A Multi Disciplinary Printmaking degree student's work

MA Multi-Disciplinary Printmaking

Entry year
2024/25
Course code
WW1212
Application
University
Level
Postgraduate
School
School of Arts
Campus
City Campus
Duration
12 months full-time
Delivery
Full-time; starts September
Programme leader
Sarah Bodman

This course is open for applications

Page last updated 5 February 2024

Introduction

The course benefits from the extensive facilities and reputation of UWE's Print Centre, with active links to the Centre for Fine Print Research (CFPR) - bringing research expertise, valuable placement opportunities, and access to related symposia, conferences and exhibitions.

MA Multi-Disciplinary Printmaking at UWE Bristol is best known for its experimental, forward-thinking approach to printmaking today and the future of the printed artefact. With a focus on making, you can explore and experiment with a diverse mix of traditional and emerging fine art printmaking media and develop ideas through processes such as laser cutting, enamelling, electronics, wood engraving and lithography.

You will study alongside a broad base of students with diverse backgrounds in a professional, well-connected, research-active environment with full access to specialist facilities (some of the best in the country) and support from highly regarded master printers, practicing artists and researchers.

Why study this course?

This course is based at Bower Ashton Campus, part of City Campus, where exceptional facilities and resources include state-of-the-art digital media, production and fabrication workshops offer a combination of traditional tools and the latest technology.

Engaging with Creative Industries

This degree is an ideal springboard for professional artist-printmakers looking to extend their practice and also for those with less print-based experience to explore and experiment creatively, and gain valuable real world experience through the Professional Practice module.

Active links with the CFPR brings research expertise, opportunities for placements and access to associated symposia, conferences and exhibitions.

You will study in a creative, vibrant city with active arts communities and opportunities for collaboration and public engagement and gain valuable industry-insight from high profile visiting speakers from creative industries including Emma Stibbon, Sue Gregor and Otto Graphic.

Current students studying this course are active members of a large and growing community of postgraduates who work collegiately across the School. Have a look at our degree show portfolio to see some of the work being produced in this dynamic space.

You can also visit our Flickr gallery to see examples of past work from UWE Bristol students and hear on Youtube about Rachel's experience as a former MA Multi-Disciplinary Printmaking student.

The image above shows the fantastic work from one of our students (Gen Harrison, 2018 Multi-Disciplinary Printmaking graduate).

Structure

Content

The MA Multi-Disciplinary Printmaking course gives you a unique opportunity to develop a range of creative, conceptual, technical and professional skills. The course is made up of five modules:

  • Introduction to Multi-Disciplinary Printmaking (30 credits) - This workshop-based module provides a solid introduction to studio practice and to each other. You will explore facilities and resources for lithography, etching, screenprint, relief print, textile print, fabrication and begin to negotiate a programme of independent study.   
  • Research Practice (30 credits) - Primarily concerned with building academic skills, this module offers a series of choices, each of which has specific sets of concerns related to the practice and theory of art, media and design. These options are: Research for Practice; Critical Research' Research in Enterprise (in the Creative Industries).
  • Developing Practice (30 credits) - You will utilise and build upon skills gained in your first two modules to develop and realise a practical, self-directed printmaking project. You will have regular opportunities to experiment and play whilst developing an understanding of the field.
  • Practice in a Professional Context (30 credits) - This module allows you to explore your practice within or alongside a professional placement/project/experience (usually external) which complements your particular abilities and interests. You will gain first-hand experience of the professional arena whist negotiating your own programme of study in a professional context.
  • Extended Practice (60 credits) - Building on the expertise gained during your study, you will develop a body of work that demonstrates mastery of your subject, culminating in the end of year degree show. 

The University continually enhances our offer by responding to feedback from our students and other stakeholders, ensuring the curriculum is kept up to date and our graduates are equipped with the knowledge and skills they need for the real world. This may result in changes to the course. If changes to your course are approved we will inform you.

Learning and Teaching

Students are taught through a combination of seminars, technical workshops, lectures and independent self-directed study. Students learn from each other through presentations and open portfolios and guest speakers bring valuable real-world insight to the course.

There is strong emphasis on developing your creative, conceptual, technical and professional skills with support and guidance on careers and developing your own practice.

For more details see our full glossary of learning and teaching terms.

Study time

Full-time

Full-time students typically study for three semesters over 12 months.

Assessment

You will be assessed on your body of practical work, contextually supported by the critical journal. For the Research Practice module you will be assessed on a presentation and written essay.

For more details see our full glossary of assessment terms.

Features

Study facilities

Studying at Bower Ashton offers an excellent base for students within the exciting City Campus that connects teaching and learning with some of the best creative and cultural organisations in Bristol.  Bower Ashton houses the main library supporting the creative and cultural industries, student support services, as well as the extensive resource base that make up the facilities and resources.  You will also have the opportunity of studying and accessing facilities at other sites within City Campus.  This may include attending lectures, including guest lectures, and seminars at Arnolfini and Watershed in Bristol City Centre.

Find out more about the fantastic facilities UWE has to offer.

Take a Virtual Tour of the Art facilities and see what's on offer here for you.

Professional Practice

You will have the opportunity to explore your practice through a self-initiated placement/project/experience as part of the Practice in a Professional Context module. You will gain valuable insight into the professional arena and use your knowledge and skills to further develop your practice and future career aspirations.

The placement experience is self-initiated and could involve working either locally, nationally or internationally. Past placements/projects have involved developing and delivering public printmaking workshops, volunteering with charities, gallery stewardships, creating portable print studios, undertaking artist-residencies, working with independent studios, artists, schools and colleges, and internships at the CFPR.

Others have gained inspiration from time spent stargazing in Arizona, joining a circus, hot air ballooning, working locally assisting in etching classes at Spike Print Studio the largest open access print studio in the South West, or organising and curating group exhibitions.

Awards and scholarships

We are incredibly proud of our students and their achievements both during their time at UWE and post-graduation. Many are nominated for, and some go on to win, prestigious awards such as the Craft Council Hot House 4 and 5, a competition for all makers in the UK, and the Royal Society of Painter Printmakers Prize. Others are awarded Arts Council grants, bursaries and scholarships both locally and nationally both during and following the completion of their degree, including the Peter Reddick bursary at Spike Print in Bristol.

UWE is also pleased to offer prospective MA students the highly competitive 3D3 Masters Scholarship, an AHRC funded collaboration with Falmouth University and Plymouth University to train a new generation of interdisciplinary practitioner-researchers.

CFPR

The course is delivered by staff from the Centre for Print Research with regular contributions from other CFPR staff, visiting lecturers and alumni.

A mutually beneficial relationship exists between research staff at the CFPR and MA Printmaking students, with current student internships including artists' books, laser cutting and digital print.

The Centre for Print Research has been working with staff and MA Print students for almost three decades, to produce an annual show of limited edition prints.

Life

Postgraduate support

Our support includes access to fantastic facilities, study tools and career consultants, plus practical help to access everything from funding to childcare.

Bristol

A stunning city for student living with all the qualities to make you want to stay.

Sports, societies and activities

There is more to your experience here than study. Choose to make the most of it and try new things.

Health and Wellbeing

We provide support in the way you need it.

Campus and facilities

Discover our campuses and the wealth of facilities provided for our students.

Careers

Careers / Further study

Our students are taught by practicing artists and researchers, bringing skills and expertise exclusively to those at Postgraduate level.

Many of our graduates enter or continue employment in the creative industries in professional studios, as self-employed artists, illustrators and designers running their own businesses or in teaching in both formal and community education programmes.

Spike Print Studio in Bristol, the largest open-access print studio in the South West, employs six alumni (including the studio director). Others are employed at national print studios or have established their own professional studios, for example The Lemonade Press in Bristol.

Some students also progress to PhD study at UWE Bristol, through the CFPR.

Our award-winning careers service helps you develop your employment potential through career coaching, a vacancy service for internships, placements, jobs, global opportunities, volunteering and community activity plus support for entrepreneurial activity, and access to employer events.

Fees

Supplementary fee information

For information about fees and funding for courses please see our fees and funding pages.

For funding options, please see our funding and scholarships information.

Entry

Entry requirements

We are looking for highly motivated creative students from a range of art, media and design backgrounds. Usually applicants will have an undergraduate degree in the Visual Arts but those with other academic qualifications or professional experience are also encouraged to apply.

International applicants

For country specific entry requirements please find your country on the country information pages.

Selection process

Applicants will be asked to provide a portfolio of practical work and a personal statement for review.

Your portfolio should consist of 10 examples of your recent creative work; the examples don't need to be printmaking, they could be illustrations, sculpture, painting, graphic design work, etc. We are interested in your best work and how you might use printmaking in your future creative practice.

The personal statement should tell us why you wish to study Multi-Disciplinary Printmaking at UWE Bristol, your reasons for wanting to pursue study at Master's level, and what you hope it will help you to achieve for your future.

Shortlisted applicants will be invited to attend an online interview where you will be expected to discuss your portfolio of work.

English Language Requirement

International and EU applicants are required to have a minimum overall IELTS (Academic) score of 6.5 with 5.5 in each component (or approved equivalent*).

*The university accepts a large number of UK and International Qualifications in place of IELTS. To find details of acceptable tests and the required grades please visit English Language requirements.

English language support

If you meet the academic requirements but require additional support to take your language skills to the required level, you may be able to attend one of our pre-sessional English courses. Students who successfully complete the pre-sessional course can progress onto their chosen degree course without retaking an IELTS or equivalent.

Read more about our pre-sessional English Programme.

How to apply

Read more about postgraduate applications.

We accept applications throughout the year but if you are working to a funding deadline, you should build this into your application process.

Read more about international applications and key international deadline dates.

For further information

You may also be interested in