| Program start date | Application deadline |
| 2023-09-19 | - |
| 2024-01-01 | 2023-10-15 |
| 2024-05-02 | 2024-01-31 |
Program Overview
Course Overview
The choice is yours. You will draft, initiate and project-manage your own creative briefs, with guidance from programme tutors. You can specialise in one medium or work on projects, either individually or collaboratively, across multiple media. You will have access to technician expertise and the industry-standard facilities at our Brampton Road campus. Our MA will give you the practical, technical, and applied knowledge to develop the flexible skills needed to forge a career within a constantly shifting cultural landscape.
The MA Creative Practice programme is structured across a full-calendar year starting in late September and culminating the following August. The programme leads towards the completion of a major MA Project, and professional presentation in the final Masters exhibition. Working under the guidance of your tutors you can approach the practical modules thematically, as part of one overarching project, or as a series of mini briefs.
On this course you will...
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Program Outline
What you will learn
Our learning environment works to cultivate practical and theoretical expertise to help foster versatility in creative media. We encourage innovative, lateral approaches to creative practice though a structured timetable of theoretical lectures, practical workshops, student led seminars, visiting speakers, action based and experiential research, self-directed and tutorial-based learning.
Cultural and visual discourse is taught throughout, displaying the important synthesis between theory and creative practice. You'll fully engage in these processes to develop creative reflexivity, to embed the necessary skills to advance your professional progression and life-long learning.
Module content comprises taught and workshop elements which are centred on exploring creative materials and processes, practice-led research, theoretical frameworks, storytelling techniques and developing the entrepreneurial skills needed to help you succeed as a confident, forward-thinking practitioner.
Year one
Explores a range of cultural contexts within which the arts operate, and introduce theoretical methods of analysis. Module content will comprise of a series of lectures exploring ways of framing and understanding cultural phenomena, and accompanying reading groups to consolidate your learning.
Encourages a considered philosophical and practical approach to creative practice at an advanced professional level and to design and/or adopt appropriate strategies to address the specific requirements of a creative brief; which may be discipline-specific or interdisciplinary in conception.
Explores conceptual and practical approaches to storytelling. The content explores issues relating to the creation, production, and reception of narrative texts. Themes covered include the reading of text and images, cinematic constructs, genre studies, formalist narratology, sound and audio design.
Reflecting on previous modules completed in Semester 1, or looking ahead the final MA Project, students will develop a systematic plan of action to address a designated brief; to formulate and implement a sustained practice-based response leading to the realisation of a creative project.
Seen in conjunction with the final MA Project, the purpose of this module is to enable students to synthesise the knowledge and understanding gained through study up until this point towards the production of a fully researched and developed MA Project Proposal document and accompanying portfolio.
The final MA Project module affords the opportunity to realise practical and theoretical studies to date in the form of a major body of MA work. You will largely work independently on your project work which will be included in the public-facing Masters exhibition.
University of Cumbria
Overview:
University of Cumbria is a public university located in the northwest of England. It is known for its focus on practical learning and its commitment to supporting local communities. The university offers a wide range of undergraduate and postgraduate programs across various disciplines, including health, education, arts, science, and business.
Services Offered:
The university provides a comprehensive range of services to its students, including:
Academic Support:
Access to academic staff, student finance advice, and accommodation services.Student Life:
A vibrant campus experience with facilities, student support, and opportunities for extracurricular activities.International Student Support:
Dedicated services for international students, including visa guidance, fees and finance information, and cultural integration support.Research:
Opportunities for postgraduate study and engagement in research projects across various fields.Business & Employer Services:
Support for businesses and employers, including CPD training, apprenticeship programs, and recruitment services.Student Life and Campus Experience:
University of Cumbria offers a diverse campus experience with multiple locations across Cumbria and London. Students can expect:
Beautiful Campuses:
Campuses located in scenic areas, including the Lake District and historic Carlisle.Community Focus:
A strong sense of community with opportunities to engage in local initiatives and events.Facilities:
Access to modern facilities, including libraries, labs, studios, and sports centers.Student Support:
A dedicated student support team providing guidance and assistance with academic, personal, and financial matters.Key Reasons to Study There:
Practical Learning:
Emphasis on practical skills development and real-world experience through placements and internships.Strong Industry Links:
Close partnerships with local businesses and organizations, providing students with valuable networking opportunities.Focus on Employability:
High graduate employment rates, with a strong focus on preparing students for successful careers.Unique Locations:
Campuses located in inspiring and diverse settings, offering a unique learning experience.Academic Programs:
University of Cumbria offers a wide range of academic programs, with strengths in the following areas:
Health:
Nursing, Midwifery, Paramedic Science, Radiography, and Health and Social Care.Education:
Teacher Training, Early Years Education, and Special Educational Needs.Arts:
Film, Theatre, Photography, Fine Art, and Creative and Media Arts.Science and Environment:
Wildlife Conservation, Forestry, Outdoor Education, and Environmental Science.Business and Leadership:
Business Management, Tourism, Law, Forensics, and Policing.Sport and Rehabilitation:
Sports Science, Sports Coaching, and Rehabilitation.Other:
The university is committed to equality, diversity, and inclusion, and has received various accreditations for its commitment to these values. It also actively participates in the Research Excellence Framework (REF) and has a strong focus on knowledge exchange and impact.
Students with other qualifications may be admitted to the course, please contact the
Enquiry Centre
for further details.Accreditation of Prior Learning (APL) may be considered for relevant prior learning at the same academic level.
More information about levels and credits.
