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Students
Tuition Fee
Per year
Start Date
Medium of studying
On campus
Duration
12 months
Program Facts
Program Details
Degree
Masters
Major
Creative Writing | Film Studies | Fine Arts
Area of study
Arts
Education type
On campus
Timing
Full time
Course Language
English
Intakes
Program start dateApplication deadline
2023-09-25-
About Program

Program Overview


Course Details

If you've been struggling to find a postgraduate course that exactly matches your ambition then the University of Bolton's MA (Specialist Title) via Creative Practice could be the answer. Our expert team will work with you to devise a series of projects that enable you to develop your creative practice. You may choose to focus on a single discipline, such as Animation, Illustration, Art and Design, Fine Art, Graphic Design, Media, Performance, Dance, Photography, Textiles and Surface Design, Fashion, Creative Writing, Live Events Design and Production, or an associated subject. Alternatively, you may combine several areas of practice to follow an interdisciplinary route. When you successfully complete the master's, your degree title will be chosen to reflect the focus of your studies.

We'll support you to develop a unique body of creative work through a series of negotiated projects that will be underpinned and informed by industry practice. You'll work with a specialist supervisor who will provide support and guidance throughout the developmental process. Alongside this, you'll undertake two taught modules. The first investigates current contexts for creative practice and offers you the necessary skills to undertake research at an advanced level. The second invites you to place your practice within a professional landscape to help you gain the skills to develop your industry profile and ensure your work reaches your desired audience.

With a strong theoretical underpinning, this MA is designed to develop your skills in research, critique and synthesis. We’ll guide you as you learn to work with self‐direction and originality and develop your analytical and critical competencies. This combination of academic, creative and professional skills development helps to prepare you for a career in the creative industries, as well as providing a sound basis for doctoral-level study.

The MA is designed to enable you to develop a considerable body of work and a plan for its future development beyond the course. This may take the form of applications for funding, exhibitions, publication, or small‐scale tours.

Our industry‐engaged staff are practising artists, writers and performers. You'll benefit from our strong industry links with a range of arts and cultural organisations across Greater Manchester and the North West region, which offers opportunities for industry masterclasses and lectures, joint projects and networking.





Highlights

  • You can develop your unique body of creative practice under the supervision of our experienced teaching team.
  • We'll support you to prepare your creative practice for industry via funding applications, business plans, exhibitions, publication or small‐scale tours.
  • You'll be able to make use of specialist facilities across the University of Bolton's Schools of the Arts and Creative Technologies to develop high-quality creative outputs.
  • We'll help you learn about tax self-assessment, invoicing, intellectual property and risk assessments, as well as offer business start-up sessions to prepare you to take advantage of opportunities for enterprise development.




  • Key Features

  • Teaching and supervision are delivered by our dedicated team of experienced and well-qualified staff.
  • The programme provides opportunities to engage with and learn from industry professionals, including visiting speakers and practitioners.
  • We'll offer you opportunities for interdisciplinary work and collaboration.
  • You'll benefit from our strong industry links with local and regional arts, culture and trade organisations, studios, galleries, publishers, manufacturers and companies specialising in creative art and design practice.
  • Your final master’s degree title will reflect your specialist areas of practice (please note that the final award title will be selected in agreement with the University within the parameters specified in programme documentation). For example, your title might be something like MA Animation via Creative Practice, MA Dance via Creative Practice or MA Fashion Photography via Creative Practice.
  • By choosing to study with us, you'll have the chance to enjoy Bolton's many shops, bars, restaurants and leisure facilities. Manchester, one of the UK's most multicultural and lively cities, is less than 20 minutes away by train. Not forgetting, the North West of England is renowned for its beautiful countryside, coastline and heritage. This makes Bolton an ideal base from which to explore some of the best cultural and outdoor activities the UK offers.
  • Program Outline

    The MA (Specialist Title) via Creative Practice offers named postgraduate routes for practice‐based areas including Art and Design, Media, Theatre and Performing Arts, and Creative Writing, as well as other associated disciplines. It's also an excellent option if you've graduated with a degree in a subject such as Live Events or Professional and Commercial Dance.

    As a graduate of this MA, you’ll possess extensive skills in your field of creative practice and a unique body of work that demonstrates your abilities and style. The course will enable you to take charge of your personal and professional development and reflect on your progress as you work towards your goals.

    What can I do with this qualification?

    This is an industry‐focused, practice‐based MA that provides you with an opportunity to develop your creative practice as well as clear plans as to how you will use this to progress your career in the creative industries, or as the basis for doctoral study.

    As a graduate of this MA, you'll be well prepared to seek contracted employment with creative and arts organisations or to work as a freelancer on a self-employed basis. You'll possess the knowledge needed to submit funding applications or business plans and to prepare and launch funded projects. How you use your skills will depend on your chosen area(s) of creative practice and your personal interests and ambitions. However, you can rest assured that you'll have the knowledge and skills to drive forward in your creative career.

    You may also choose to continue your education. PGCE, MPhil and PhD degrees are available at the University of Bolton.


    Alternative career options

    Graduates can also use the qualification as a stepping-stone into a range of other careers. For some of these roles, both relevant experience and/or postgraduate study may be required. Some of these careers include:

  • Education and teaching
  • Arts and cultural leadership
  • Social enterprise
  • Community arts
  • Policy management
  • SHOW MORE
    About University
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    University of Bolton: A Summary


    Overview:

    The University of Bolton is a public university located in Bolton, Greater Manchester, England. It offers a wide range of undergraduate and postgraduate courses across various subject areas. The university prides itself on providing a supportive learning environment for its students.


    Services Offered:

    The university offers a comprehensive range of services to its students, including:

      Student Support:

      Provides assistance with academic, personal, and financial matters.

      Accommodation:

      Offers on-campus and off-campus housing options.

      Sport & Wellness:

      Provides access to sports facilities and wellness programs.

      Careers & Employability:

      Offers guidance and support for career development and job searching.

      Fees & Funding:

      Provides information on tuition fees and financial aid options.

      International Student Support:

      Offers specific services and resources for international students.

    Student Life and Campus Experience:

    The university emphasizes a supportive and inclusive campus environment. Students can expect:

      Supportive Tutors:

      Faculty members are known for their dedication to student success and individual attention.

      Active Student Union:

      The Bolton Students' Union provides a platform for student activities, social events, and representation.

      Vibrant Campus Life:

      The university offers a range of clubs, societies, and events to enhance the student experience.

      Access to Facilities:

      Students have access to modern facilities, including libraries, labs, and sports centers.

    Key Reasons to Study There:

      Supportive Learning Environment:

      The university fosters a welcoming and supportive atmosphere for students.

      Focus on Employability:

      The university emphasizes career development and prepares students for the workforce.

      Diverse Range of Programs:

      Offers a wide selection of undergraduate and postgraduate courses across various disciplines.

      Affordable Tuition:

      Provides competitive tuition fees and financial aid options.

    Academic Programs:

    The university offers a wide range of academic programs, including:

      Accountancy & Business

      Apprenticeships

      Biomedical Sciences & Medical Biology

      Creative & Digital Arts, English & Creative Writing

      Computer Science

      Dance, Musical Theatre & Performance

      Dental Sciences

      Education, Early Years and Teacher Training

      Engineering, Motorsport and Construction

      Film FX, Film & TV Production

      Games

      Health and Social Work & Community and Youth

      Law & Crime and Criminal Justice

      Medical & Paramedic Sciences

      Nursing & Midwifery

      Psychology

      Physiotherapy & Sport Rehabilitation

      Pre-University Study


    Other:

    The university also offers:

      Research Programs:

      Opportunities for students to engage in research activities.

      Summer School:

      A program for students to gain academic credit during the summer.

      Open Days:

      Events for prospective students to visit the campus and learn more about the university.

      International Student Support:

      Dedicated resources and services for international students.

      Alumni Network:

      A network of former students who can provide support and guidance.

      Business Gateway:

      A service that provides support to businesses in the local area.

      Sustainability Initiatives:

      The university is committed to environmental sustainability.

    Total programs
    532
    Admission Requirements

  • Normally, you should have at least an upper second class (2.1) honours degree in a subject relevant to the creative discipline(s) you wish to study during this course. Relevant subjects include (but aren’t limited to) Animation, Illustration, Art and Design, Fine Art, Graphic Design, Media, Performance, Dance, Photography, Textiles and Surface Design, Fashion, and Creative Writing. If you have expertise in another creative discipline and wish to combine this with the one you studied at degree-level, we may be able to accommodate you, however, you’ll need to attend an interview and present a portfolio of evidence.
  • If you don’t have this qualification but do have alternative qualifications or significant experience in a relevant field, then we’ll be happy to consider your application.
  • As part of your personal statement, you’ll need to provide a proposal for study on the programme. This should outline the area(s) of creative practice you wish to specialise in and your intended outcomes.
  • Along with your completed application form, you’ll need to provide a digital portfolio of your work, as relevant.
  • We'll consider applications where appropriate work experience can be demonstrated in lieu of, or in addition to, the published academic qualifications in line with the University’s Recognition of Prior Experiential Learning (RPEL) procedures.
  • You may be required to attend an interview and/or provide a portfolio of work.
  • If English isn’t your first language, you’ll also need IELTS 6.0 with no less than 5.5 in any band (or equivalent). We also accept a range of other English language qualifications – please visit our English Language Requirements web page for more details.
  • Where changes are made to material information contained in this course description or a decision is taken to suspend a course between the offer of admissions and enrolment, we will inform applicants at the earliest possible opportunity and will outline the various options available to the applicant.

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