| Program start date | Application deadline |
| 2024-09-01 | - |
| 2025-03-01 | - |
Program Overview
The MA in Digital Art and Design at the University of Nicosia equips students with advanced technical skills and theoretical knowledge in digital art and design. Through a combination of studio practice, theory, and technology, students develop critical and creative thinking, fostering innovation and experimentation. The program offers a range of electives, allowing students to customize their learning experience and prepare for diverse careers in the creative industries, including art and design, commerce, and education.
Program Outline
Digital Art and Design (MA, 1.5 Years or 3 Semesters)
Degree Overview:
The MA in Digital Art and Design is a professionally focused program designed to equip students with the knowledge and skills necessary to excel in the dynamic field of digital art and design. The program emphasizes studio practice, integrating it with studies in theory, history, and technology. Students can explore various electives like curatorial studies, photography, interactive design, interdisciplinary studios, and placements associated with art and design research projects. Through a series of high-quality theoretical and practical units, they will develop professional skills in creative digital art and design practice, while extending their learning and deepening their understanding of visual language concepts and systems within a digital environment.
Objectives:
- To cultivate critical and creative thinking in students, enabling them to analyze and interpret visual culture through the lens of digital art and design.
- To equip students with advanced technical skills and theoretical knowledge in digital art and design, preparing them for professional practice or further academic pursuits.
- To foster innovation and experimentation, encouraging students to develop their unique artistic voices and explore the possibilities of digital media.
- To provide students with a comprehensive understanding of the historical, theoretical, and cultural contexts of digital art and design.
- To connect students with industry professionals and provide opportunities for practical application of their skills through internships, collaborations, and projects.
Outline:
The MA in Digital Art and Design program consists of three sections:
Section A: Major Requirements (60 ECTS)
- DAD-501 Visual Rhetoric (10 ECTS): This course introduces students to the fundamental principles of visual communication, including semiotics, visual perception, and image analysis.
- DAD-502 Contemporary Art and Design Concepts (10 ECTS): This course explores the latest trends and developments in contemporary art and design, focusing on the impact of technology and digital media.
- DAD-503 Digital Culture, Innovation and Technology (10 ECTS): This course examines the relationship between digital culture, technological innovation, and artistic practice.
- DAD-522 Digital Publishing (10 ECTS): This course provides students with the skills and knowledge necessary to design and create digital publications.
- DAD-523 Stop Motion Animation (10 ECTS): This course introduces students to the principles and techniques of stop motion animation.
- DAD-524 Installation Art and Digital Practices (10 ECTS): This course explores the use of digital media in installation art.
Section B: Elective Courses (30 ECTS)
Students can choose from a variety of elective courses to customize their learning experience based on their interests and career aspirations. Some of the available electives include:
- DAD-511 Interactive Web Design (10 ECTS): This course focuses on the design and development of interactive websites.
- DAD-521 3D Game Design (10 ECTS): This course provides students with the skills necessary to create 3D games.
- DAD-532 Photography on Location (10 ECTS): This course teaches students the fundamentals of photography, with an emphasis on location photography.
- DAD-542 Curating the Visual (10 ECTS): This course introduces students to the theory and practice of curating exhibitions.
- DAD-590 Research Methodologies in Art and Design (10 ECTS): This course provides students with the skills necessary to conduct research in art and design.
- DAD-591 MA Thesis / Project (20 ECTS): This course allows students to undertake a research project or develop a creative project that showcases their learning and expertise.
Section C: Unallocated Courses (0 ECTS)
Students may have the opportunity to take additional courses depending on their individual needs and program requirements.
Semester Breakdown:
- Semester 1: DAD-503, DAD-524, DAD-532
- Semester 2: DAD-502, DAD-522, DAD-511
- Semester 3: DAD-501, DAD-523, DAD-542
Note:
This is an indicative semester breakdown. Students can consult their academic advisor to adjust the schedule according to their chosen electives and academic path.
Assessment:
The program uses a comprehensive assessment approach, typically involving a combination of final exams and continuous assessment. Continuous assessment may include mid-terms, art and design works, practical projects, and participation in class activities. The letter grades for each course are calculated based on the weight of the final exam and the continuous assessment, in addition to the actual numerical marks obtained. These grades are used to compute the student's semester and cumulative grade point averages (GPA and CPA). A minimum CPA of 2.0 is required for graduation, meaning students need to maintain an average grade of 'C' or above.
Teaching:
The teaching approach in the MA Digital Art and Design program emphasizes a balance between theoretical knowledge and practical application. Students are encouraged to engage in active learning through studio work, group discussions, critiques, guest lectures, and field trips. The program features a dedicated and experienced faculty with expertise in various areas of digital art and design. The faculty members are actively involved in research, exhibitions, and professional practice, bringing real-world insights and perspectives into the classroom. The program also welcomes adjunct faculty from the industry, providing students with access to the latest trends and technologies.
Careers:
Graduates of the MA in Digital Art and Design program are prepared for diverse careers in the creative industries, including:
Art and Design:
- Museum and gallery work
- Digital art applications in the public and private sectors
- Art direction
- Installation art
- Graphic design
- User interface (UI) and user experience (UX) design
- Web design
- Illustration
- Animation
- Photography
Commerce:
- New media project management
- IT industry
- Communication technology
- Interactive media production
- Digital photography and visualization
- Electronic publishing
- Games industry
- Advertising agencies
- Digital design companies
- Museums and galleries
Education:
- Teaching in IT and design industries
- Teaching at high schools and universities in the public and private sectors
Other:
- The program welcomes students with diverse backgrounds, including those from art, design, multimedia, photography, and communication.
- Students have access to state-of-the-art facilities, including computer labs, studios, workshops, and a library with extensive resources on digital art and design.
- The program offers opportunities for international collaborations, allowing students to gain experience in a global context.
- The University of Nicosia is an internationally recognized institution, providing students with a prestigious degree that is valued by employers worldwide.
