MA Visual Arts

The MA in Visual Arts, validated by the University of Sussex, can be taken at West Dean College by the extension of certain Postgraduate Diploma programmes, thereby extending the duration of study from one academic year to a full calendar year. 

Students registered on any of the following programmes may apply to transfer their registration to the MA VISUAL ARTS: -

• Postgraduate Diploma in Sculpture
• Postgraduate Diploma in Painting & Drawing.
• Postgraduate Diploma in Tapestry and Textile Art.

Mid way through the academic year (February), successful applicants on the postgraduate programmes listed above commence MA units of study in addition to the remainder of their Postgraduate Diploma programme. On successful completion of the full academic year (July), students will have finished their Postgraduate Diploma while at the same time completing a modest amount of MA introductory study.

In July, students then commence their major projects for the MA degree which involves a further 10-week period of full-time study with a final assessment toward the end of September. Projects for the MA in Conservation Studies can be undertaken on-campus at West Dean with residential accommodation provided, or off-campus at an agreed location with supervision and tutorial support based at the College.

Successful candidates who transfer their registration from one of the above Postgraduate Diplomas and who subsequently fulfil the requirements of the MA component are awarded the appropriate MA degree of the University of Sussex. Such candidates are also eligible to receive the West Dean College Postgraduate Diploma for which they originally registered.

Entry requirements

Candidates for the MA degrees should normally, in addition to fulfilling the entry requirements for the Postgraduate Diploma, possess a good honours degree or equivalent in a relevant subject. They will also be expected to have achieved a high overall grade profile throughout the first half of their Postgraduate Diploma.

Fees

MA candidates will be required to pay a fee which is equivalent to one additional term of full-time residential study. If the MA project is undertaken off-campus and the student is non-resident, tuition fees for one additional term will apply.

The tutors and MA degree co-ordinator

• Dr Ed Winters - Tutor, painting and drawing, sculpture
• Pat Taylor - Tutor, tapestry and textile art
• Dr Roger Bown - MA degree co-ordinator