Course description
Do you want to re-evaluate and develop your practice?
Do you want to develop new skills and approaches?
Are you a committed, organised and independent learner?
Do you want to test and expand your creative ideas with a peer group?
If the answers to the above questions are 'yes' then this programme is for you.
The University of Sunderland has been teaching Glass for over 20 years and is now one of the key providers in Europe. The university's Glass provision was greatly enhanced when the department moved into new studio spaces at the National Glass Centre in 2001. Since then the level of equipment and space has been further enhanced with over £1 million of external funding in the last two years. This gives Masters students access to a unique range of equipment including:
* perhaps the largest kiln for casting in education in Western Europe
* a large water-jet cutter
* a professional hot glass workshop
* mould making area
* large cold workshop
* print studio and
* computer suite
The department is also a centre of diverse, creative and academic activity in the form of artist access, skills programmes and research. The university's Institute for International Research in Glass (IIRG) has a lively visiting speaker programme of invited professional artists and curators. All staff associated with the programme are engaged in professional practice or research.
We also have developing links with Bullseye Glass Co, Schott International and Daum.
The programme has a proven track record of attracting a broad range of students in terms of age, nationality, and background. Students have joined the programme having studied or worked in diverse contexts, such as glass, ceramics, painting, sculpture, jewellery, architecture, interior design, engineering and photography.
Course Content
Stage 1
The programme comprises of three stages and is modular in structure. Each stage represents 60 credits.
To successfully complete the MA in Glass each student must complete 180 credits. Each stage is delivered consecutively and the content is cumulative.
Stages 1 and 2 include
* one 40 credit 'Glass - Self negotiated project' module (Stage 1 - ART M53 and Stage 2 -ART M58). These modules run concurrently with 20 credit Critical Studies modules (Stage 1 - ART M50 and Stage 2 - ART M52).
Stage 3 comprises of
* one 60-credit module (ART M62) that includes a written report representing 20% of the final marks. The remaining 80% relates to the visual presentation.
Stage 1
Postgraduate Certificate (PgC) 60 credits
* Glass - Self Negotiated (ART M53)
* Critical Studies (ART M50)
During this initial stage we work together to review your ideas and approaches to your work. Then we introduce additional ideas and approaches that complement what already works for you. This is a time to experiment.
Stage 2
Postgraduate Diploma (PgD) 60 credits
* Glass - Self Negotiated (ART M58)
* Critical Studies (ART M52)
This stage is about consolidation. We help you to develop your technical skills and work through the concept of 'professionalism' in your practice. Stages 1 and 2 include taught Critical Studies modules.
Stage 3
Masters (MA) 60 credits
* Glass - Exhibition and Contextual Report (ART M62)
This stage brings all your learning together in a Masters project.
Teaching and Assessment
We teach through one-to-one critiques, seminars, individual and group tutorials, lectures, group work and a programme of visiting speakers.
Assessment is generally through a presentation of work. Critical Studies modules are assessed by presentations that are then expanded into short essays. Stage 3 is assessed by your practical work (80%) and a written report (20%).
Work Experience
The programme has links with all of the major arts organisations in the region including Arts Council England, Baltic, Northern Centre for Contemporary Art, Tyne and Wear Meseums Service and Mima. It has strong international links with USA, Finland and Czech Republic.
Career Opportunities
The skills that you gain through the programme will further our career within the cultural sector. A Masters degree makes you standout when it comes to taking up new opportunities. The degree will also open the door to further studies and professional development.
Many graduates become glass artists working on a freelance basis. Many former graduates have successfully set up their own workshops in the region. Many go into art administration and education.
Supplemental Information
Contact time
The full-time mode consists of one academic year (45 weeks), each stage consists of 15 weeks study. Due to the practice based nature of the programme, students are expected to attend the university on a full-time basis.
