Structure
Course Structure
We offer a theoretically led, seminar and research based course, which has core and optional modules. The core modules will enable you to develop your individual area of research and enquiry, and the option modules will enable you to reflect critically on the theories and contexts appropriate to your individual area of study. The taught option modules are delivered in the evenings across the week in both the postgraduate certificate stage.
Individual study is central to the course which can be determined through art and design disciplines: painting, sculpture, print, photography, graphic design, illustration, product design, advertising, installation, performance, film and video as well as digital media and web-based work. While your work may be discipline-specific, you will be encouraged to consider the full range of material offered in the Arts Based Masters programme. You will be expected to complete extended essays based for the core modules and option modules chosen and this will help extend your range of research in relation to contemporary culture and current debate. The final Master’s stage submission is a 10,000 – 12,000 word dissertation or equivalent presentation
You will have the opportunity to both enhance your existing skills and acquire new skills throughout the course. Students are encouraged to visit exhibitions and events regularly, and our regional, national and periodic international study visits will provide inspiration, while the extensive programme of professional practice lectures and seminars, delivered by visiting artists, curators and writers will enable you to learn from some of the best in the field. Our academic members of staff are all research active and are available for advice and guidance.
You will leave the course with an appreciation of research methods and techniques appropriate to art and design history agendas, as well as the professional knowledge that is required to practice in the field. Learning is predominately through lectures and seminars with opportunities to use multimedia and technology as and when appropriate
You’ll be supported by our team of permanent staff and visiting lecturers who between them provide a wide subject expertise. All are actively engaged in research and several are recognised experts in their field. The programme is delivered mainly by seminars, with assessment being based on coursework. There are no formal examinations.
The programme comprises Postgraduate Certificate, Diploma, and MA stages. In the final MA Dissertation stage you are required to write a Dissertation (10,000-12,000words) or equivalent body of work
Tutorials will encourage your individual development and incorporate Personal Development Planning (PDP), a structured system helping you to plan your own progress through the course. Your learning will be enhanced by opportunities for study visits to galleries and museums. There are strong links with local museums and art galleries whose staff contribute to the course. Optional placements can usually be arranged to provide experience and a greater understanding of professional practice in the field.
Modules
Core Modules:
Discourses in Art and Design (30 credits)
This module aims to broadly examine the development of key concepts in Western art and design from mid 19th Century. Through a series of lectures chronologically arranged themes are introduced. To this end subject matter is selected for the value it has in providing opportunities for analysis, interpretation and contextualisation. The following topics are indicative: concepts and methodologies, identity and representation, contexts of production and reception, class and gender identity in Art and Design.
Changing Paradigms in the History of Art and Design (30 credits)
The module aims to convey ways in which the ideologies of the history of art and design are constructed through a range of perspectives. Emphasis will focus on a succession of analytical methods including social contextualisation, theories of representation. Students will examine the cultural politics that have contributed to the framing of knowledge in these disciplines and will meet with key theoretical models used for deconstructing this knowledge.
Research in Practice (15/30 credits)
The module is designed to allow students to build into their research elements of professional engagement. Students are encouraged to develop industry contacts in their chosen field as part of a professional practice. This engagement with the ‘real world’ will result in a research portfolio and will be supplemented by regular talks from visiting experts from a range of backgrounds. Additionally a lecture and tutorial programme provides you with practical advice and skills for employment/self employment.
Final Dissertation (60 credits)
This module is self-directed with tutorial support and allows you to develop, synthesise and resolve your individual dissertation in view of the theoretical and/ or contextual research undertaken in Stages 1 and 2 of the course. It will enable you to reflect upon, question and review your area of study/ dissertation in relationship to debates concerned with art and design .Where appropriate this is supported by professional practice seminars and where relevant there is an opportunity to build on any skills acquired earlier in the course.
Option Modules (15 credits):
The option modules will enable you to reflect critically on the theories and contexts appropriate to your individual art practice. The taught option modules are delivered in the evenings across the week in both the postgraduate certificate stage.
Students are given a wide choice of modules that cover the range of expertise across the School and can choose up to 3 ‘option’ modules to take over the course of the PG Certificate and PG diploma stages of the course. The subjects range from ‘Art in the Public Realm’ to ‘Strategic Marketing in the Arts’ and are delivered by experts in their field. The option module Perspectives on Art as a Global Human Activity will examine art as a global human activity and phenomenon through the study of a variety of regionally/ culturally specific areas of practice.
This is a unique feature of the School of Art and has been designed to offer a student a rich and enhanced programme of study. Staff are available to help a student decide which options may be the most useful for their creative development.
Tutorials will encourage individual development and incorporate Personal Development Planning (PDP), a structured system helping students to plan their own progress through the course. Learning will be enhanced by opportunities for study visits to galleries and museums as well as a visiting lecture programme.