MFA in Computational Studio Arts
This interdisciplinary programme has been designed to enable you to develop your artistic practices, computational skills, and conceptual framework so that you can participate in shaping the use and understanding of new technologies and cultural practices at the highest level.
2 years full-time.
Please see How to apply.
You should have an undergraduate degree of at least second class standard in a relevant subject.
Equips students with a broad training in the use of creative computing systems that are currently most important in artistic, design and cultural practices and the creative industries, as well as technologies that are yet to emerge.
Please see Tuition fees.
See more detailed information about this course.
Please see Staff research interests.
Computing
The MFA is a studio-based programme underpinned by the necessary technical, theoretical and historical background, allowing you to mediate between the worlds of visual, performing and relational (or interactive) art, technology and computer science. Its main purpose is to nurture individual development and creativity.
The programme encompasses digital media work. 'Digital media' normally refers to electronic media that work on digital codes, although uniquely the MFA also incorporates physical computing. In a broad sense, physical computing is a creative framework for understanding people's relationship to the digital world through the handmade, design or DIY projects that use sensors and microcontrollers to translate analog input to a software system.
What you study
Year one consists of a range of workshops and courses, including programming for artists, physical computing and multi media platforms, and you have the opportunity to focus on one of several options. Practical projects and group discussions focus on these and other contemporary issues including intellectual property rights, collaboration, and commercialisation.
In year two you continue to tailor your learning experience and educational objectives. An MFA ‘mentor class’ will pair you with an eminent artist/designer/writer/curator. The mentors are individuals who have continually broken new ground and sustained a creative, critical, and strongly conceptual practice. Current mentors include Andrew Shoben, Jane Prophet, Maureen Thomas, and Hannah Reidler (Dana Centre).
Assessment
Exhibition; two self-evaluation reports; research papers and essays; viva voce.
Application enquiries
Please see how to apply for information on applying to this programme.