Entry requirements

Degree: 2:2 Honours degree in photography or related Honours degree from UK or equivalent qualification.

Applications must be accompanied by a research project proposal outlining their intended area of interest and proposed investigation.

Portfolio required.

You’ll need to produce an initial statement of intent which broadly outlines your intended programme of study. This is usually, but not exclusively, linked to further exploration of a topic within the area of 3D Design or Visual Communication.

Entry is generally through an undergraduate degree in an Art and Design discipline, although we encourage applicants with other relevant professional experience.

Months of entry

September

Course content

The design arena is filled with opportunity. Our Design (with optional Professional Placement) course provides the framework and direction for a deep dive into a personal area of interest, so you grow professionally and personally. It’s for graduates, practising artists or designers, in visual communication and applied arts.

By the end of the programme, you’ll have a cohesive body of work, produced to a professional standard that clearly articulates a sound intellectual rationale and a broad critical viewpoint.

Why study with us

  • You’ll pursue a unique personal line of inquiry in your chosen subject area and generate a portfolio of work tracking your development towards the goals agreed by you with academic staff
  • The course is taught by tutors who are professional design practitioners and who play a prominent role in the University's research activities.
  • An optional placement year, gives you the chance to spend a minimum of 24 weeks putting theory into practice, and discovering how to make a living from doing what you love.

What you'll do

  • You’ll be part of, and learn alongside, a large and varied postgraduate design community in the School; sharing knowledge and accessing a wide range of staff skills and resources. Our strong industry links and the opportunity to spend an additional year in industry gives this course a competitive edge.
  • Your work could be recognised with prestigious national awards including D&AD, Graduate Fashion and London Photographic Awards, Creative and Strategic Marketing Awards and ID magazine competitions.
  • Trips, visits to shows and exhibitions and overseas study underpin your creative practice and develop your work visually and academically; we’ve been to Paris, Milan, Barcelona, Berlin and New York.

Learning and assessment

The MA is a taught programme, blending practice and theory, with one day's tuition per week, supplemented by private study.

Full-time study is based over three semesters, with 60 credits studied each semester. The first and second semester is a double 'practice' module and a single 'theoretical' module: Research and Creative Perspectives. Part-time study is based over five semesters.

Both routes conclude with a 60 credit module, bringing together all practical and theoretical aspects of the course, through a major investigation into a particular personal area of study, leading to a final assessment presentation / public exhibition.

Project work will be exhibited in a final show which is well attended by industry and the general public and potential employers and open to your family, friends, students.

Industry links

You’ll be guided towards interview opportunities with placement employers and could gain valuable experience with amazing companies, like trend forecasters The Future Laboratory, respected advertising agencies Mother London, Chase, Blue Marlin and a wealth of fashion and design brands including Superdry, Levi’s, Harrods, Fred Perry, etc. As well as opportunities within the fields of interior and product design.

Further information

We have well equipped studios and workshops, supported by highly skilled technical staff. You’ll have access to an excellent suite of high spec computers for CAD, assignment writing and image manipulation as well as the University’s excellent library and study facilities. It holds an extensive collection of design books and periodicals, together with many e-resources and support.

Information for international students

Visit our website for further information.

Qualification, course duration and attendance options

  • MA
    full time
    12 months
    • Campus-based learningis available for this qualification
    part time
    36 months
    • Campus-based learningis available for this qualification

Course contact details

Name
Course Enquiries
Email
cenquiries@uclan.ac.uk
Phone
+44 (0)1772 892400