Goldsmiths, University of London · Full-time
Computational Arts
Why study MA Computational Arts at Goldsmiths Develop your arts practice through the expressive world of creative computation. This Masters provides you with the historical foundations, frameworks and critical skills to produce a series of projects for public…
MA1 yearFull-time
Browse computer science courses in UK
Computing · Computing
Why study MA Computational Arts at Goldsmiths Develop your arts practice through the expressive world of creative computation. This Masters provides you with the historical foundations, frameworks and critical skills to produce a series of projects for public exhibition. - This degree develops your arts 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 thinking through the challenge of developing a series of projects for public exhibition that will explore the technological and cultural ramifications of computation. - You will choose one of the two options: the Design & Creative Technology Pathway or the Arts & Practice Based Research Pathway, depending on your interests. - 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 Python 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 you with the historical foundations, frameworks, critical skills and confidence to express your 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. - Computing at Goldsmiths offers a wealth of specialist facilities and equipment for students to use. From digital studios to motion capture, and games labs to sonic media.
Getting in
As the university states it
You should have (or expect to be awarded) an undergraduate degree of at least 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 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. We accept a wide range of international qualifications. If English isn’t your first language, you will need an IELTS score (or equivalent English language qualification) of 6.5 and no element lower than 6.0 to study this programme. We welcome applications from anyone drawn to a rigorous, practice-led programme that cultivates an active, critical, and historically informed approach to creative practice, design, technology and computer science. Whether applying for the one-year MA or the two-year MFA, we are looking for candidates who are curious, ambitious, and ready to push their practice into new territory. 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 arts 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 lab and to take home that push 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 coding background? No prior coding experience is required. The programme accommodates a wide spectrum of technical backgrounds, with classes offered at all levels to ensure everyone can develop at pace. While many applicants hold an undergraduate degree in a creative or technical discipline – such as art, design, music, architecture, computer science, psychology or cultural studies – we equally value substantial professional or life experience as a pathway onto the programme.
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