Art & Design 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.

Master's programmes are short, intense learning experiences which demand a high level of independence and a specific set of learning skills. The course is tailored to suit your artistic discipline, eg, 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 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.

Entry Points

One Term Programme: April Entry
Suitable for individuals who:

• have an IELTS score (or equivalent) of 6.5
• wish to renew an understanding of reflective practice
• are in need of little studio practice and portfolio development
• qualified at BA with a 2.1 or 1.0
• wish to improve independent learning and study skills
• are preparing for interview at a target university
• are looking for a condensed orientation experience

Two Term Programme: January Entry
Suitable for individuals who:

• have an IELTS score (or equivalent) of 6.0
• are looking for a period of reflection and critical activity prior to MA
• are looking for some studio practice and portfolio development
• qualified at BA with a 2.1 or 1.0
• wish to develop independent learning and study skills
• are looking for assistance in making an application to university
• are looking for a comprehensive orientation experience

Three Term Programme: September Entry
Suitable for individuals who:

• have an IELTS score (or equivalent) of 5.5
• are moving from one discipline to another
• are in need of studio practice and portfolio development
• are looking for an extended period of reflection and critical activity  prior to MA
• wish to develop independent learning and study skills
• qualified at BA with a 2.2
• have been out of Higher Education for an extended period of time
• are looking for full assistance in making an application to university
• are looking for an extensive orientation experience

Programme Structure 

Tuition is offered through a range of workshops and subject rotations, seminars and peer presentations, individual tutorials ansd studio practice for specialist areas. Students are trained in research and study skills, developing new working practices and critical examination of contemporary practice. Staff and students create a Personal Deveopment Plan at the start of the programme. Working closely with specialist teaching and Higher Education staff, students will be fully supported in applications for Master's programmes.
 

Assessment

Students are assessed at the end oif each term and at the end of each project, through a variety of methods including peer presentation, project work, research folder, an essay, written critical appraisal, tutorial review, final exhibition and portfolio.

Example weekly schedule

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