Art & Design Master's Qualifying Programme

What is the Master's Qualifying Programme?

This programme is designed to suit the needs of international students who wish to prepare for study at Master’s level in the UK.

It is designed to bridge the gap between ability / experience and an aspiration to study at postgraduate level. Emphasis is placed on encouraging students to become independent learners, confident within English-speaking educational culture. Find out more about the course content below.

The programme is ideal for international students who wish to:

• progress to Master’s level in the same subject as their first Degree
• initiate a change of discipline after BA and before MA, eg, changing from Product Design to Interior Design, or from Fine Art to Graphic Design
• develop and refresh research and study skills, technical and ICT skills
• get up-to-date on current thinking / professional practice
• develop skills for independent learning
• gain an understanding of UK learning and teaching styles
• improve English language ability.

Programme structure

Term One: Diagnostic
Term one is diagnostic, a period where students identify personal strengths and weaknesses in relation to study and practice. The term will cover the following areas:

• Workshop inductions / rotations
• Brief one (presentation): Who am I?
• Brief two (essay): Where have I been? Where am I going?
• Seminars / peer presentations
• Introduction to reflective practice
• Introduction to research and study skills
• Introduction to the critical context of contemporary practice
• Individual tutorials

Term Two: Reflective
Term two supports the development of a personal development plan. The term will cover:

• Brief three (presentation): What do I know?
• Brief four (presentation): What do I need to know?
• Brief five: personal statement (manifestos)
• Specialist area studio practice
• Seminars/ peer presentations
• Research and practice
• Critical context of contemporary practice
• Target Master's programmes
• Individual tutorials

Term Three: Active
Term three puts the agreed personal development plan into action. During this term you will complete the following:

• Brief six: 4 week Action Plan: How do I move forward?
• Brief seven: 4 week Action Plan: How do I achieve my goals?
• Brief eight: Final major project with critical appraisal
• Specialist area studio practice
• Seminars / peer presentations
• Personal Development Plans
• Establishing new working practices
• Critical context of contemporary practice
• Individual tutorials

Example weekly schedule

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