MA Art, Design and the Book
| Course Type: |
Full-time, Part-time |
| Course Start Date: | 30th September |
| Course Level: |
 |
| Location: | Colchester |
| Attendance: | (Part-time) Wednesday 10am - 4pm |
| Duration: | (Full-time) 1year (Part-time) 2 years |
| Centre: | School of Art |
| Course Code: | ZH1MAABF01 (Full-time) ZH1MAABP01 (Part-time) |
| UCAS Code: | N/A apply directly to Colchester Institute |
| Course Fee: |
£2,590 (Year 1), £2,090 (Year 2)
See fees page for further information |
Explore the intellectual, practical and commercial means through which artists and designers can utilise the book as an appropriate vehicle for carrying concepts, from one-off artworks to limited edition runs, and to mainstream publishing projects.
Who is this course for?
This course is for individuals looking to broaden their understanding of art, design and the book through individually tailored research projects, coupled with in-depth analysis and facilitate a personal application of concepts to appropriate professional practices. Graduates can expect careers as practising artists and as designers serving a wide range of publishing media including books, magazines and websites.
Course Description:
The existence of the book, its functions and influence, has grown and diversified enormously since the introduction of electronic information media and on-line publishing. The growing number of exhibitions, book fairs and independent publishers demonstrates the extent to which new technology has freed the book from its traditional function as a formal container of information.
This programme draws together the creative potential of the book as a vehicle for art and narrative along with the technical and marketing strategies of mainstream publishing. An historical context is provided through a shared lecturer programme whilst practical issues concerning all aspects of print, printmaking, book-binding and image making (including photography) are included. Technologies, both old and new, play an integral part in the programme.
Students are based at The Minories gallery in Colchester. They have the opportunity to participate at book fairs/exhibitions. Strong links with the major publishing houses, such as Thames and Hudson and Lawrence King, distributors, and retailers will provide first-hand experience for students in all aspects of marketing and selling of books and related objects.
Students will learn through a combination of tutorials, seminars, specific practical workshop sessions and studiobased research and developmental work.
The challenge of studying at postgraduate level has been matched by a real motivation to get the most out of this course. The Minories is a wonderful environment to engage in creative pursuits and the lecturers are very approachable. I have gained the confidence to display my work publicly and the course has certainly inspired me to be even more ambitious and, consequently, more productive with my time.
Course Content:
Modules offered:
Introduction to Action Research
This module supports students in planning, undertaking and writing up a book-related project of professional development/inquiry utilising an action research strategy. It provides an opportunity to explore the theoretical dilemmas which underlie the practice of inquiry and its relationship to practice.
Reprographic and Structural Strategies
This module provides an introduction to various means and ideas for creating work in the book format. Both traditional and experimental printing and structural techniques and materials will be explored to encourage the relationship between the form and content of a book.
Focusing on the creative use of words in their own right as well as the exploration of visual means by which the implication and/or purpose of words can, through analysis and practical engagement, be exploited.
Histories and Theories of Contemporary Practice
Reflect upon the developments in the practice and theory of contemporary art from circa 1960 to the present. Students will focus on the theoretical and critical debates that are generated by, and which relate to, the disappearance of medium specificity in the visual arts and the emergence of a ‘post-medium’ condition.
This seminar-based series examines the development of narrative strategies devised and developed during the 19th and 20th centuries to persuade, entertain and inform. The focus will be on the design of printed matter for mass markets. The module aims to help students define career or research aspirations and begin to devise strategies for meeting them.
Applying Book Making Practices
This major project provides a vehicle through which students can contextualise their insights and personal perspectives, and evaluative capabilities previously developed within the programme. Through this negotiated project, students will be expected to research a book-related subject which provides the basis for critical, personal enquiry through the application of tools, materials, technologies and research methods developed during this programme of study. Students work, representing their final outcome, will be presented in a public exhibition.
Supporting Documents:
What our Graduates do:
Miranda Hart graduated in 2011. She is a practicing book artist and writer, and recently exhibited at the Codex book exhibition and symposium in Berkeley, California and at the Fine Press Book Association Exhibition in Oxford. She project manages The New Bookbinder for the Designer Bookbinders. Miranda’s work has been commissioned for public and private collections in America and she is currently applying to undertake a PhD.
Entry Requirements:
Applicants should possess an Honours Degree in an art and design subject, or its equivalent. Exceptionally, candidates with other qualifications coupled with appropriate experience will be considered. Alternatively, prospective students may demonstrate equivalent qualifications, experience and knowledge relevant to the programme.
Career Opportunities:
Artists, independent publishing, book designers, graphic designers, fine-press printing, printmaking and teaching.
Course Progression:
Opportunities for further study at MPhil/PhD level.
Course validated by:
Further Information:
Course Enquiry Line: (01206) 712777
Make a general enquiry
Print this pageThe course information describes programmes offered by Colchester Institute. The College takes all reasonable steps to provide courses as described, but cannot guarantee provision. The information is for guidance and does not form any part of a contract.
The College reserves the right to update and amend information as and when necessary. Colchester Institute will do its best to provide the courses shown, but may have to modify or withdraw a course depending on customer demand and other factors.
Fees are correct at the time of entering/printing information, but may be subject to change. The College cannot accept legal or financial liability as a result of any such changes.
Updated on Mon, 13/05/2013 - 10:07am.
