The Master of Fine Art programme is accredited by the University of Galway.

They renovated a Norman tower house, called Newtown Castle, and its grounds.

Buildings were added over time, including a new graduate studio and the largest gallery space in County Clare.

– Eimear McKeith, Circa MagazineThe college hosted summer classes and study abroad students from the US.

In 2007 Circa Art Magazine described the college as a "high-standard, third-level art education cheek by jowl with Clare’s grykes and clints".