Master of Arts in Fine Arts (M.A.) (Part-time)

The Master of Arts Programme in Fine Arts aims to provide a platform for the development of individual art practices. With their knowledge and experience, the teaching staff will provide support to students and, through facilitating critical debate as well as offering practical help and advice, encourage the development of personal projects. The programme is made up of components in art history, cultural theory and studio practice. It will help students to define or reconfigure their art projects and to equip them with the critical tools and practical skills necessary for an advanced professional practice.

Programme Streams

The programme is divided into TWO streams:

A. Contemporary Art Practice

B. Chinese Art Practice

Stream declaration should be done when submitting the application.

 

This Programme strives to help students:

A. Contemporary Art Practice

Studio Art

–   form their personal artistic visions and approaches, with their technique further polished through critique, practice and other activities.

–   make use of their knowledge of curatorship, art management, communication skills, art market so as to thrive as art professionals capable of performing multiple roles.

Theories and History with Special Reference to Contemporary Issues

–   have a good grasp of how the latest artistic trends and approaches interact with social development and technologies.

–   explore and make use of resources and possibilities presented by Chinese art and culture, both traditional and contemporary.

–   understand how art forms an integral part of contemporary culture and how art can be approached from a multi-disciplinary and holistic perspective.

 

Fields of Specialization

–   Painting, sculpture, mixed media, photography and installation art etc.

*The Division is not providing studio space for students of this programme.

B. Chinese Art Practice

Studio Art

–   form their personal artistic visions and approaches, with their technique further polished through appreciation, practice and other activities.

–   explore different aspects of Chinese art to seek inspirations and transform the materials into personal creative resources.

–   organize and manage art exhibition and display Chinese artwork professionally.

Theories and History 

–   understand the relationship between the Chinese art history and the creative practice of Chinese painting and calligraphy.

–   analyze the cultural context and development of Chinese art with the help of theories.

–   examine the personal, social and spiritual aspects of Chinese painting and calligraphy in the contemporary context.

 

Fields of Specialization

–   Chinese painting, calligraphy, seal carving and modern ink painting etc.

*The Division is not providing studio space for students of this programme.

 

Curriculum

Students are required to complete a minimum of 27 units of courses and pass the graduation project for graduation, normally within two years (four terms) for this part-time programme.

A. Contemporary Art Practice 

(a) Required courses
FAAS5301 Contemporary Art 3 units
FAAS5302 Chinese Art 3 units
FAAS5304 Creative Workshop (for the first 3 terms) 9 units
FAAS5305 Seminars in Cultural Theory and Criticism 3 units
FAAS5309 Graduation Workshop (for the final term) 6 units
(b) Elective courses* 3 units
Any one course to be chosen from the following –
FAAS5303 Special Topics in Studio Art
FAAS5306 Political Economy of Culture
FAAS5307 Representation, Power and Culture
FAAS5308 Contemporary Issues in Cyberculture
Total: 27 units

B. Chinese Art Practice

(a) Required courses
FAAS5301 Contemporary Art 3 units
FAAS5302 Chinese Art 3 units
FAAS5304 Creative Workshop (for the first 3 terms) 9 units
FAAS5310 Chinese Painting and Calligraphy of the Twentieth Century 3 units
FAAS5309 Graduation Workshop (for the final term) 6 units
(b) Elective courses* 3 units
Any one course to be chosen from the following –
FAAS5103 Theories of Chinese Painting and Calligraphy
FAAS5110 History of Chinese Literati Painting
FAAS5113 History of Chinese Court Painting
FAAS5303 Special Topics in Studio Art
Total: 27 units

*Elective courses may or may not be offered in any given year.

 

Other Graduation Requirements:

–   Students must achieve a minimum cumulative GPA of 2.0.

–   Pass the graduation project which includes submission of an artist statement and holding of graduation exhibition.

–   A student who obtains a cumulative grade point average (GPA) below 2.0 in the preceding term will be put on academic probation. For details, please refer to Graduate School Homepage: http://www.cuhk.edu.hk/gss.

*If a student fails a course, s/he must retake the same course and receive a passing grade in order to complete the degree. A supplementary course fee is applied.

Courses

  • FAAS 5103 3 Units

    Theories of Chinese Painting and Calligraphy

    This course examines in detail the theories of Chinese painting and calligraphy. Major theoretical works will be discussed and analysed to provide students with an understanding of the criteria, views, documentation, and principles of traditional painting and calligraphy. Twentieth-century theories and their associated debates will also be discussed.

  • FAAS 5110 3 Units

    History of Chinese Literati Painting

    The course aims at tracing the development of literati painting with special reference to literati views on painting held by Su Shi and others since the Song dynasty, the styles and influences of leading painters, and the issue of transformation on the basis of the great painting traditions. Topics to be covered include theories of literati painting, personal styles and regional painting schools, perpetuation and reinvention of the traditions, paintings as commodities, and elitist and popular tastes. Students of the course are required to conduct thematic research and submit an essay at the end of the term.

  • FAAS 5113 3 Units

    History of Chinese Court Painting

    This course traces the development of Chinese court painting from the Qin dynasty through the Qing dynasty. Each class will examine the production and transmission of court painting in light of key concepts in the discourse of Chinese art, which include but are not limited to: stylistic and technical features, political implication, imperial painting academy, genres in art, art patronage, and cross-cultural interactions.

  • FAAS 5301 3 Units

    Contemporary Art

    The goal of this course is to explore Western art from approximately 1945 to the mid-1990s and especially the shift from a modernist to a postmodern culture, as well as how artists have endeavored to address a new era characterized by globalization and consumerism. In parallel, this course will also trace the development of Chinese art during the 20th century. Special attention will be paid to Chinese artist’s response to the political turmoil and cultural changes of the last fifty years.

  • FAAS 5302 3 Units

    Chinese Art

    This course aims at providing students with a foundation of Chinese art history which serves as a key source of reference for their artistic creation. Through studying masterpieces of different Chinese artistic traditions, such as painting, calligraphy, religious sculpture, ceramics, lacquer, students will understand the special characteristic and historical development of pre-20th century Chinese art. Special attention will be given to changes in concepts, ways of expression, art techniques and cultural significance of each artistic tradition. Students will be required to conduct thematic research and submit an essay at the end of the term.

  • FAAS 5303 3 Units

    Special Topics in Studio Art

    This course is designed to timely address special issues in visual arts, to provide students with opportunities for in-depth studies with specialists/teachers familiar with current art practices that are normally not covered by our undergraduate curriculum. Topics may include curatorship, art management, cultural policy, public art and/or various studio art workshops or projects.

  • FAAS 5304 3 Units

    Creative Workshop

    This course is designed to help students refine their skills and consolidate their knowledge in artistic creation. Besides artistic development on an indlvidual basis, students will be encouraged to carry out independent research in their chosen medium or topic through seminars and critiques. As and when appropriate, the course will be divided into sections to accommodate the different needs of indlvidual students. (Students are required to register for the course for the first three terms)

  • FAAS 5305 3 Units

    Seminars in Cultural Theory and Criticism

    This course consists in the survey and consideration of the place and displacement of critical practices in the interpretation and evaluation of culture. Theories, paradigms and contemporary debates in anthropology and cultural studies will be examined.

  • FAAS 5306 3 Units

    Political Economy of Culture

    In this course, the production and consumption of culture will be considered with reference to discourses of culture industry and creative economy among other things. Marxian perspectives of ideology and political economy, postindustrial society, postmodernity and perspectives on globalization will also be surveyed.

  • FAAS 5307 3 Units

    Representation, Power and Culture

    This course will examine and mobilize theories of representation and identity politics in response to issues in contemporary art and everyday cultures. Topics include representation and sexual differences, “Otherness”, visuality, documentary paradigm, sound and auditory studies, culture in the public sphere, taste and its meaning, monumentality and utopianism, postcoloniality, etc.

  • FAAS 5308 3 Units

    Contemporary Issues in Cyberculture

    This course surveys philosophical perspectives on technology and their manifestations and addresses critical theories and debates that inform such concepts as information society, virtuality, cyberspace, “cyborgology”, and the posthuman.

  • FAAS 5309 6 Units

    Graduation Workshop

    This course aims at preparing students with necessary skill and tools to understand their own strength and weakness, thus to cope with the challenge of graduation project. Special attention will be given to developing individual beliefs in art, research method and technique, and presentation skill. As and when appropriate, students will also be divided into a few groups and supervised by tutors / specialists of different art practices.

  • FAAS 5310 3 Units

    Chinese Painting and Calligraphy of the Twentieth Century

    This course traces the development of Chinese Painting and calligraphy in the twentieth century. Major topics to be covered include the influence of foreign styles on Chinese painting and the localization of oil painting in the early twentieth century, the impact of politics on Chinese art making since 1949, as well as the new waves after the reform and opening-up of China, exploring in depth the ways of reform and modernization of Chinese painting and calligraphy in the new era. Through the studies on major Chinese artists and their representative works, the course will provide insights into how the political, economic and social changes, different artistic environments, confrontation and exchange of Chinese and foreign cultures affect the artistic creations and ideas of Chinese painters and calligraphers in the past century.

  • CULS 5307 Units

    Visual Arts Administration

    #Co-listing elective courses offered by the MA programme in Cultural Management. CUHK#

    The course aims at providing students with the professional knowledge and technical skills in some of the key areas of visual arts administration, including project planning and actualization, fundraising, marketing, community outreaching, education programming and other training that are essential for the professional operation of various types of visual arts spaces. The course also includes critical reviews of the practices of visual arts management, and explores new possibilities in the creative presentation of cultural programmes.

Admission

Application Requirements

In addition to the general requirements of the Graduate School, applicants should:

– submit a written statement (around 1000 words, written in English / Chinese) explaining the purpose of their application and the focus of their academic / artistic interest.

– submit a portfolio of 10-15 original art works (in a SINGLE pdf file with file size not exceeding 5MB).

– attend an interview if shortlisted.

 

Application Procedure

1. Submit Online Application Form (https://www.gs.cuhk.edu.hk/admissions/programme/arts#ma-in-fine-arts) and upload the following documents:

i. Copies of degree certificates

ii. Copies of transcripts (with grading scheme)

iii. Documents showing the applicant has fulfilled the Graduate School’s English Language Proficiency Requirement

iv. Copies of Online Verification Report of Higher Education Qualification Certificate issued by the CHESICC*

v. Copies of identity card or passport

vi. Confidential Recommendations from TWOreferees (Applicants are required to invite the referees to complete the Confidential Recommendations Report through the Online Application System)

2. Upload the following additional application materials to the Division’s application materials collection platform. The applicants will be contacted individually for the submission details by email before the application deadline.

i. Stream declaration form

ii. A written statement

iii. A portfolio of 10-15 original art works

3. Arrange the following officialdocuments to be sent directly by the university or the test organization to the office of Division of Fine Arts before the application deadline. (Please write the application number, the name of programme applied and name of applicant on the envelope.)

 i. Official Transcripts from the university attended by applicants

ii. Original copy of English proficiency proof# (if needed)

 

*Applicants who obtained degrees from universities in Mainland China are required to provide an Online Verification Report of Higher Education Qualification Certificate (教育部學歷證書電子註冊備案表) issued by the CHESICC (學信網) together with other supporting documents. Please refer to the official website of the CHESICC on the sample of the Online Verification Report of Higher Education Qualification Certificate at https://www.chsi.com.cn/xlcx/bgys.jsp.

For TOFEL / IELTS, only the original valid official score report sent directly from the respective test organization to the Office of the Division of Fine Arts will be accepted. Original examinee’s score report will not be accepted.

Continuing Education Fund (CEF)

Continuing Education Fund (CEF)

 << Applicable to CEF reimbursable courses commenced on or after 1 August 2022 Introduction>>

 

Introduction

Eligible applicants may submit claims for reimbursement of fees up to a maximum sum of HK$25,000. The co-payment ratios by learners (i.e. the percentage of fees to be borne by learners) for the first HK$10,000 subsidy is 20% of the course fee and that for the remaining HK$15,000 subsidy is 40% of the course fee.

For applicants who have opened CEF accounts before 1 August 2022, they are eligible for claiming the additional HK$5,000 subsidy and the unused balance (if any) of the original subsidy of HK$20,000.  The co-payment ratios are same as above.

 

Eligibility

Applicants should be:

  • Hong Kong residents who have the right of abode or the right to land or to remain in Hong Kong without restriction, or holders of one-way permit from the Mainland China. (Application form must be submitted with copies of one-way permit and Hong Kong Identity Card.)
  • Have been admitted into a fee-refundable course and have paid the fees before term starts; and
  • Applicants must be aged 18 or above when the CEF reimbursable course commenced and the application must be submitted within one year upon the successful completion of the course.

 

Our CEF Recognized Courses

Among the courses offered in the M.A. Programme in Fine Arts, the following courses are CEF recognized*:

 

  • Special Topics in Studio Art (FAAS5303) [Applicable to students admitted in 2021-22 and before]
  • Chinese Art (FAAS5302) [Applicable to students admitted in 2022-23 and thereafter]

* The courses have been included in the list of reimbursable courses under the Continuing Education Fund. The mother course (Master of Arts) of this module is recognised under the Qualifications Framework (QF Level 6).

 

When submitting the CEF application form, applicants must provide the following information:

  • Institution Code: 002
  • Institution: The Chinese University of Hong Kong
  • CEF Course Code and Title:
Course code Course title
22Z079223 Special Topics in Studio Art (Module from Master of Arts in Fine Arts)
32Z136865 Chinese Art (Module from Master of Arts in Fine Arts)

 

  • “Fees actually paid” on the application form – The fee for every CEF course is HK$14,000 (admitted in 2021-22); HK$14,555 (admitted in 2022–23).

 

How to Claim Reimbursement

  • Interested applicants should download the appropriate CEF application form [SFO 313 (2022)] from the CEF website, fill out the details and submit to Office of the Fine Arts Division with tuition receipt for verification and sealing after the completion of the course concerned. Our office will issue a Letter of Certification to students who have successfully completed the claimed course and fulfilled the attendance requirement.
  • “Successful completion” of the course means that the claimants must pass the course as well as have at least 80% attendance.
  • Students should then submit the completed application form, the Letter of Certification, together with copies of supporting documents to the CEF Office. A successful applicant may submit unlimited numbers of reimbursement claims for a total subsidy up to $25,000 and, in any event, within one year upon the successful completion of the course concerned. Each claim may include more than one reimbursable course.

 

Enquiries

  • The above information is for reference only. Students should contact the CEF Office for updated information and an application form.
Homepage: http://www.wfsfaa.gov.hk/cef/
Address: Units 07-11, 25/F., CDW Building, 388 Castle Peak Road, Tsuen Wan, Hong Kong
Telephone: 3142-2277
Email: cef_sfo@wfsfaa.gov.hk

Fees and Funding

Tuition fee:

HK$66,500 per annum

FAQ

  • * If there is any inconsistency or ambiguity between the English version and the Chinese version, the English version shall prevail.

  • What are the entry requirements for postgraduate programmes in CUHK?

    For entry requirements set by the CUHK Graduate School, the best source of information is the Graduate School website.

  • When is the application deadline?

    The application is open from November to February every year. For the exact date of any particular year, please refer to the Graduate School website.

  • What is the difference between research postgraduate and taught postgraduate programmes?

    The CUHK’s research programmes focus mainly on research work and require applicants to have sound research background. Students need to submit a thesis, pass the oral defense in order to graduate. As for Taught programmes, in contrast, focus on coursework. These programmes generally do not require students to submit a thesis.

  • What is the difference between Master of Fine Art Program (M.F.A.) and Master of Arts in Fine Arts (Part-time) Programme (M.A. in Fine Arts)?

      M.F.A. M.A. in Fine Arts
    Programme Research Postgraduate Taught Postgraduate
    Study Mode Full Time Part Time
    Study Year 2 2
    Teaching Classroom teaching and thesis research Classroom teaching
    Timetable Flexible

    (It depends on the number of courses which a student takes)

    Twice a week (1 week-day evening and 1 week-end afternoon)
    Tuition Fee (provisional) HKD 42,100.00 (per year) HKD $65,500.00 (per year)
    Graduation Requirement – Submitting a written thesis, in relation to the student’s work of art, supported by the reproductions of his/her original art work. – Holding a graduation exhibition in his/her area of study. – Passing in both the creative project and written thesis. – Passing an oral examination –       Pass in all subjects and graduation project*

    * Graduation project includes an artist statement and a graduation exhibition in respective area of specialization.3

  • I am from a non-English-speaking country. Am I required to present any proof of English proficiency?

    Please see the Graduate School website for details of English Language Proficiency Requirement.

Programme talk & Media Coverage

談中國畫之學習 —— 中大藝術文學碩士(中國藝術)課程講座

主講: 周晉教授(中大藝術系副教授)
主持: 譚偉平教授(課程總監)
提要: 周晉教授將介紹和分析中國畫的傳統風格、形式語言、藝術特色及工具材料等;結合二十世紀以來對中國畫的發展演變及本地水墨畫的觀察研究,提出對當今中國畫於學院式教學的理解和思考。
日期:2022年4月6日(星期三)
語言:廣東話及普通話

講座重溫:影片 (密碼: D$#H$9z4)

 

 

學者聚首探討於中學視藝科教授中國藝術是否可行

日期: 2021年11月11日

媒體: 星島網

香港藝術教育旨在培養美感觸覺和文化意識,然而中國書畫於中學階段的教育中並不常見,除了香港教育局的政策外,藝術教師的專業培訓、香港藝術教育的多元文化發展意向等亦不容忽視。香港中文大學藝術文學碩士課程就相關課題,於10月30日舉辦「在中學視藝科教授中國藝術是否可行?」為題的講座,由中大藝術文學碩士課程總監譚偉平副教授主持,來自教育界的嘉賓,包括梁崇任、陶淑慧、劉瑩及鄧國榮應邀出席,並以不同角度就教學方法、資源、考試制度等方面作出交流分享,冀望與會者從中得到啟發。

全文:教育資訊|學者聚首探討於中學視藝科教授中國藝術是否可行 | 星島日報 (stheadline.com)

 

 

中大藝術文學碩士課程講座:「在中學視藝科教授中國藝術是否可行?」

講座簡介:
香港藝術教育旨在培養美感觸覺和文化意識,然而中國書畫於中學階段的教育中並不常見。除了香港教育局的政策外,藝術教師的專業培訓、香港藝術教育的多元文化發展意向等亦不容忽視。香港中文大學藝術系藉相關課題,將舉辦中大藝術文學碩士課程講座,並以「在中學視藝科教授中國藝術是否可行?」為題,邀請各個領域的嘉賓進行分享。

香港中文大學藝術系主辦

講者:梁崇任、陶淑慧、劉瑩、鄧國榮

主持:譚偉平

日期:2021年10月30日(星期六)

語言:廣東話及普通話

講座重溫:中大藝術 The Art of CUHK 直播影片

 

 

中國書畫川流匯聚 香港傳承多元學習

日期: 2021年10月8日

媒體: 星島網

在香港學習中國書畫的途徑可說種類繁多,從興趣班學習至大學的專業培訓課程,如何理解傳統師徒傳授與學院教學模式之分別?中國書畫門類各有不同之處,應否先學書法而後才學作畫?如何選擇學習工筆花鳥、人物繪畫或是現代水墨等不同畫類?剛好於8月28日中大藝術文學碩士課程舉辦了一場以「當下香港的中國書畫學習」為題的講座,當天邀請了區大為、吳觀麟、周晉和石家豪四位不同背景的資深書畫藝術家出席,各自分享學習中國書畫的不同經歷、學習模式和藝術教學等經驗,讓有興趣的人士能進一步了解本地學習中國書畫的途徑,加深認識藝術學習之路。

全文:教育資訊|香港中文大學藝術系 中國書畫川流匯聚 香港傳承多元學習 | 星島日報 (stheadline.com)

 

 

中大藝術文學碩士課程講座:「當下香港的中國書畫學習」

講座簡介:
中國書畫的學習,既有傳統師徒傳授,也有於學院修讀課程。這次邀請四位求藝經歷不同​的藝術家分享各自中國書畫學習經驗、求藝創作心得,反思香港書畫藝術教育的得失, 探索本地文化生態中更多學習書畫的途徑和可能性。

香港中文大學藝術系主辦

講者:區大為、吳觀麟、石家豪、周晉

主持:譚偉平

日期:2021年8月28日(星期六)

語言:廣東話及普通話

講座重溫:中大藝術 The Art of CUHK 直播影片

 

 

以藝術在亂世修行

日期: 2021年8月10日

媒體: 立場新聞

「這是最好的時代,也是最壞的時代;是充滿希望的春天,也是令人絕望的冬天。」
於驟變的時代,今日唔知聽日事。這兩年來,正常生活看似被瓦解,在未知的前路上,藝術彷似變成一種奢侈。然而,對藝術工作者來說,藝術正正在亂世提供途徑,助我們沉澱雜思,拾回如白紙的自身,重拾提問、思考與創造等能力,從而在世界站穩住腳。

全文:以藝術在亂世修行 | 周回 | 立場新聞 (thestandnews.com)