MA in Computational Arts
Goldsmiths, University of London
Key Information
Campus location
London, United Kingdom
Languages
English
Study format
On-Campus
Duration
1 - 2 year
Pace
Full time, Part time
Tuition fees
GBP 10,870 / per year *
Application deadline
Request info
Earliest start date
Aug 2024
* for home full-time. Home part-time: £5435. International full-time: £16120
Introduction
MA in Computational Arts
Length: 1 year full-time or 2 years part-time
Department: Computing
Study a degree which develops your art practice through the expressive world of creative computation. It provides you with the historical foundations, frameworks and critical skills to produce a series of projects for public exhibition. It is delivered by Computing.
Applications still open
What is computational art?
Computation consists of all the changes brought about by digital technology. Art is an open set of ways of acting inventively in culture. Mixing the two together in a systematic way gives us computational art. This is a very open field and one that is set to expand enormously in the coming years. It is where the most exciting developments in technology and in culture can already be found. This degree will place you in the middle of this fast-evolving context.
What will I learn?
This degree develops your art practice through the expressive world of creative computation. Over a year (full-time) or two years (part-time) you will develop your artistic work and think through the challenge of developing a series of projects for a public exhibition which will explore the technological and cultural ramifications of computation.
You will learn the fundamentals of programming and how to apply this knowledge expressively. You will work with popular open source programming environments such as Processing, OpenFrameworks, P5.js and Arduino, and will learn how to program in languages such as Java, Javascript and C++.
Since computational artworks don’t necessarily involve computers and screens, we also encourage students to produce works across a diverse range of media. Supported by studio technicians in state-of-the-art facilities, our students are producing works using tools such as 3D printers, laser cutters, robotics, wearable technologies, paint, sculpture and textiles.
You will also study contextual modules on computational art and the socio-political effects of technology. These modules provide students with the historical foundations, frameworks, critical skills and confidence to express their ideas effectively. You will have the opportunity to learn the cultural histories of technology, to reflect on computation in terms of its wider cultural effects, and to understand the way in which art provides rigorous ways of thinking.
Through our masterclass series, we regularly invite world-class artists and curators to explain their work and engage in critical dialogue with the students. This allows you to develop a wider understanding of the contemporary art scene and how your work sits within the professional art world.
Keep up to date with the department
Take a look at the MA/MFA Computational Arts blog for the latest course news and student projects as well as the student-maintained MA/MFA Computational Arts instagram page.
For news straight to your inbox, why not subscribe to the course’s newsletter?
We are also happy to show people around our facilities, discuss the course in more detail and even give a taster of a class. Contact the course leader, Dr Theo Papatheodorou at [email protected] to arrange a visit.
MA or MFA Computational Arts?
As well as the MA, we also offer an MFA in Computational Arts. The MA is 1 year (full-time), the MFA 2 years (full-time).
The first year of the MFA is identical to the MA. You take the same classes and you learn the same things. The differences between the two courses are that in the MFA you get a 2nd year in which you take additional courses which help you develop your art practice further. These courses mean that you get a space to work under a tutor's supervision.
Contact the department
If you have specific questions about the degree, contact Dr. Theo Papatheodorou at [email protected]
Modules & structure
The following are core modules:
Module title Credits
- Workshops in Creative Coding 1 15 credits
- Workshops in Creative Coding 2 15 credits
- Final Project in Computational Arts 60 credits
- Computational Arts-based Research and Theory 30 credits
- Final Project in Computational Arts
You may then pick modules of your own choice from the optional modules listed below:
Module title Credits
- 3D Virtual Environments and Animation 15 credits
- Physical Computing 1 15 credits
- Physical Computing 2 15 credits
- Advanced Audio-visual Processing 15 credits
- Data and Machine Learning for Artistic Practice 15 credits
- Programming for Artists and Designers 15 credits
- Machine Learning for Artists and Musicians 15 credits
- Computational Form and Process 15 credits
- Approaches to Play: Mechanics, Dynamic, Aesthetics 30 credits
- Special Topics for Performance and Installation 15 credits
- Narrative and Interactive Fiction 15 credits
- Other level 7 modules are available in the department as well. A full list will be provided when you enrol.
Please note that due to staff research commitments not all of these modules may be available every year.
Department
Computing at Goldsmiths is ranked: 3rd in London* 17th in the UK for the quality of our research** and in the world's elite***
Computing
The Department of Computing offers a creative, contemporary and pioneering approach to the discipline.
From developing computers that can compose music and paint pictures, to defining and implementing new social media tools and applications, we aim to invigorate computing and the world around it.
Learn by doing
We place a great emphasis on creativity, independence and ‘learning by doing’. Students undertake practical work in real-world situations, carrying out projects in ways that mirror industry practice.
Interdisciplinary approach
We also promote an interdisciplinary approach to the subject: from computational arts to games and entertainment, and from data science to digital journalism.
Industry experts
You’ll be taught by industry experts – our academics are deeply engaged in current research, with many applying their knowledge and skills to developing cutting-edge technology. And we have close links with industry, too, regularly inviting leading professionals to deliver lectures and talks.
Find out more about the Department of Computing.
*Guardian University League Tables 2017
**Research Excellence Framework 2014, Times Higher Education research intensity subject rankings
***QS World University Rankings by Subject 2017
Facilities
Goldsmiths Computing department has a wealth of specialist facilities and equipment for students to use. From digital studios to motion capture, and games labs to sonic media.
Entry requirements
You should have (or expect to be awarded) an undergraduate degree of at least upper second class standard in a relevant/related subject and a portfolio of work (supplied either as a DVD or a URL directing to a relevant web page).
You might also be considered for some programmes if you aren’t a graduate or your degree is in an unrelated field, but have relevant experience and can show that you have the ability to work at postgraduate level.
Do I need to know how to program in order to join this course?
Having a creative/art background is what we require and not necessarily a technical one. We want to work with people that have some art practice and want to introduce computation in their work. In the past, we have had performers, film-makers, architects, musicians, painters and some computer scientists join the course. The majority of people on the course don't know how to program when they join us.
When people join us we try to assess their level of skill in order to offer them a challenging learning environment. People that have previous coding experience are encouraged to take more advanced modules and are given assignments in a lab and to take home that pushes their technical and creative skills further.
We feel that this diversity of skills and backgrounds contributes to the course’s great success over the years.
Do I need a strong maths background?
We do not require a maths background nor do we expect people to be strong in maths to do well. Basic arithmetic (addition/subtraction/division etc.) is all you need. We'll remind you in the class of any new concepts you'll need. We currently have the class dancers, writers, film-makers, photographers as well as architects, computer scientists, etc. We take pride in the diversity of backgrounds the students have and this contributes to the course's success.
Equivalent qualifications
We accept a wide range of international qualifications. Find out more about the qualifications we accept from around the world.
English language requirements
If English isn’t your first language, you’ll need to meet our English language requirements to study with us.
For this programme we require:
IELTS 6.5 with a 6.5 in writing.
If you need assistance with your English language, we offer a range of courses that can help prepare you for postgraduate-level study.
How to apply
You apply directly to Goldsmiths using our online application system.
Before submitting your application you’ll need to have:
- Details of your education history, including the dates of all exams/assessments,
- The email address of your referee who we can request a reference from, or alternatively an electronic copy of your academic reference,
- A personal statement – this can either be uploaded as a Word Document or PDF or completed online,
- Please see our guidance on writing a postgraduate statement
- If available, an electronic copy of your educational transcript (this is particularly important if you have studied outside of the UK, but isn’t mandatory),
- A portfolio of work (supplied as a pdf or a URL linking directly to a relevant web page). The portfolio can be in whatever form you feel is most appropriate (dance, painting, photography, digital art, music, film etc.
You'll be able to save your progress at any point and return to your application by logging in using your username/email and password.
When to apply
We accept applications from October for students wanting to start the following September.
We encourage you to complete your application as early as possible, even if you haven't finished your current programme of study. It's very common to be offered a place that is conditional on you achieving a particular qualification.
Late applications will only be considered if there are spaces available.
If you're applying for funding, you may be subject to an earlier application deadline.
Selection process
Admission to many programmes is by interview unless you live outside the UK. Occasionally, we'll make candidates an offer of a place on the basis of their application and qualifications alone.
English Language Requirements
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