Master of Arts [M.A] [Art and Design - Philosophy Pathway] From Cardiff Metropolitan University

It is a research-preparation programme that can be completed either through written coursework or through a variable combination of writing and studio practice. The form your work takes might be one of the philosophical questions that we discuss. Some familiarity with philosophy is desirable but not essential.

The Master of Arts in Art and Design - Philosophy Pathway at Cardiff Metropolitan University explores the interaction between philosophy and art and design. Attention is paid to the philosophical questions generated by studio practice, and to the questions that philosophy brings to the studio. Study over the course of the year (or two years part-time) is divided into three areas: (1) foundations and key concepts in aesthetics; (2) contemporary debates in the philosophy of art and design; and (3) your own self-directed project. Some of the topics covered typically include:

• Key philosophers and concepts in the history of aesthetics, from Plato to the present
• The phenomenology of art and design
• Aesthetics and ecology
• The philosophy of technology
• Metaphor and thought
• The role of writing in art, design and philosophy

Training in a series of cross-disciplinary research methods is given, and your own philosophical and studio interests are developed in relation to key concepts and contemporary debates. As the year progresses, readings, seminars and workshops are tailored increasingly to the philosophical and studio interests of the individual or the group. The programme culminates in a self-directed major study that is either a written thesis or a combination of writing and practice. The cultivation of a philosophical practice through art or design is encouraged.

Employability & Careers:

The MA Art and Design acts as a gateway to research or advanced experimental practice. It has an option for students to focus on research (by taking the initial formal PG Cert Research Skills module) or by taking an alternative creative practice route both leading towards potential future MPhil/PhD study. Students taking the MA Art and Design align with specific research and experimental practice pathways, led by academic staff with established practice careers and/or advanced scholarship and research.

The MA Art and Design programme is designed to enable students to achieve the attributes of greater flexibility, adaptability, and individual responsibility and autonomy as professional artists, designers or researchers. The MA Art and Design programme aims to develop increasing creativity, self-reliance, initiative, and the ability to perform in rapidly changing environments as well as increasing competence with research skills and methods which will make graduates highly employable as academics and or researchers or enable them to develop an active and sustained practice as artists or designers.

All students' are expected to complete a portable 'record of achievement' and use their PDP to support employability and life-long learning, normally in the form of a blog, that integrates opportunities for self-reflection in programmes in order to help them develop as effective and confident learners.