Course summary
The MA by Research in Media Art and Design offers you the chance to continue your studies at postgraduate level in a number of specialit research areas. As a postgraduate MA student enrolled on this programme you will join a department with over thirty years of experience delivering excellent teaching and learning, research and knowledge exchange, and awardwinning professional practice. You will join a vibrant community of researchers and practitioners and play a role in contributing to the culture of research and practicebased research that exists within the department. This is not a taught MA, and therefore there are no modules offered. Instead, the individual defines their own set of research questions in conversation with their supervisory team. Areas of specialism include: Animation, Applied Art, Cultural Studies, Digital Media, Film, Fine Art, Graphic Design, Journalism, Media and Communications, Photography, Radio, Television, and Web Design. The MA by Research in Media, Art and Design will provide you with the opportunity to undertake a supervised programme of independent study and practice in a structured and supportive environment. You will work closely with your supervisors to develop your ideas, refine your research questions, and complete your research project.
Assessment method
The MA by Research in Media, Art and Design is offered via two modes: A traditional research mode that consists of supervised academic study culminating in the submission of a written thesis of 25,000 words. A practicebased mode that consists of supervised work on a body of creative practice that culminates in the submission of a project or portfolio equivalent to 15,000-20,000 words, together with a reflective analysis of no less than 5,000 words and no more than 10,000. The combined word count equivalent for a practicebased submission should not exceed 25,000 words. The MA by Research is assessed using the Graduate College’s validated doctoral framework, which means that MA by Research students produce a single thesis (whether written or comprising both practicebased and written elements) that will be submitted at the end of their study. The thesis will then be examined both internally and externally and four possible outcomes will be achieved: Pass, Pass with Minor Corrections, Pass with Major Corrections, and Fail.
Entry requirements
This programme is based upon supervised but largely independent study. A 2:2 honours degree in the specialism chosen is required for Masters study. Holders of other qualifications will be considered individually.
Fees and funding
Tuition fees
| England | £9535* | Year 1 |
| Northern Ireland | £9535* | Year 1 |
| Scotland | £9535* | Year 1 |
| Wales | £9535* | Year 1 |
| Channel Islands | £9535* | Year 1 |
| Republic of Ireland | £9535* | Year 1 |
*This is a provisional fee and subject to change.
Tuition fee status depends on a number of criteria and varies according to where in the UK you will study. For further guidance on the criteria for home or overseas tuition fees, please refer to the UKCISA website .
Additional fee information
The fees above are for the 2025/26 academic year but may be subject to change following any announcements by the UK Government (approved by Parliament) regarding maximum Undergraduate tuition fee caps for 2025/26.
In addition, the University reserves the right to increase all full-time and part-time Undergraduate tuition fees mid-course, in line with any further inflationary increase in the Government tuition fee cap which is approved by Parliament. The University will publish information about any changes to tuition fees on its website.
International Tuition Fees (including EU fees): To be confirmed
Undergraduate tuition fees for International students are not subject to the Government’s regulations on maximum tuition fees.
Provider information
Canterbury Christ Church University
North Holmes Road
Canterbury
CT1 1QU