In your first year of study, you’ll undertake three units of study, each worth 40 credits and assessed through a combination of continuous and summative methods.

To support your progress you will be assigned a personal tutor with whom you’ll discuss your work in five tutorials per academic year. You’re also guaranteed tutorials from other members of the programme team each term, and you’ll have the opportunity to request tutorials from other staff from the School, as well as from across the College.

Your autumn term will focus on engendering social cohesiveness, respect and collaboration among your peers, and sharing of expertise and experience. Within your first few weeks you will have been given a studio space and become acquainted with our staff. ​

As a first-year student, you’ll contribute to the Work-in-progress Show, held at the beginning of the spring term. Your work isn’t expected to be resolved at this stage, but it’s an opportunity to take risks in how you engage with a public environment. Following this, you’ll be encouraged to take part in seminars, talks, walks and gallery/museum visits that reinforcing our teaching.

During your second year of the programme you’ll undertake three units of study: Unit 2A (40 credits), Unit 2B (60 Credits) and the School of Arts & Humanities School Unit (20 Credits). These are assessed through a combination of continuous and summative assessment methods.

In the autumn term, you’ll continue to work with a personal tutor who will help direct your progress through Unit 2A. You’ll also participate in first term activities (seminars, panel discussions, tutorials), with an eye towards pushing the development of your studio practice. This will be supported by tutorials and crits from programme staff and visiting lecturers.

In the spring and summer terms, while experimentation continues to be encouraged, work also becomes much more concentrated on production for the final show as part of the assessment of Unit 2B – the independent research project.This consists of a major project that should demonstrate how you are able to research, develop and realise an artwork to Master’s level. Your work should have a clear direction and resolution, which is thoroughly researched through your own initiative.

Alongside your participation in programme-based units, you’ll also participate in the School of Arts & Humanities School unit, which, through study groups, lectures, symposia, crits and tutorials, will support you in discussing and evolving your work against a broader frame of reference.

All studio-based MA students follow a weekly schedule of Critical & Historical Studies (CHS), a College-wide initiative that provides you with the intellectual framework to build a coherent relationship between theory and practice.

CHS delivers exciting, thought-provoking and inspiring lectures by experts within the programme and high-profile visiting lecturers. You’ll have the opportunity to explore the theoretical background and aspects of your chosen discipline through a tutored dissertation process, as well as receiving individual tutorial support from our team of expert tutors.