course structure
Part Time Course structure– based on 2 years

Year 1

Postgraduate Research Methodology, 15 credits

Aim: to develop advanced core research skills.

Given recent developments in art, design, craft and communications research, the module will also address appropriate models of cross-disciplinary research in project-led, practice-led and written research.  It will form the base for the Masters programme written module which follows on from this module in the schedule of studies and will inform Part 1 of the core Personal Project Proposal to be presented at the end of the first period of study.



Personal project Art & Design Part 1, 30 credits

Aim:

To develop and write the Personal Project Proposal and Study/Research Plan for Study Period 1.

To complete the 15 credit Skills & Processes module and the 15 credit Postgraduate Research Methodology module, both of which will underpin the study & research requirements of the Personal Project.

To develop work for the Personal Project, including pursuing practical and theoretical research through workshop or studio practice and through the Skills & Processes module and the Research Methodology module.

This preparatory period of research & development will provide the basis for the written project in Study Period 2.

To assess regularly, through tutorial and critique, the progress of this work, culminating in a presentation at Week 15 of a preliminary, research-supported Proposal for the Personal Project.



Skills and processes, 15 Credits

A multi discipline and skill building module which will enable the student to develop specialist knowledge and skills relevant to their chosen area of study, dependent on the physical resources available in the Faculty.

The processes and skills offered will cover a broad range of processes and topics relevant to Graphics, Illustration and Printmaking.  They will also enhance and broaden the skill base and deepen the student’s understanding of their area of study.



Year 1 & 2

Personal project Art & Design Part 2, 30 credits

Students will engage in research, planning and the writing-up of a final Personal Project proposal and the production of a body of artwork that demonstrates the Proposal’s concerns. They will demonstrate a critical engagement with current debates in the visual arts and cultural sectors, and identify how their Personal Project Proposal and Written Project address selected issues in these fields and how they are complementary to each other.

Written Thesis

This module requires the student to bring together and to identify the subject of research and then to identify appropriate sources to contextualise, with material evidence, the aims and objectives of the Personal Project.  To organise, discriminate and rationalise early research.  Finally to produce a thesis of 6-8,000 words which is the formal exploration of the practical and theoretical context supporting the Personal Project.

This module requires the student to bring together an understanding of the range and applicability of the research methods acquired through the Postgraduate Research Methodology module, and their early experience of using these in the Personal Project initial proposal, into a coherent form, at MA level.


Study Tour Report

A student wishing to select this written option will undertake a research study tour, pre approved by tutors, to an area, which will provide the opportunity for relevant and in-depth research to support the Personal Project. This module takes the form of a Report/Narrative/Digital Report, as negotiated with tutors, at a level appropriate for a Masters award, and contextualises the Study Tour and its relevance to the Personal Project, in particular the student’s unique perspective within the issues relevant to their work. The method of presentation is negotiated with tutors; both Personal Project and HACS.

This module requires the student to bring together an understanding of the range and applicability of the research methods acquired through the Postgraduate Research Methodology module, and their early experience of using these in the Personal Project initial proposal, into a coherent form, at MA level. or

Placement Report, 30 credits

A self-negotiated placement, in consultation with tutors, in an appropriate industrial/commercial/professional environment, that is relevant to the subject area, increasing awareness of Professional Practice and the Personal Project’s relevance to a career/future development path.  Presented and reported on as a 3-5,000 (minimum) word Report. The placement should be a continuous minimum period of 5-10 days, or a part time arrangement over consecutive weeks of at least the same length.

This module requires the student to bring together an understanding of the range and applicability of the research methods acquired through the Postgraduate Research Methodology module, and their early experience of using these in the Personal Project initial proposal, into a coherent form, at MA level

Semester 2

Personal project Art & Design Part Completion, 60 credits

This module requires students to bring together an understanding of the range and applicability of Research Methods acquired through the Study Period 1 Research Methodology module, and the early experience of using these in Personal Project Parts 1 & 2, into a coherent practical form at MA level. It brings to the highest possible level of resolution the practical workshop/studio based research and development encompassed by the student’s final Personal Project, supported and contextualised by the written module.