Art & Design (Part-time) (MA)
This postgraduate course in Art and Design, available with a part-time study option, is crafted for both current Art and Design professionals and graduates from related disciplines looking to advance their skills and careers. Providing flexibility for students who wish to balance their studies with professional or personal commitments, the programme combines taught modules and independent research work to offer a supportive learning experience that deepens creative practice and opens up new opportunities within professional environments.
For those already employed in the sector, this course is an ideal way to upskill. Through a balance of hands-on learning and critical thinking, students explore contemporary trends and concepts relevant to their work, helping them develop an advanced conceptual understanding in their chosen field. Specialist tutorswork closely with students, offering guidance as they refine their practice and research abilities, preparing them to exhibit their work or engage in industry-related projects.
Interdisciplinary in nature, this Master’s allows students to engage with multiple fields within Art and Design, encouraging a rich cross-pollination of ideas and techniques. This approach is valuable not only for personal growth but also for enhancing professional skills, as it aligns with the contemporary demands of Art and Design industries. Additionally, students are given the chance to produce and showcase their work in a range of professional environments, including exhibitions that may serve as gateways to future employment or collaboration opportunities.
Graduates from this programme are well-prepared for careers in Art and Design education, benefitting from professional training tailored to those looking to teach or mentor future artists and designers. Whether aiming for employment preparation in teaching roles or direct creative practice, students graduate with the tools needed to make impactful contributions in the Art and Design field.
This programme encourages independent thinking and practical exploration, helping you navigate diverse professional environments confidently. You will receive support in developing both technical and conceptual skills, which are essential for long-term success in contemporary Art and Design. This Master’s programme is ideal for those seeking to advance their careers, expand their knowledge, and make meaningful connections within a vibrant, creative community.
Course details
- Part-time
- English
Why choose this course?
What you will learn
Our Art and Design programme is committed to fostering creativity and critical thinking through an engaging and supportive learning environment. We prioritise hands-on experience and interdisciplinary approaches, ensuring that you develop the skills necessary to thrive in the ever-evolving creative landscape.
You will focus on refining your creative practice through a series of taught modules and independent research projects. Exploring contemporary issues in art and design, you will develop technical skills across various mediums. This experience encourages collaboration with peers and specialist tutors, helping you establish a clear direction for your artistic journey.
Your understanding of conceptual frameworks will deepen as you enhance your interdisciplinary approach to projects. Engaging in advanced research methods and critical analysis prepares you for real-world challenges. Opportunities to exhibit your work will further enrich your learning experience.
(30 credits)
(30 credits)
(30 credits)
(30 credits)
(60 credits)
Disclaimer
-
The modules outlined above provide examples of what you can expect to learn on this course based on recent academic teaching. We continuously review our courses to ensure quality enhancement and to manage our resources. The precise modules available to you in future years may vary depending on staff availability and research interests, new topics of study, timetabling and student demand. Where your course includes optional modules, these are to provide an element of choice within the course. The availability of optional modules may vary from year to year and will be subject to minimum student numbers being achieved. This means the availability of specific optional modules cannot be guaranteed.
You’ll typically complete 120 credits per year of study on a full-time course. For more information visit our Student Agreement.
Ratings and Rankings
Staff
Our People
You will be taught and supported by a wide range of professional staff and teams here to help you get the university experience you are looking for. Our teaching staff were ranked 2nd in Wales for Teaching, Assessment and Feedback and Academic Support (NSS 2024) meaning that the support and feedback you get will help you learn and develop strong academic skills. Our students have placed us 1st in Wales for Learning Opportunities and Student Voice (NSS 2024) meaning that there are a wide range of opportunities available to enhance your studies and that students play an active role in shaping their learning experiences. Our commitment to your learning has seen our students place us as 1st in Wales and joint 3rd in the UK for student satisfaction (Times Higher Education, 2024, ‘Overall Positivity’ measure). Find out more about our academic staff who teach across our courses.
Further information
-
2:2 honours degree 
-
or UWTSD recognised equivalent.
Alternative entry routes 
-
Postgraduate Certificate in Higher Education (PGCert). This is the first part of the full Master’s degree.
Once you have successfully completed your PGCert studies, you will be eligible to progress for the remainder of the Master’s degree. &²Ô²ú²õ±è;
These are ideal routes if you are returning to study after a gap, or if you have not previously studied this subject, or if you did not achieve the grades you need for a place on this degree. â¶Ä¯&²Ô²ú²õ±è;
Admissions Advice and Support 
For specific advice and support you can contact our enquiries team for more information about entry requirements. &²Ô²ú²õ±è;
English language requirements 
If English is not your first language or you have not previously studied in English, our usual requirement is the equivalent of an International English Language Testing System (IELTS Academic Test) score of 6.0, with not less than 5.5 in each of the sub-tests. We also accept other English language tests. &²Ô²ú²õ±è;
Visit the International Applications section of our website to find out more about our English Language Requirements and pre-sessional English Language Courses.
Visa and funding requirements 
If you are not from the UK and you do not already have residency here, you may need to apply for a visa. &²Ô²ú²õ±è;
For courses of more than six months’ duration you will require a Student visa. &²Ô²ú²õ±è;
International students who require a Student visa should apply for our full-time courses as these qualify for Student visa sponsorship. â¶Ä¯&²Ô²ú²õ±è;
For full information read our visa application and guides. â¶Ä¯â¶Ä¯&²Ô²ú²õ±è;
Please note students receiving US Federal Aid are only able to apply for in-person, on-campus programmes which will have no elements of online study. 
-
-
The programme’s assessment strategy consists of formative and summative assessments. Likewise, self-reflexivity as a professional attitude is expected of each graduate of this programme and will be embedded and practised though specific assignments in all modules.
Module assessment is designed to prepare students for the task of submitting a substantial research thesis as part of their Part 2 research portfolio. Some modules therefore use a standard assessment pattern consisting of one or two longer essays and a presentation.
In some modules, however, student progress is assessed by using the portfolio format. The portfolio offers greater flexibility in the assessment of professionally focused skills, both collaborative and personalised, than the standard essay/presentation format.
-
Access to your own digital device/the appropriate IT kit will be essential during your time studying at UWTSD. Access to wifi in your accommodation will also be essential to allow you to fully engage with your programme. See our dedicated webpages for further guidance on suitable devices to purchase, and for a full guide on getting your device set up.
You may face additional costs while at university, including (but not limited to):
- Travel to and from campus
- Printing, photocopying, binding, stationery and equipment costs (e.g. USB sticks)
- Purchase of books or texts
- Gowns for graduation ceremonies
-
Some modules in this course are available to study through the medium of Welsh either fully or partially. In all cases students will be able to submit written assessments through the medium of Welsh.
If you choose to study your course either fully or partially through the medium of Welsh, you may be eligible to apply for scholarships and bursaries to support you with your studies.
We are continuously reviewing our Welsh medium provision, the precise availability of modules will vary depending on staff availability and research interests, new topics of study, timetabling and student demand. Where your course offers modules available through the medium of Welsh this may vary from year to year, and will be subject to minimum student numbers being achieved. This means the availability of specific Welsh medium modules cannot be guaranteed.
Extracurricular Welsh Opportunities
There are many ways to engage with Welsh culture and life at UWTSD, including joining clubs and societies for Welsh speakers and becoming a member of our vibrant Coleg Cymraeg Cenedlaethol branch. &²Ô²ú²õ±è;
Opportunities to Learn Welsh
We also provide a variety of opportunities to learn and develop your Welsh language skills. â¶Ä¯&²Ô²ú²õ±è;
-
You may be eligible for funding to help support your study. To find out about scholarships, bursaries and other funding opportunities that are available, please visit our Bursaries and Scholarships section.
-
Given the nature of our transdisciplinary course, on graduation, the opportunities are varied, including the following:
- Teaching/lecturing/Training
- Art festival/event management
- Professional practice in the fields of art, design, and creative industries
- Researcher
- Management