– Research Methodologies – AR7001-30
This module is an introduction to research methods and is delivered as a common programme involving students across the postgraduate community at Bath School of Art and Design. The module introduces key principles and processes of research, which are relevant to the study and practice of art and design. The module is intended as an introduction to the identification and use of research resources, and the general development of research related skills
– Developing Practice – VM7002-30
In this the first of the MAVC practice modules, the aim is to establish and identify each student’s current position as a practitioner. It will help individuals identify areas of their practice that need special attention and to begin to develop and refine the relationships between theoretical, practical and professional approaches to their specialism in Photography, Illustration, or Graphic Design. Students will devise a practice-based project with a plan that outlines its aims and objectives. From this they will undertake primary and secondary research and finally present a visual communication project in their chosen specialism. The project will also make reference to the Professional Practice covered in this module (outlined on page 12 of this handbook). At the end of the module students will make an audio / visual presentation, (usually in a digital format) and will submit their visual communication project along with a folder containing the initial proposal, ideas, research, process and outputs.
– Practice In Context – VM7003-30
The aim of this module is to build on each student’s reflective experience in Developing Practice and identify clear links between related visual communication specialisms. Instead of a reflective focus on individual practice, each student will concentrate on developing a project designed specifically for a local / national audience and will develop this project in collaboration with another student (or where there is a need, another individual or organisation). The visual communication project made for this module will work in conjunction with another of the MAVC specialisms: Photography, Illustration, or Graphic Design. The manner in which the project is designed for its audience should be carefully considered, referring to several examples of relevant (and usually recent) visual communication projects. The project’s objectives should be clearly evident in the supporting primary and secondary research. In developing this project students will identify and refer to relevant theoretical and critical thinking contained in the module syllabus and make reference to professional practices covered in this module. At the end of the module, students will make an audio / visual presentation and submit their visual communication project along with a folder containing analysis of and critical reflection upon the initial proposal, key ideas, research, development processes, challenges and outputs.
– Practice in a Global Context – VM7004-30
In this module students will continue collaborative working, utilising their improved visual communication specialist skills to design a project that is focussed toward an international / global audience. Given the diversity of global audiences, this project will need to take language differences and varied cultural practices into account, and find appropriate verbal or non-verbal ways to deal with specific communication issues. In the process of developing their project, students will make reference to the theoretical and critical thinking in the syllabus for this module in their primary and secondary research and in the final project. They will also make reference to professional practices covered in this module. At the end of the module students will present a 1000 – 1200 word summative critique of the project, its strengths and weaknesses, along with the finished visual communication project.
– Masters Project – AR7007-60
This final masters 60-credit module aims for you to demonstrate your intellectual and autonomous progress in establishing a professional creative practice. For this module you will undertake an independent line of enquiry, constructing a self-directed project brief, which communicates a positioning of your work within the specialist discipline of your practice. Your practice should demonstrate your ability to apply your understanding of the profession, research methods, design process, high-level techniques and/or products to create an original body of work. You are required to construct a reflective evaluation of your creative practice, which describes your work in relation to the professional discipline and/or research in the field. The evaluation should highlight your knowledge, a critical awareness of relevant current concerns, your methodologies and your advanced skills. The module culminates in a public exhibition (or approved equivalent as negotiated with your tutor). The work exposed should easily communicate your concept, enquiries and outcomes to both specialist and non-specialist audiences.
Rebecca Cleal 