MA Art & Design
The MA Art & Design program at CSVPA is a one-year, intensive postgraduate course d...
MA Art & Design
Cambridge
INTAKE: September
Program Overview
The MA Art & Design program at CSVPA is a one-year, intensive postgraduate course designed to allow students to explore and advance their chosen art or design specialism within a single Master's framework. It encourages interdisciplinary experimentation and is underpinned by strong conceptual understanding, promoting the creation of leading-edge contemporary art and design. The program culminates in an Independent Major Project and a professional portfolio, designed to build upon existing skills and extend knowledge within an experimental and interdisciplinary environment.
Curriculum: The MA Art & Design curriculum at CSVPA is project-based, encouraging students to develop their individual creative and visual language through a series of imaginative briefs and self-initiated projects. The program emphasizes the importance of both primary and secondary research, critical thinking, and analysis of objects, images, and texts. Students engage in technical and conceptual labs to foster experimentation with methods, materials, and processes. The curriculum also incorporates collaborative projects, including potential partnerships with the University of Cambridge and Hearst Magazines, offering unique insights into the creative industries.
Research Focus: While the MA Art & Design program at CSVPA is primarily practice-based, it is underpinned by research-driven approaches to creative inquiry. Students are encouraged to develop advanced research skills and methods relevant to their chosen specialism and to engage with current critical methodologies within the field. Self-initiated projects foster independent thinking and problem-solving skills, enabling students to engage with contemporary issues and theoretical contexts shaping their practice.
Industry Engagement: A significant aspect of the MA Art & Design program at CSVPA is its strong industry engagement. The program benefits from a partnership with Hearst UK, providing students with unique insights into the creative industries and potential work-based opportunities. Visiting practitioners contribute their expertise through workshops and guest lectures. Collaborative projects and external live briefs further enhance students' understanding of professional practice and build their networks within the creative industries.
Global Perspective: While based in the UK, the MA Art & Design program at CSVPA attracts a diverse international student body, fostering a multicultural learning environment. The program encourages students to consider the global context of contemporary art and design and may incorporate case studies and discussions that explore international trends and practices within various disciplines. The development of a professional portfolio also prepares students for opportunities within the international creative sector.
Location
Cambridge
Score
IELTS 6.5
Tuition Fee
£ 28995
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.
- Some postgraduate programs may have specific subject prerequisites or additional requirements.
Cambridge School of Visual & Performing Arts (CSVPA) is supporting talented international students through a variety of scholarship opportunities. These scholarships are designed to recognize academic excellence, creative potential, and to make quality education more accessible for students from around the world.
Merit-Based Scholarships: CSVPA offers merit-based scholarships that reward students with outstanding academic records or exceptional creative portfolios. These scholarships can significantly reduce tuition fees and are awarded based on the quality of the student’s previous work and achievements.
Creative Talent Scholarships: Recognizing the importance of artistic ability, CSVPA provides scholarships specifically for students who demonstrate exceptional talent in visual arts, performing arts, design, or related fields. Applicants are usually required to submit a portfolio or audition as part of the selection process.
Financial Need Scholarships: Some scholarships are allocated to students who demonstrate genuine financial need. These aim to support talented individuals who might otherwise face challenges funding their education abroad.
An MA in Art & Design from CSVPA equips graduates with advanced creative, conceptual, and research skills, opening doors to a diverse range of careers within the visual arts and design industries. The program's emphasis on individual practice and industry engagement prepares graduates to be innovative and adaptable professionals.
Professional Artist/Maker: Developing and exhibiting their own artwork in galleries, seeking commissions, and potentially teaching workshops or residencies.
Freelance Designer/Illustrator: Working independently on a variety of projects for diverse clients, utilizing their specialized design or illustration skills.
Gallery Curator/Manager: Working in art galleries or exhibition spaces, involved in the selection, care, and display of artworks, as well as gallery administration.
Art Consultant: Advising individuals or organizations on art acquisition, placement, and investment, leveraging their knowledge of the art market.
Museum Professional (e.g., Collections Manager, Exhibitions Officer): Contributing to the management, preservation, and interpretation of museum collections.
Art Director: Overseeing the visual style and images for various media, such as magazines, advertising campaigns, film, or television productions.
Creative Industries Professional (e.g., Design Studio, Advertising Agency): Applying their art and design skills in roles such as graphic designer, product designer, or visual merchandiser.
Educator (Higher Education): Teaching art and design at the university level, sharing their expertise and shaping the next generation of artists and designers (often requires further qualifications).
Community Arts Worker: Facilitating art projects and workshops within community settings, promoting engagement and participation in the arts.
Arts Administrator/Manager: Working in arts organizations, managing projects, fundraising, and developing strategic initiatives to support the arts sector.
