Introduction

The School of Visual Arts and Design [SVAD] and the School of Architecture [SA] at the Beconhouse National University [BNU] have jointly taken the lead in implementing an interdisciplinary approach to art and design education in a liberal arts environment. Our first graduates have already become active participants of the contemporary international art and design circuits.

Contributing to the critical attitudes and the refined skills of the next generation of artists, designers and architects, as well as educators, writers, and thinkers, is fundamental to our mission. With this vision, the MA in Art, Design and Architecture Studies [MAADAS] provides a structure that is not only specific to our academic and professional needs in South Asia, but is also on par with the global standards of education, practices, and research. Postgraduate work defined under the umbrella of “Studies” is intended to facilitate studio based explorations and academic research to meet across mutually excluding boundaries conventionally raised among practice and theory.

Since there is an immediate and growing need for practitioner-researchers in this age of accelerated urbanization, environmental challenges, an ever-intensifying culture of cyber communication and its attendant socio-political challenges, we aim to provide rigorous and focused studies in art, design and architectural research.

This program is aimed at intensifying the explorative and critical thrusts of our existing studio-based practices at undergraduate levels, and undertakes the task of preparing researchers, scholars, and, educators in these realms.

SVAD and SA have fostered links with universities and institutes worldwide that allow for cross-faculty research initiatives and possibilities of artists, designers and architects in residence and internship placements for our students.

Domains of Study

Advance studio practice in art, design and architecture:

• Visual Arts
• Architecture
• Interior Space Design
• Visual Communications Design
• Textile Design, Fiber Arts and Fashion Design
• Jewelry and Accessory Design
• Product Design
• Photography and Video

Theory and Research:

• Research and writing for art, design and architecture
• Critical theory / history / philosophy
• Cognitive and developmental studies
• Pedagogical studies in art/design/architecture
• Curatorial studies/ art management/museum studies/art reviewing

Workshops/ Supplementary art and design studios:

• Painting
• Drawing
• Photography
• Video / Sound
• Animation
• Printmaking
• Jewelry making
• Textile
• Wood/glass/metal/clay workshops
• Local craft workshops

Affiliated visiting artist/ scholar residency program

• A global call for visual artists, designers, architects/scholars to supplement the graduate studies

Research/internships/fieldwork/practicum

• A comprehensive TA program for undergraduate level
• Residencies/Biennial/Art fairs/Conferences
• Exhibition Reviewing
• Professional Practice for Artists, Designers, Architects
• Galleries
• Museums Spaces and Cultures of Display
• Schools
• Colleges
• Alternate Spaces/Community

Degree Requirements

• 32 credits + thesis
• One year (for applicants with Post-Graduate Diploma, or 5 years of undergraduate study)
• 64 credits + thesis
• Two years (for applicants with 4 years of undergraduate study)

Admission Criteria

1. At least 16-17 years of study (last four/five years preferably in art, architecture, and/or, design)
2. Statement of purpose identifying broad domain(s) of interest
3. Portfolio review (10 examples of art or design works, published/unpublished texts, etc.)
4. Interview

Deadlines

Last date of application submission                            January 10, 2012

Portfolio review and Interview                                   January 23, 2012

Display of merit list    January 28, 2012

Last date for registration and fee payment                 February 06, 2012

Semester commences on Monday, February 06, 2012

Course Structure

1 year | 32 credits
One year /two semester full-time study, and a Thesis/Major Project at the end of the year
Applicants with 17 years of undergraduate education (those with a Post Graduate Diploma, or a Bachelor of Architecture) maybe admitted to the 1year program and are required to complete 32 credits.

2 years | 64 credits
Two year /four semester full-time study, and a Thesis/Major Project at the end of the two years
Students with 16 years of undergraduate education maybe admitted to the two-year program, and are required to complete 64 credits of study.

*Studio or Theory Elective: An elective can be any graduate level theory or studio course offered by departments within BNU. Students can take electives in consultation with their advisor(s).