Graphic Arts

This creative and experimental MA in Graphic Arts brings together graphic designers, illustrators, and individuals from related industries to engage with communication design practice at a deeper level. You will research, investigate and debate the nature and dynamics of communication, and explore how they can produce meaningful outcomes using conventional and unconventional forms.

You will develop your design process: from creative strategies for generating ideas; gathering and analysing information; producing text; to producing final outcomes to industry standards. Skills development is embedded throughout and a vital re-skilling stage, a series of technical workshops delivered by experienced technical staff, ensures you are up-to-date and industry-ready.

Students value the experience and expertise of staff and the extensive, cutting-edge facilities and workshop areas covering digital and traditional print, media, film and animation, fabrication, photography, and apple mac suites.

This course is based on Bristol's historic waterfront at the Arnolfini. Situated above this internationally renowned centre for contemporary art you will be at the heart of Bristol's creative and cultural community, with access to UWE Bristol's City Campusand all it has to offer.

You will benefit from the opportunities generated by the University's strong links to the creative and media industries. Regular guest speakers from industry and live collaborative projects provide invaluable opportunities to gain real-world knowledge and experience. Our students continue to perform well in both local and national awards and competitions.

The full Masters course comprises 180 credits divided into three 60 credits stages: Postgraduate Certificate, Postgraduate Diploma, and Masters. Students work incrementally through the three stages and must pass all modules at each stage in order to progress to the next.

Introduction to Graphic Arts (30 credits)

This module introduces the subject through practical work and debate. You will consider and reflect on your initial perception of graphic arts and your own motivations for investigation, study, and practice within the broad scope that it offers. You will familiarise yourself with the resources available to you and begin to negotiate a programme of independent study.

Research Practice (30 credits)

Primarily concerned with building academic skills, this module offers a series of choices, each of which has specific sets of concerns related to the practice and theory of art, media and design. These options are: Research by practice; Critical Research and Research in Enterprise (in the Creative Industries).

Analysing Practice in Graphic Arts (30 credits)

You will explore and consider the different forms available to visual communicators, including print, screen and 3D/environmental outcomes. Through individual proposals you develop your work responding to a given text. Technical skills workshops enable you to explore the subject further and experiment with your ideas.

Developing Practice in Graphic Arts (30 credits)

This module builds upon your skills as a practitioner and seeks to develop concepts and ideas through an understanding of the self and critical position. You will research and submit a proposal for the development and realisation of a body of practical work that continues to the final module. There are also collaborative and day projects with invited guest speakers.

Extended Practice in Graphic Arts (60 credits)

You will undertake to produce a self-directed body of work with a choice of media, that shows your ability as an innovative and creative visual communicator, capable of creating meaningful and interesting content for an identified audience. The body of practical work is complemented by a substantial evaluation report which contextualises your particular approach to Graphic Arts.