Postgraduate Study

Philosophy

The distinctive characteristic of the MA course is that it provides students with the challenging task of engaging with the subject disciplines in order to define their individual approach to their practice. It is the opportunity for students to build on their achievements and to study at an advanced level. Students deepen their knowledge and their ability to focus on their chosen field in relation to the key aspects that inform it. Students from all pathways study together creating the potential for innovation and collaboration about ideas and research methods. The particular expertise and range of subject disciplines at the University College will encourage a high level of creative thinking and original output. The course is set within the context of staff’s individual and collaborative research and resources provided by text+work and the Museum of Design in Plastics.

 

The course recognises the symbiotic relationship between practice and research and there is an expectation that students will critically position their practice within it. We value research because it is an intellectually engaging, evaluative, referential and substantial component of M-level study. Research is understood in a broad sense. This implies that there are a number of routes to undertaking research and does not imply information gathering; rather it insists upon the investigation of critical analysis leading to judgements. For example: visual enquiry, exhibition review, the recognition and comparison of theoretical frameworks, exploration of materials, meanings and alternate forms are all considered valuable approaches to research. Students undertake activities that are inspired by contextual research within appropriate theoretical frameworks.

 

Full-time Study – 1 year (October 2010 – September 2011)

Part-time Study - 2 years (October 2010 – September 2012)

This is a taught MA based upon individuals’ project proposals.