective Public Expanded Format, where students collaboratively plan how their work and processes are made public.

Active participation in all supervision, critiques, seminars, workshops, and MFA programme 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.