ObjectivesYou will study the phenomenal rise of the brand, its impact on society and how this relates to your own practice. The course looks at what sustains a brand and what makes it a success or failure. You will be encouraged to research ‘brand’ from several perspectives from psychology, fashion, product and graphic design and consider its impact ethically, politically, culturally and economically. You will also explore how branding exists in several manifestations in the arts, sports and cultural industries. Your final research outcome may be practice- or theory-based.
Entry requirementsEntry requirements Prospective applicants should be (or about to become) graduates of a British university or equivalent institute of Higher Education. Preference will be given to good honours graduates although exceptional applicants from a non-academic background will also be considered. If applying for a design specialisation, you are also required to show a professional portfolio of work. Entry requirements: good honours degree (2.2 minimum) in a relevant art and design subject or relevant experience, supported by a suitable portfolio of work or evidence of publication. Applications will be considered from non art and design related subject areas. Competence in written and spoken English is essential. Overseas applicants are expected to have a score of either IELTS 6, TOEFL 540, CBTOEFL 207 or IBTOEFL 76 unless their undergraduate course of study was undertaken in English. There is an opportunity for overseas students to enrol on the 10 week Language and Culture Bridging course at the end of June, providing they have secured a place on an MA course the following September. This will allow for a higher score to be achieved and for students to have Art and Design specialist tutorials in preparation for Masters study.
Academic titleMA Branding and Identity Design
Course descriptionAssessment
Assessment is by coursework at the end of each stage, culminating in the exposition of your work towards the end of the course
Resources and facilities
The MA is hosted by the School of Art and Design, giving students access to a range of excellent dedicated facilities within the School, ranging from traditional media through to industry-standard digital technology centres. Facilities are supervised by skilled technical personnel.
How do you study?
The course lectures and seminars are delivered by University tutors, invited designers, artists and other visiting professionals. Students will receive individual and group tutorials as well as opportunities for interdisciplinary working and regular peer review presentations.
You will receive support through your studies from our excellent teaching staff and have email contact with your tutors as well as access to lecture notes and reading material via the University’s Virtual Learning Portal.
The School of Art and Design has developed excellent links with the design industry. The visiting lecturer programme will put you in touch with design professionals and, most importantly, assist your in making contacts in the industry.
MA Branding and Identity Design
Course content
This modular MA is designed to offer a framework for advanced study and to develop core skills in a number of areas, including
* Research methodologies.
* The professional and cultural contextualisation of work.
* Practical project experimentation and realisation.
* Critical and reflective evaluation.
All skills are developed as the course progresses, with the aim of preparing students for a major MA individual or group research project.
Modules are designed to encourage interdisciplinary working. The Context and Research module, for example, is delivered to the entire postgraduate community, thus giving students the opportunity to exchange ideas and analysis. This form of dialogue is crucial for the development of new thinking and new directions in art and design.