Stage 1: Pre-Masters

Portfolio Requirements

Modules

Click below for more information on each module

• Creative Practice*

  You will develop advanced approaches to art and design techniques through the creative exploration of your ideas within a studio environment.

  This module is assessed entirely through the production of a portfolio.

• Critical Thinking for Postgraduate Study

  You will learn how to critically assess arguments and evidence from a range of academic sources, as well as gaining an understanding of effective critical reading at postgraduate level.

  You will be assessed via three methods:

  • Evaluation of arguments exercise
  • Critical evaluation of three texts (700 – 1,000 words each)
  • A 3-hour closed book exam

• Interactive Learning Skills and Communication for Postgraduate Study

  During this module you will learn advanced skills in:

  • Public speaking
  • Writing techniques and language styles
  • Creating effective document layouts
  • Professional communication and presentation
  • Communicating effectively to a variety of audiences
  • Working effectively as a team member and as an individual
  • Applying research and referencing techniques to formulate reasoned academic opinion so as to avoid plagiarism

  You will be assessed via a variety of methods, including:

  • A research project – referencing a topic and using a variety of techniques and resources
  • An individual presentation and a group presentation
  • A 2-hour closed book exam

• Research Methods for Postgraduate Study

  You will gain an understanding of research methods and methodologies for postgraduate study, as well as learning how to plan and undertake effective research at postgraduate level.

  You will be assessed entirely through coursework, which will include a mini-dissertation (2,000 – 3,000 words) and a presentation of its synopsis.

• Final Project

  This module will equip you with the advanced skills you need to develop and shape your own creative practice through the production of a final project.

  This module is assessed entirely through your portfolio.

*three semesters only

Stage 2: Master's Degree

Birmingham City University Degree Pathways:

Click below for more information on each pathway

• MA Art and Design: Interdisciplinary Practices

  • This course is based in Birmingham School of Art – a Grade I listed Venetian Gothic building with original stained glass windows and mosaic floors.
  • The course encourages students to work across a broad range of mediums: photography, installation, print, digital media, sculpture, illustration, curatorial practice, textiles, drawing, sound, graphic design, site-specific art, participatory arts or 3D design.
  • Previous graduates have progressed into many different careers – including graphic design, typography, gallery education, arts administration, event management, photography, and community arts and education.
    Find out more

• MA Arts and Education Practices

  • This course is based in Birmingham School of Art – a Grade I listed Venetian Gothic building with original stained glass windows and mosaic floors.
  • The course has a strong international reputation, with alumni from over 20 countries worldwide.
  • You will benefit from annual trips run by Birmingham School of Art; recent visits have included Berlin, Florence, Liverpool, London, New York and Venice.
    Find out more

• MA Fine Art

  • This course is based in Birmingham School of Art – a Grade I listed Venetian Gothic building with original stained glass windows and mosaic floors.
  • You will have the opportunity to explore art practice in whatever form it takes – drawing, painting, sculpture, print, photography, installation, lens-based media, performance, participatory or interdisciplinary practice.
  • Previous graduates have shown work in renowned galleries (such as Tate Modern) and at prestigious events (such as the Venice Biennale).
    Find out more

• MA Visual Communication

  • This course, accredited by Creative Skillset, is based in the £62 million Parkside Building which features industry-standard photography studios, TV studios and the largest permanent green screen in the UK.
  • The University’s involvement with the visual arts extends to opportunities for students to exhibit in major venues such as Birmingham Repertory Theatre, Ikon Gallery, the Venice Biennale, Hong Kong Design Institute and the Shanghai Biennale.
  • You will have the option of specialising in a particular discipline (Photography, Graphic Communication, Illustration, or Film & Animation), with previous graduates having gained employment in roles such as Photography Producer, Graphic Designer and Director of Animation.
    Find out more
    • This course, accredited by Creative Skillset, is based in the £62 million Parkside Building which features industry-standard photography studios, TV studios and the largest permanent green screen in the UK.
    • The University’s involvement with the visual arts extends to opportunities for students to exhibit in major venues such as Birmingham Repertory Theatre, Ikon Gallery, the Venice Biennale, Hong Kong Design Institute and the Shanghai Biennale.
    • Previous graduates have gained employment in roles such as Photography Producer, Graphic Designer and Director of Animation.
      Find out more
      • This course, accredited by Creative Skillset, is based in the £62 million Parkside Building which features industry-standard photography studios, TV studios and the largest permanent green screen in the UK.
      • The University’s involvement with the visual arts extends to opportunities for students to exhibit in major venues such as Birmingham Repertory Theatre, Ikon Gallery, the Venice Biennale, Hong Kong Design Institute and the Shanghai Biennale.
      • Previous graduates have gained employment in roles such as Photography Producer, Graphic Designer and Director of Animation.
        Find out more

         

Important:

All students accessing the 3D workshops, plaster room, glass room, water-jet cutting room and the kiln room will need to wear safety footwear that has toe caps. Such footwear can be purchased from any safety footwear provider – including Sports Direct – and can be as cheap as £12. The shoes should be S1P and comply with EN 20345.

There is no long-term storage facility for personal items in the workshops, so students are advised to bring the safety footwear with them each day they are accessing the workshops.

Special entry requirements

• Applicants must submit a good digital portfolio for entering the two- or three-semester programme.