Pre-Master's Art & Design

Pre-Master's Art & Design is ideal for...
International students who want to prepare for study in Art & Design at Master's level in the UK. 

A wide range of disciplines can be studied and an interdisciplinary approach supports students with a range of different qualifications and previous experience.

• Prepare for postgraduate study in the UK
• initiate a change of discipline after BA and before MA, e.g. changing from Fine Art to Communication Design or Product Design to Interior Design
• develop and refresh research and study skills
• develop and refresh technical and ICT skills
• sharpen an awareness of current thinking/ professional practice
• develop skills for independent learning and critical self evaluation
• refine thinking - recognise potential lines of research
• gain experience and an understanding of UK learning and teaching styles
• improve English language ability.

About the course...

Read more about the Pre-Master's Art and Design programme
Why study Pre-Master's Art and Design with us?
View a sample timetable

It starts in Cambridge

Master's programmes are short, intense learning experiences which demand a high level of independence and a specific set of learning skills. Our Pre-Master’s programme is tailored to suit your artistic discipline e.g. fashion, photography, graphic design or fine art.

It is designed to bridge the gap between ability / experience and an aspiration to study at postgraduate level. Emphasis is placed on encouraging you to become an independent learner, confident within English-speaking educational culture.

What will I study?

Stage One : Diagnostic
This stage enables students to explore and evaluate their existing knowledge base; to evaluate the technical, conceptual and contextual frameworks of their previous research and practice. It will offer an opportunity to debate generic and specific material. Learning activities will promote a questioning approach to research and learning.

Indicative content:

Brief one: presentation: Who am I?
Brief two: Where have I been? Where am I going?

Introduction to reflective practice
Introduction to research and study skills
Introduction to the critical context of contemporary practice

Individual tutorials/ workshop inductions/ seminars/ peer presentations

Stage Two: Reflective
This stage encourages students to reflect upon previous learning experiences and to recognise potential lines of future research. Students will be supported in the refining of thinking and the development of scholarly activity; peer learning is encouraged to support the making of a Development Plan. Learning activities will provide a focus for reflection and development.

Indicative content:

Brief three: presentation: What do I know?
Brief four: presentation: What do I need to know?
Brief five: personal statement (manifestos)

Research and practice (refine thinking – recognise potential lines of research)
The critical context of contemporary practice
Targeting Masters programmes

Individual tutorials/ specialist area studio practice/ seminars/ peer presentations

Stage Three : Active
This stage asks students to act upon a Development Plan; to justify approaches and methodology in relation to negotiated learning objectives. Students will produce evidence of scholarly activity and research. Learning activities will promote individual practice and research. It is anticipated that work undertaken during this period will form the platform for research/study on a Masters Programme.

Indicative content:

Brief six: Action Plan: How do I move forward?
Brief seven: Action Plan: How do I achieve my goals?
Brief eight: Final major project with critical appraisal

Independent learning and advanced scholarly activity
Employing Personal Development Plans
Establishing new working practices

Individual tutorials/ specialist area studio practice/ seminars/ peer presentations

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Learn from a team of inspiring artists and designers

"My tutors and my time in Cambridge have really molded my work and I appreciate every minute and second of effort they have put into developing and motivating me." - Michelle Ng, past student

Our approach to creative learning is unique, highly personalised and guaranteed to ensure you meet your full potential.

Our tutors are all professional artists, designers and practitioners including a pattern cutter for Yves Saint Laurent, Artist in Residence at Christ’s College Cambridge and an Award-Winning sculptor in metals.

Encompassing a wide range of skills and talents, our tutors all share a passion for the creative arts, a dedication to sharing their knowledge and skills with their students and a unique ability to uncover your individual talents.

Enjoy world-class facilities

"The facilities here are brilliant compared to other centres and universities. You have your own Mac - no waiting, no restrictions, no pressure - you get your own space. With this space I have freedom. I can express myself." - Yuki Lam, current student

CSVPA is open seven days a week, twelve hours a day, providing a state-of-the art learning environment and individual work space for every student.

Built over three floors, the Campus includes Mac computer suites, fashion studios, sewing machine and dye rooms, woodwork, metalwork, photography and fine art studios.

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Sample timetable

The following provides an indication of a typical week on the Pre-Master's programme.

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