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Art and Design (Part-time) (MA)

Swansea
2 Years Part-time

This postgraduate course in Art and Design, available with a part-time study option, is crafted for both current Art and Design professionals and graduates from related disciplines looking to advance their skills and careers. Providing flexibility for students who wish to balance their studies with professional or personal commitments, the programme combines taught modules and independent research work to offer a supportive learning experience that deepens creative practice and opens up new opportunities within professional environments.

For those already employed in the sector, this course is an ideal way to upskill. Through a balance of hands-on learning and critical thinking, students explore contemporary trends and concepts relevant to their work, helping them develop an advanced conceptual understanding in their chosen field. Specialist tutorswork closely with students, offering guidance as they refine their practice and research abilities, preparing them to exhibit their work or engage in industry-related projects.

Interdisciplinary in nature, this Master’s allows students to engage with multiple fields within Art and Design, encouraging a rich cross-pollination of ideas and techniques. This approach is valuable not only for personal growth but also for enhancing professional skills, as it aligns with the contemporary demands of Art and Design industries. Additionally, students are given the chance to produce and showcase their work in a range of professional environments, including exhibitions that may serve as gateways to future employment or collaboration opportunities.

Graduates from this programme are well-prepared for careers in Art and Design education, benefitting from professional training tailored to those looking to teach or mentor future artists and designers. Whether aiming for employment preparation in teaching roles or direct creative practice, students graduate with the tools needed to make impactful contributions in the Art and Design field.

This programme encourages independent thinking and practical exploration, helping you navigate diverse professional environments confidently. You will receive support in developing both technical and conceptual skills, which are essential for long-term success in contemporary Art and Design. This Master’s programme is ideal for those seeking to advance their careers, expand their knowledge, and make meaningful connections within a vibrant, creative community.

Course details

Start date:
Study modes:
  • Part-time
Language:
  • English
Course length:
2 Years Part-time

Why choose this course?

01
This programme aims to address the demand for qualified Art and Design professionals in countries or regions with emerging economies such as China, Malaysia, Philippines, Vietnam, Thailand, Morocco or the Middle East.
02
Our focus on training self-reflective Art and Design teaching practitioners has prompted the inclusion of content relating to policies, quality frameworks and professional values across all modules.
03
This concern with key aspects of professional practice reinforces the fact that the aim of the programme is to develop highly skilled educational practitioners who also have the knowledge, analytical and research skills of successful Doctorate graduates.
04
Help run international future looking events such as our AI festival called Metadisruption – AI International Art & Design Festival, as well as our film festival called Copper Dragon International Film festival.
05
Participate in our Residuum Art & Design Exhibition and our Residuum International Research Conference and contribute to our Meta Journal.
06
Engage in classroom activities that use immersive technologies to help you think differently and provide a different learning experience.

What you will learn

Our Art and Design programme is committed to fostering creativity and critical thinking through an engaging and supportive learning environment. We prioritise hands-on experience and interdisciplinary approaches, ensuring that you develop the skills necessary to thrive in the ever-evolving creative landscape.

You will focus on refining your creative practice through a series of taught modules and independent research projects. Exploring contemporary issues in art and design, you will develop technical skills across various mediums. This experience encourages collaboration with peers and specialist tutors, helping you establish a clear direction for your artistic journey.

Your understanding of conceptual frameworks will deepen as you enhance your interdisciplinary approach to projects. Engaging in advanced research methods and critical analysis prepares you for real-world challenges. Opportunities to exhibit your work will further enrich your learning experience.

Approaches to Art & Design Research and Academic Communication

(30 credits)

Art & Design Practitioner Research Proposal

(30 credits)

Qualitative Research Methods within the Creative Industries

(30 credits)

Professional Discourses

(30 credits)

Confirmative Praxis

(60 credits)

Disclaimer

  • We listen to student feedback and insights from industry and from professionals to ensure that course content is high-quality and up-to-date, and that it offers the best possible preparation for your future career or study goals. 

    For this reason, there might be modifications to the content of your course over time, to keep up to date with changes in the subject area or in the sector. If a module is no longer running, we’ll make sure to keep you informed, and work with you to choose a different suitable module.

Ratings and Rankings

Staff

Our People

You will be taught and supported by a wide range of professional staff and teams here to help you get the university experience you are looking for. Our teaching staff were ranked 2nd in Wales for Teaching, Assessment and Feedback and Academic Support (NSS 2024) meaning that the support and feedback you get will help you learn and develop strong academic skills. Our students have placed us 1st in Wales for Learning Opportunities and Student Voice (NSS 2024) meaning that there are a wide range of opportunities available to enhance your studies and that students play an active role in shaping their learning experiences. Our commitment to your learning has seen our students place us as 1st in Wales and joint 3rd in the UK for student satisfaction (Times Higher Education, 2024, ‘Overall Positivity’ measure). Find out more about our academic staff who teach across our courses. 

Accommodation

Further information

  • We require an undergraduate degree of no lower than 2.2. The subject areas are broad and not restricted to only art and design students. So, if you are from a humanities or social science background, please email us to discuss. As such, we focus on the candidate’s professional and academic aims and goals. All students are invited to discuss their individual experiences with us.

  • The programme’s assessment strategy consists of formative and summative assessments. Likewise, self-reflexivity as a professional attitude is expected of each graduate of this programme and will be embedded and practised though specific assignments in all modules.

    Module assessment is designed to prepare students for the task of submitting a substantial research thesis as part of their Part 2 research portfolio. Some modules therefore use a standard assessment pattern consisting of one or two longer essays and a presentation.

    In some modules, however, student progress is assessed by using the portfolio format. The portfolio offers greater flexibility in the assessment of professionally focused skills, both collaborative and personalised, than the standard essay/presentation format.

  • Access to your own digital device/the appropriate IT kit will be essential during your time studying at ºÚÁϳԹÏÍø. Access to wifi in your accommodation will also be essential to allow you to fully engage with your programme. See our dedicated webpages for further guidance on suitable devices to purchase, and for a full guide on getting your device set up.

    You may face additional costs while at university, including (but not limited to):

    • Travel to and from campus
    • Printing, photocopying, binding, stationery and equipment costs (e.g. USB sticks)
    • Purchase of books or texts
    • Gowns for graduation ceremonies
  • You may be eligible for funding to help support your study. To find out about scholarships, bursaries and other funding opportunities that are available, please visit our Bursaries and Scholarships section.

  • Given the nature of our transdisciplinary course, on graduation, the opportunities are varied, including the following:

    • Teaching/lecturing/Training
    • Art festival/event management
    • Professional practice in the fields of art, design, and creative industries
    • Researcher
    • Management

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