MSc Public Health and Social Care in Practice
The University of Wales Trinity Saint David (UWTSD), United Kingdom, offers an MSc Publ...
MA Art and Design
Swansea
INTAKE: Feb & Oct
Program Overview
The MA Art and Design program at UWTSD is designed for emerging and practicing artists, designers, and creative professionals who wish to deepen their knowledge, refine their practice, and expand their career potential. This postgraduate course encourages experimental thinking and supports students in developing a personalized, research-led practice within a rich interdisciplinary environment. Whether students are working in fine art, graphic design, illustration, textiles, digital media, or a hybrid form, the MA in Art and Design provides the flexibility and resources to explore and grow. The program fosters innovation, critical dialogue, and professional development, making it ideal for those pursuing careers in the creative industries, academia, or independent practice.
Curriculum: The curriculum of the MA Art and Design program is dynamic and adaptive, offering both structure and flexibility. Core modules focus on developing research methodologies, critical reflection, and professional skills tailored to the creative industries. Students undertake practice-led projects and contextual studies that align with their personal creative vision and career goals. The program typically includes modules such as Advanced Studio Practice, Critical and Contextual Inquiry, and Creative Research Methods, culminating in a major final project or dissertation. This structure ensures that graduates leave with a strong portfolio, a critical understanding of their discipline, and the tools to thrive in competitive creative markets.
Research Focus: UWTSD places strong emphasis on research-led teaching, with the MA Art and Design program embedded in a vibrant research culture. Students are encouraged to investigate contemporary issues through both theoretical inquiry and artistic practice. Research themes commonly explored include visual culture, sustainability in design, identity, technology in art, and social engagement. The university supports interdisciplinary exploration, enabling students to collaborate across departments and work with expert researchers in fields like digital innovation, heritage, and design thinking. Students are also encouraged to present at conferences, publish their work, and contribute to exhibitions, enhancing both academic and professional profiles.
Industry Engagement: The MA Art and Design program maintains close connections with the creative industries, offering students opportunities for real-world engagement through live briefs, exhibitions, artist talks, and collaborative projects with galleries, agencies, and cultural institutions. UWTSD works with a wide network of professional partners, giving students access to mentors, internships, and industry feedback throughout their studies. The university’s strong emphasis on employability ensures that graduates are well-prepared for freelance practice, employment in creative roles, or further academic study. Opportunities to engage in public exhibitions and portfolio showcases help students build visibility and connect with industry stakeholders.
Global Perspective: With an international student community and a global outlook, UWTSD’s MA Art and Design program nurtures cultural exchange and global creative thinking. The program incorporates global case studies and supports international collaboration through study visits, digital networking, and project partnerships. Students gain insight into how art and design practices operate in different cultural, political, and economic contexts, preparing them to work confidently in diverse environments. UWTSD also encourages students to explore global challenges such as climate change, social justice, and digital transformation through their creative research and practice, reinforcing the university's commitment to shaping socially aware, globally competent graduates.
Location
Swansea
Score
IELTS 6.5
Tuition Fee
£ 15000
Postgraduate Entry Requirements
Academic Qualifications: Applicants should have successfully completed a bachelor's degree or its equivalent from a recognized institution with a minimum overall score of 60% or equivalent.
English language proficiency:
- IELTS: A minimum overall score of 6.5 or 7.0 with no individual component below 6.0.
- TOEFL: A minimum overall score of 72.
- PTE Academic: A minimum overall score of 59.
- Some postgraduate programs may have specific subject prerequisites or additional requirements.
The University of Wales Trinity Saint David (UWTSD) is supporting international students by providing a range of scholarships and financial aid options to help reduce the cost of tuition fees and make studying in the UK more accessible. UWTSD offers various scholarships based on academic merit, country of origin, and specific program requirements.
International Postgraduate Scholarships: UWTSD offers International Postgraduate Scholarships to support international students enrolling in postgraduate taught programs. These scholarships are awarded to high-achieving students and can provide substantial financial assistance. International students from countries outside the EU are eligible to apply, and the scholarships are awarded based on academic excellence and the strength of their application.
Country-Specific Scholarships: UWTSD offers Country-Specific Scholarships for students from particular regions or countries. These scholarships are tailored to students from countries with strong links to the university or who are studying specific courses. The scholarships can range from partial fee waivers to more substantial financial support and are typically awarded based on academic merit and the applicant’s background.
Alumni Loyalty Scholarship: UWTSD offers an Alumni Loyalty Scholarship for international students who are returning to study at the university for a second degree or postgraduate qualification. The scholarship is a way of recognizing the continued alumni to the university, with a discount on tuition fees as a gesture of appreciation.
Early Payment Discounts: Students who pay their tuition fees early can benefit from an early payment discount. This discount is available to international students who pay their tuition fees in full before the specified deadline. The early payment discount typically depending on the program and level of study.
The MA Art and Design program at UWTSD opens up a broad range of career opportunities for graduates across various creative industries.
Fine Artist: Many MA Art and Design graduates choose to pursue careers as fine artists, creating original works in a variety of media including painting, sculpture, photography, and installation. Graduates often exhibit their work in galleries, museums, and art spaces, and can also engage in solo or group exhibitions, establishing a professional art practice.
Graphic Designer: With a strong foundation in design principles, graduates may work as graphic designers for advertising agencies, design studios, corporate branding, or freelance design projects. Graphic designers use their creative skills to develop visual communication solutions, including logos, digital content, print materials, and websites.
Illustrator: MA Art and Design graduates with a passion for storytelling and visual art may pursue careers as illustrators, creating artwork for books, magazines, advertising campaigns, animations, and more. Illustrators work across a variety of industries, from publishing to entertainment, where their visual interpretations play a key role in communication.
Textile Designer: For those focused on pattern design and material innovation, the textile design sector offers opportunities in fashion, interiors, and product design. Textile designers create fabric patterns, prints, and textures for clothing, upholstery, and home furnishings, working with design companies or as independent entrepreneurs.
User Experience (UX) and User Interface (UI) Designer: As the digital landscape continues to evolve, MA Art and Design graduates with a passion for technology may find fulfilling careers as UX/UI designers. These professionals design and improve the usability and visual appeal of websites, apps, and digital interfaces, ensuring a seamless user experience.
Art Director: Graduates may also work as art directors, managing the visual aspects of advertising campaigns, films, video games, or digital content. Art directors oversee the design teams and ensure the creative vision is executed to the highest standards across multiple media channels.
Exhibition Curator or Gallery Manager: MA Art and Design graduates with an interest in art history and curatorial work may find opportunities as curators or gallery managers. In these roles, professionals are responsible for selecting, organizing, and promoting exhibitions in galleries and museums, managing collections, and engaging with the public.
Art Teacher or Educator: For those passionate about teaching and sharing their artistic knowledge, becoming an art teacher or educator in schools, colleges, or universities is a rewarding career path. Graduates can teach a wide range of subjects such as fine art, design, or digital media at various educational levels.
Creative Entrepreneur: Armed with both creative skills and entrepreneurial knowledge, graduates may opt to start their own creative businesses. This could include launching a freelance art or design practice, opening an art gallery, developing a design consultancy, or creating an online shop for their artwork or design products.
Art Therapist: Some graduates may choose to integrate their artistic skills with psychology and counseling by becoming art therapists. Art therapy is a growing field where practitioners use creative processes to help individuals express emotions, work through mental health challenges, and foster personal growth.
Public Artist/Community Art Facilitator: Graduates may choose to pursue careers as public artists or community art facilitators, working on public art projects, murals, and installations. These professionals engage with local communities, creating meaningful and accessible art in public spaces that reflect societal themes and enhance urban environments.
