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 Design and Visualisation

  • The course is based in the £62 million Parkside Building – part of the University’s City Centre Campus and home to the Faculty of Arts, Design and Media.
  • You will have the valuable opportunity to engage with live projects for real clients.
  • Previous graduates have gone on to use their skills in fields such as interior design, product design, graphic design, TV motion graphics and advertising.
    Find out more

• MA Product and Furniture Design

  • This course is based in Birmingham School of Architecture and Design – part of the University’s City Centre Campus and home to print, wood, metal, ceramics and glass workshops.
  • Previous students have enjoyed successful collaborative projects with renowned organisations such as Marks and Spencer and Cadbury.
  • The course will maximise the Arts, Design and Media Faculty’s professional links and access to trade fairs – allowing you to network and develop essential employability skills.
    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.