Course Summary

This course is open to applicants from a range of art and design disciplines and practices. It provides a distinctive learning experience with an emphasis on both theory and practice, with the aim of questioning previous practice in order to help students develop and establish a robust and focused approach to their work. The course draws on a strong art and design research culture, balanced by a focus on the actual production of art works and design.

You will be encouraged to consider the nature of your creative practice, as well as the ideas and issues that concern you as an artist or designer. We would expect you to be an independent and creative thinker and, with tutorial support, develop a practice that best suits your creative intentions.

Through studio practice, seminars, research and critical writing, you will engage in a contemporary art and design discourse and locate your work in a cultural and critical context, whilst establishing your practice at a professional level. You will need to be able to draw on expertise in critical theory and visual culture, graphic design and illustration, interior design and interior architecture, fine art, photography, video art, fashion, animation and motion graphics.

Why choose this course?

The course is primarily aimed at students who wish to establish their artistic and creative practice at a professional level, working as independent artists and designers. You will be encouraged to take advantage of exhibition and competition opportuntities.

During this course you will:

• Have the flexibility to develop practical art and design skills across a range of art and design disciplines
• Experience a unique multi-disciplinary course offering the opportunity to engage in a range of creative practices and critical ideas
• Benefit from your own studio space with access to excellent facilities including printmaking, computers, video and photography, and materials workshops
• Experience a teaching and learning strategy that is aimed at giving a robust focus to your artistic or design practice
• Benefit from one-to-one contact with staff with an emphasis on your personal creative development
• Benefit from strong links with the Research Institute of Media, Art and Design

Areas of study you may cover on this course include:

• Contemporary issues in art and design
• Visual culture and critical theory
• Studio practice as research
• Professional studio practice

We strive to deliver the most exciting art and design courses in HE with a number of new and innovative ideas. We also run an Art & Design blog with the latest news and events, you can find that here: wecreatetogether.net

Colin Davies, Head of Art and Division

MAXAD

Assessment

Assessment is conceived to emanate naturally from the teaching and learning and as such is an intrinsic part of the learning experience. You should, provided you have engaged in the course, be able to meet the demands of formal summative assessment in your stride. The requirements for assessment range through the types listed below.

Since self-directed practical projects are at the heart of learning activities they will logically be the subject of assessment. Formative and summative assessments of practical assignments are seen as an important method of ensuring your understanding, developing relevant cognitive and practical skills and of ensuring personal creative development and progress.

Continuous appraisal by both peer review and your tutors is a feature of the course and although there are no end-point examinations, summative assessment is carried out in relation the work that you produce as part of the course. This will predominantly be based on an accumulation of the work that is done as a result of a research enquiry that is initiated and developed by you engaging in a range of activities as part of its production.

Educational Aims

The course aims for MA Art and Design are:

• To extend your understanding and knowledge of contemporary art and design practice and critical theory with an emphasis on developing a focus for your creative practice through analysis, synthesis and reflection


• To enable you to integrate the learning experience from the taught and self directed aspects of studio-based projects with research from your own specialist art or design discipline


• To engage you in advanced practices, supported by a relevant contemporary critical and theoretical dimension involving the application of critical analysis of your creative practices so that you are able to become a critically autonomous creative practitioner of art or design


• To support you in planning and following through a complex project from inception to presentation involving advanced creative and/or technical solutions, research and practice that can demonstrate a masters-level focus in independent creative thought


• To develop an advanced understanding of current artistic or design practice and help you align your own practice as an artist or designer to current developments


• To apply research methods derived from creative practice to explore new ideas emerging from your work in art and/or design


• To encourage you to attempt an original contribution to your area of practice

Student support

The course will encourage you to work and learn independently, however this will be based on academic tutorial support and supervision throughout the course.

At the beginning of the course you will take part in induction activities offered by the Division of Art and Design. During the first two weeks of your course there will also be a more specialised induction, which will introduce you to the teaching and learning strategy for the MA Art and Design course. It will also familiarise you with the study support and resources for the course.

Your course tutor will provide you with guidelines about your course and will advise you on specific subjects and assessment issues. In your final term you will undertake a self-determined major project, during which you will be supervised to ensure that you are meeting the objectives of your project.

The role of the Course Tutor is to ensure that issues of concern are identified at an early stage, and to assist you in the event of difficulties. If you are deemed at risk of failing, your course tutor can ensure that you receive appropriate advice and guidance.

Because of the self directed nature of much of the learning on the course you will be advised to maintain regular contact with your allocated tutor. You will be encouraged to take advantage of the staff expertise within the Division of Art and Design and you will be able to book appointments with staff as you need particular advice. There are close links between the Masters course and the Research Institute for Media Art and Design so it will be possible for you to meet with other academic staff with expertise outside of art and design and discuss aspects of your work and academic and personal development.

You can book time with staff during staff office sessions, which are posted on the doors of academic staff offices.

The Course Tutor also offers both academic advice and advice about professional practice and you have access to advisory sessions with the Field Administrator for the Postgraduate Field of Media, Art and Design.

The Subject Librarian at the University of Bedfordshire will be able to assist you with any queries you may have about access to learning resources.

The University Student Centre is able to offer advice and support for your learning as well as in personal or financial matters. The Student Union also provides advice and support for students.

The Universitys virtual learning environment, BREO (Bedfordshire Resources for Learning Online) is used by staff to communicate with students. Each learning unit has its own site and through this, you will be able to access course materials, announcements etc, which are uploaded by staff.

The University recognises the Disability Discrimination Act and students with disabilities can register them through specialist advisers in the Student Centre.

Students who experience learning difficulties such as dyslexia will be able seek support through the Student Centre, which liaises with the subject areas to provide additional support.

Team working

Most units include group work of some kind. Team working skills are developed through some group project work incorporated within both the practice and theory units. Much of the teaching and learning involves group discussion and the group crit is a significant feature of the learning experience and you will be expected to participate and contribute to this effectively.

Career Management Skills

Careers development is integrated into the course and the course seeks to provide you with an awareness of the real world context of the creative industries in general and your specific art and design practice. You will be helped to develop a strategy for obtaining appropriate employment at the end of your course.

Professional practice will be emphasised as part of all learning units.

Career/Further study opportunities

Career:

Whilst this award is principally conceived as the means by which you might embark on a career as a practising artist or designer it also provides you with knowledge, skills and expertise that is highly transferable within the creative industries. As you will be used to thinking and working creatively and critically with a keen sensitivity for visual communication, employment in the galleries and museums sector, public or community arts participation or arts education is also an option.

Further study:

Following the masters course, you may wish to register for MPhil/PhD

Entry

Normally an honours degree in Art and/or Design (or appropriate academic or professional equivalent). Applicants should also be able to show evidence of recent art or design work.

EC or overseas candidates with evidence of successful completion of an equivalent higher education course in Art and / or Design will be considered for entry.

Additional:

Applicants will be expected to submit a statement of intent together with no more than 25 images included In either a Powerpoint presentation or in a PDF document. They will be expected attend a portfolio interview.

UK students Undergraduate entry requirements

Standard entry requirements for Foundation degrees (FD/FdSc)

A foundation degree will be of particular interest if you have completed a Modern Apprenticeship, vocational A levels, BTEC National or equivalent.

Foundation degrees are also particularly suitable if you want to qualify while working.

• As a guideline, a typical offer would require you to obtain a UCAS tariff score of between 80-120 points, based on your level 3 studies.

Many students studying for foundation degrees come to us through work-based routes so you can apply for a foundation degree even if you don’t have traditional academic qualifications.

We welcome applicants with relevant work experience.

Standard entry requirements for Undergraduate degrees (BA/BSc)

We will consider you as an individual and take into account all elements of your application, not just your qualifications. We are looking for both breadth and depth in your current studies as well as enthusiasm for the subject you wish to study.

The general requirement is one of the following:

• UCAS Tariff Score greater than 200, which should include either two A level passes or an AVCE Double Award
• An Access qualification
• Equivalent qualifications such as Irish Leaving Certificate, Scottish Highers, International Baccalaureate or BTEC National Diploma

Students from the European Union

Entry requirements

As a general guide, to apply for a place on an undergraduate course (BA/BSc) at the University you need to have completed your high school education and have the required English qualification.

We have students from all the European Union member countries so we are quick to make decisions on most qualifications.

How to apply

International students

• Undergraduate applications (BA/BSc) can be made direct to the University or via our representatives in your home country. If you intend to apply to more than one university in the UK you should apply via UCAS. If you want to apply to the University of Bedfordshire only you should apply directly using our international application form (link below) or via our representatives in your home country
• Postgraduate applications should be made directly to the University using our international application form (link below) or via our representatives in your home country
• Healthcare, nursing and midwifery students Many of these courses are not available to overseas students due to UK immigration law in regard to bursary funding. Please contact international admissions to find out if you are eligible to apply
• BA Nursing Studies Level 3 (with or without Overseas Nursing Programme) is available to overseas students - please contact International Admissions by email at international-admissions@beds.ac.uk for further information

(Please note that applicants on a full student visa are not eligible for part-time study)

Course application form for international students

We recommend that you apply directly to the University where possible, as this allows us to offer the quickest turnaround time for your application.

• Course application form for direct applications [PDF]

How to complete your course application

Please read the Direct application instructions before completing the course application form.

Application forms for accommodation in the student halls at Bedford campus and Luton campus are available in the Student life section

Accreditation of prior certificated learning (APL)

APL is available for international students applying for undergraduate (Bachelor degree) study. Please do not use this APL form to apply for postgraduate courses.

Use the APL form to tell us about any non-standard qualifications and/or work experience you have that you think should be taken into consideration with your application. `

The APL form should be submitted at the same time as the course application form.

We regret we are unable to process APL forms from students who have not submitted a formal course application form.

• APL application form for International students [100Kb] updated 041007

What next?

Return your completed application to:

University of Bedfordshire
International Admissions
Park Square
Luton
Bedfordshire
LU1 3JU
United Kingdom

Contact International Admissions

T: +44 (0)1582 489326 (non-EU Students)
F: +44 (0)1582 743469
E: international-admissions@beds.ac.uk

Awarding institution

University of Bedfordshire

Professional, Statuatory and Regulatory Body Accreditation

N/A

Students with disabilities

The Division of Art and Design recognises that a relatively high proportion of art and design students encounter difficulties with dyslexia, and special arrangements are in place to offer flexibility and learning support in the preparation and submission of written work.

Students with visual impairment may encounter difficulties with aspects of the course, and there would be a need for prior assessment of requirements and capabilities for this type of student.

The philosophy of the Division is to support and facilitate all students regardless of disability in their chosen field of study whenever practicable.

There is wheelchair access to all art and design facilities.

Skills Development

Communication:

To help with the development of this you will be involved with oral communication that will be practised and tested in presentations and individual critiques. Written and verbal communication skills will be developed and assessed as part of the contemporary issues units. You will be asked to produce work of different lengths and formats that should be properly referenced. Visual and verbal communication skills will be taught through all the studio practice units.

You will assess the quality of your own oral and visual communication and identify areas for improvement and deliver written or presentation assignments which succeed in communicating a series of points effectively.

Information Literacy:

To help with the development of this you will be able to use of a range of computer software, which will be available to you. Whilst these are not taught as part of the course you will be expected to practice the application of specific software that may be relevant to your own practice thus acquiring skills as you do. Technical support will be available to help you. You will use information technology skills for generic purposes such as research and data analysis and presentation as it becomes relevant to your research associated with the contemporary issues units and you will be able to complete a complex search using appropriate primary and secondary sources, and draw accurate conclusions independently using the subject methodology. Searching for and evaluating internet sources will be part of the research methods that you will be using and you will analyse the information found using appropriate techniques. You will be introduced to the services of the Learning Resources Centre where specialist staff will be able to offer support as needed.

Research and Evaluation:

The development of your own creative practice is at the heart of the course and you will develop practice based research methods that will give robustness to your practice as well as help you to direct it. To help with the development of this you will have to decide on action plans and implement these effectively in order to complete work. You will have to clearly identify criteria for success and evaluate your own performance against those criteria.

Group discussion in seminars is key to the development of a critical understanding of your practice and relevant contexts for it. Working individually, you have to set your own tasks to achieve your research goals, drawing on previous learning experience to achieve creative solutions to common problems.

Creativity and Critical Thinking:

Your learning will be largely self-directed and determined by your creative interests, issues, contexts and locations and forms of articulation and dissemination that are most apposite for your practice. At the heart of your practice will be the development and articulation of solutions to visual or design problems or of responses to issues associated with your chosen art and design discipline. An essential feature of the contemporary issues strand of the course will be to help you to relate your practice to theoretical and critical ideas and to help you to construct relevant contexts for your work. This will provide you with a framework and means to reflect on your practice. You will be required to maintain a contextual/reflective journal, the purpose of which is to monitor and reflect on your own learning. It will ultimately inform the rationale for your final major project.

You will be encouraged to become self-reliant and you will have to decide on action plans and implement these effectively in order to complete work. You will produce creative and realistic solutions to complex problems that will include time management, monitoring your progress in working to deadlines. You will have to identify clearly criteria for success and evaluate your own performance against those criteria. The importance of action plans, strategies and success criteria will be measured for both individual work and group work.

Improving learning and performance

Throughout the course you will be involved with reflective practice, which will require you to maintain a contextual/reflective studio journal, the purpose of which is to document your research and the unfolding context for your work. The studio journal will be key in acting as an aid in focusing research and improving your performance. Through records that you keep about the development of your work and from feedback you will receive from your tutors, you will be able to maintain a personal profile that monitors your progress and you will be able to evaluate your own individual effectiveness in achieving your aims. Working individually, you will have to set your own tasks to achieve your research goals, drawing on previous learning experience to achieve creative solutions to problems and to develop creative ideas. You may work in groups and you need to be able to measure your own performance in relation to the group.

Progress files

For the purpose of documenting personal progress, you will be expected to maintain a contextual/reflective studio journal throughout the duration of the course. The documentation will include a record of assessment feedback, personal reflection on and evaluation of the way in which you have developed a working proposal and a strategy for its realisation. You will be expected to reflect on and evaluate each stage of your learning and this will be used as part of some summative assessments as well as the basis for discussion about progress and the mapping of courses of action. During the early stages of the course you will engage in an evaluation of your current position together with an audit of your personal skills.

Professional standards

The essential aims of the course are to develop your professionalism and to enhance your potential for employment within specific sectors of the creative industries or for self-employment. To this end the course will aim to promote professional attitudes and behaviour as well as to provide specific insights into professional ways of working. Your engagement in the course should reflect professional standards and failing to do so may affect assessments outcomes.

Professional standards include:

• Expectations of punctuality, regular attendance, contactability and reliability


• Appropriate means of interpersonal behaviour, address, communication and presentation skills


• Personal organisation that will include being able to draw on and put to use experience, learned attitudes and skills


• Maintaining the fitness to practice and having an understanding of the Criminal Records Bureau, especially in circumstances where you may wish ultimately to work with young people


• The creative industries are competitive and by their nature can have their own specific ways of working, they often demand that its professionals are able to work to tight schedules and rapid turnaround. The course will make students aware of these demands and seek to inculcate an attitude of effective, prompt and reliable working


• The creative industries are frequently involved with such things as communication, branding, the promotion of identities and sometimes there is necessarily a need to deal with contentious issues and material as well as a need to take creative risks. It is therefore essential that students acquire an awareness of good and ethical practices, which avoid negative discrimination and exploitation


• Team working and the evaluation of outcomes

Strategy for developing and embedding the professional standards

Since the purpose of the course is essentially aimed at helping you to perform at a professional level within your creative practice discipline, the strategy for embedding the professional standards of a critical and creative practitioner will be manifest in all the learning activities and assessments. You will be advised about correct procedures, protocols and ethics as well as enabled through a habit of self-reflection and evaluation to apply learned skills and attitudes to professional contexts.

You will be expected to engage with the course respecting professional standards and your attitude in this regard may be taken into account when assessing your work.

Wherever possible, there will be inputs into the course by relevant practicing professionals.