University of Sunderland

Glass

* Exceptions may apply.  Please see Fees and Finance for further information.

Introduction

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.

Students on this programme will develop a synergy of both creative ideas and technical skills to a professional level with a focus on one of the three main areas of the subject: Hot Glass, Kiln Glass, or Architectural Glass.

In addition the programme aims to:

• Encourage your independent creativity;
• Develop your approach by exploring the latest developments and historic trends;
• Improve your technical skills through expert support; and
• Develop academic skills in research and communication.

The University of Sunderland has been teaching Glass for over 20 years and is now one of the key providers in Europe. 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.

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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 Studio Work and 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)
• Studio Work and 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)
• Studio Work and 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 Studio Work and 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.

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Entry Requirements

Applications are welcome from holders of an honours degree related to art and/or design.

Applications are also welcome from those with equivalent or relevant experience.

We are also happy to consider applications from those with non-glass backgrounds.

Where possible all applicants will be invited for interview. International students should send images of work in slide or digital format.

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Fees and Finance

The fees for this course are as specified in the table at the top of the page.

Please note that different fees apply to students studying for "Equivalent or Lower Qualifications" (ELQs). For more information about ELQs, please see the page Information for applicants who already have an HE Qualification.

For information about University scholarships and bursaries please see the page Fees and Finance.

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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%).

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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 Museums Service and Mima. It has strong international links with USA, Finland and Czech Republic.

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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.

Recent sudent successes include:

• Hannah Kippax won the 2004 British Glass Biennale while still a part-time MA Glass student.
• Several MA Glass students and graduates selected for British Glass Biennale in 2006 and 2008.
• Two MA Glass graduates short listed for the 2008 Bombay Sapphire Glass Prize.
• Several students awarded money from the University of Sunderland's Futures Fund to support their studies.

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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.

*Please note there is a materials contribution fee of £160 per stage. This provides basic materials.

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Facilities

*World Class Web/Design Tools*
The University of Sunderland has made a significant investment in providing students with access to the latest releases of Adobe products.

Selected PCs within the St Peter's and Murray Libraries have been pre-loaded with the Creative Suite 4 (CS4) Adobe Design Premium Suite for your exclusive use.

CS4 Creative includes key products such as Indesign, Illustrator, Dreamweaver as well as Photoshop and a range of many others.

Further information is available from:

http://www.adobe.com/uk/products/creativesuite/design/
For information regarding locations of PC or Macs within your own faculty that have access to Adobe products please contact your Faculty IT Support.

If you are interested in purchasing Adobe products for your own PC/Mac Adobe offer significant savings for student purchases via any of its approved re-sellers.

Please visit:

http://www.student-software.co.uk/

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

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Related Courses

• Glass and Ceramics
• Glass
• Ceramics
• Ceramics

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