MA in Design – Critical Practice, Goldsmiths, University of London

MA in Design - Critical Practice

"Currently, I am working on projects for Kodak UK, Autotage, the Eco e Narciso organisation in Italy, critical writing and my own commercial ideas. The interdepartmental relationship and the open communication between staff and students creates the intellectual and creative freedom which leads to important work and workers."

Stephan, MA in Design - Critical Practice

Length:
1 year full-time or 2 years part-time.

Applying:

Apply now

Deadline: 1 March (although late applications may be considered). If you're applying for funding, you may be subject to an earlier deadline.

Along with your completed application form please include examples of your work: slides (approximately 12), a CD-ROM, or another appropriate representation accessible on generally used software; please include an index which outlines the concerns and ideas in what you have submitted (200-500 words) and a brief description of individual pieces (including scale, materials and collaborators and object performance where relevant). You should also submit a brief written statement (approximately 250 words), outlining your reasons for wishing to undertake this degree.

At interview you present a portfolio of work that may include a range of art and/or design pieces, sketch books, and samples of written assignments. We encourage international (non-EU) applicants to attend for interview if possible. We are flexible with interview dates to allow you to arrange other college visits/interviews whilst you are in the UK. If you cannot attend in person, we will ask you to send a portfolio (slides or photographs or CD-ROMs accessible on generally used software) of your art/design work with written explanations of selected pieces. Copies of essays in English are also required. If possible we also conduct a telephone interview.

Find out more about applying

Entrance requirements:

If you do not have a related undergraduate degree we also welcome those who have significant practical experience in a design-related field: you will be judged on the relevance of your previous work experience, and on your art and/or design work. We will also consider applicants who do not have a design-related background but who have engaged in research either in academia (as students or academics) or at work. We expect a high standard of achievement in design or other creative practice, and competencies in the use of equipment used to produce design work (IT and/or manufacture workshop skills). You need to present, in portfolio and at interview, evidence of evolved critical and creative thinking in design. If your first language is not English, you should normally have a minimum score of 7.0 in IELTS (including 7.0 in the written element) or equivalent. Find out more about our English Language requirements.

Funding:

UK and EU applicants for this programme are eligible to apply for a AHRC Research Preparation Masters Scheme (fees plus maintenance stipend). The deadline is 1st March 2012.

Find out more about funding opportunities for home/EU applicants, or funding for international applicants.

Fees:
Please see Tuition fees.

Staff research interests:
Please see Staff research interests.

Contact the department:
Contact the Department of Design

About the department:
Design

Download a booklet [PDF, 573KB]

This MA transcends the traditional fields within design, offering you the opportunity to develop your specific practice in relation to multiple design disciplines.

The programme emphasises the development of a critical practice through a two-fold consideration of context – examining theoretical or speculative issues alongside those involving practical or material concerns.

By engaging with the way discourses infuse design practice, and exploring how practice itself may contribute to evolving design discourse, you will develop knowledge and understanding through active enquiry and reflective process.

What you study

Three strands of study will introduce you to a range of theories and discourses inherent to design practice.

You will review and explore the methods and processes used to research and produce design-related ideas, work on briefs that are linked to your theoretical studies, and eventually focus on a major project through which you will develop your design interests and concerns.

Skills

The programme will help you develop strong conceptual and critical design skills.

You'll also develop a broad range of transferable skills in project management, creative facilitation, research methods, and also a working understanding of a number of communication, material and production technologies (eg electronic tagging, RFID, rapid prototyping), which are useful in various workplace settings.

Careers

Most of our graduates find employment in the creative and cultural industries, some in prestigious leading-edge companies, including:

Imagination
Coleman Planet
Raw
Medium Rare
Fitch
Pentagram

Other possible career routes include practice development, further study, freelancing, senior designer/manager.

Assessment

Through peer review, tutor appraisal, self-evaluation and student-tutor consultation, and also via assignments, essays, design work, and a major project.

Register your interest

If you register your interest in this programme we will keep you informed about open days and send you relevant further information. If you subsequently decide to apply for this programme you will be able to use the same login details to apply.