Arts and Creative Technologies (by negotiated study) MSc

Location

Stoke-on-Trent campus

Stoke-on-Trent campus

Stoke-on-Trent campus

Do you have a creative project but can’t see a course to meet your professional goals? With this flexible option you can design your own Masters degree.

This is a unique course where you decide the focus and subject of your postgraduate studies in the diverse area of arts, humanities and creative technologies. 

Your overall project or research focus could be around developing a book or film, compiling a portfolio for a specific job or work towards an exhibition. You can follow a passion or expand on your work experience or undergraduate work. 

A Masters award will demonstrate your skills and commitment, which will help to validate funding bids or impress an employer. You’ll benefit from connecting with other creatives as well as upskilling in a specific area of work.

This is a unique course where you decide the focus and subject of your postgraduate studies in the diverse area of arts, humanities and creative technologies. 

Your overall project or research focus could be around developing a book or film, compiling a portfolio for a specific job or work towards an exhibition. You can follow a passion or expand on your work experience or undergraduate work. 

A Masters award will demonstrate your skills and commitment, which will help to validate funding bids or impress an employer. You’ll benefit from connecting with other creatives as well as upskilling in a specific area of work.

This is a unique course where you decide the focus and subject of your postgraduate studies in the diverse area of arts, humanities and creative technologies. 

Your overall project or research focus could be around developing a book or film, compiling a portfolio for a specific job or work towards an exhibition. You can follow a passion or expand on your work experience or undergraduate work. 

A Masters award will demonstrate your skills and commitment, which will help to validate funding bids or impress an employer. You’ll benefit from connecting with other creatives as well as upskilling in a specific area of work.

On successful completion of study, we will issue the following award: MSc Arts and Creative Technologies (by negotiated study)

On successful completion of study, we will issue the following award: MA Arts and Creative Technologies (by negotiated study)

On successful completion of study, we will issue the following award: MA Arts and Creative Technologies (by negotiated study)

Course content

There are two core modules where you’ll design your learning contract and learn about research methods. Everything else is chosen by you.

Armed with your proposal we will find you a subject-specific mentor, who will help you put together a Learning Contract, which is your own bespoke course design, which will allow you to complete your project.

You can use your own experience and interests to explore a subject through work-experience. You can also use the resources of the faculty –whether it be teaching and research expertise or workshop facilities – to help you. You even pick your own title for the course.

MaNS students are also encouraged to engage with the university's research centres in relation to their specific subject areas, in particular The C3 Centre: Creative Industries and Creative communities and DEMI Centre for research in the Digital entertainment and media industries

 Research centres - University of Staffordshire (staffs.ac.uk) 

There are two core modules where you’ll design your learning contract and learn about research methods. Everything else is chosen by you.

Armed with your proposal we will find you a subject-specific mentor, who will help you put together a Learning Contract, which is your own bespoke course design, which will allow you to complete your project.

You can use your own experience and interests to explore a subject through work-experience. You can also use the resources of the faculty –whether it be teaching and research expertise or workshop facilities – to help you. You even pick your own title for the course.

MaNS students are also encouraged to engage with the university's research centres in relation to their specific subject areas, in particular The C3 Centre: Creative Industries and Creative communities and DEMI Centre for research in the Digital entertainment and media industries

 Research centres - University of Staffordshire (staffs.ac.uk) 

Academic year

There are two core modules where you’ll design your learning contract and learn about research methods. Everything else is chosen by you.

Armed with your proposal we will find you a subject-specific mentor, who will help you put together a Learning Contract, which is your own bespoke course design, which will allow you to complete your project.

You can use your own experience and interests to explore a subject through work-experience. You can also use the resources of the faculty –whether it be teaching and research expertise or workshop facilities – to help you. You even pick your own title for the course.

MaNS students are also encouraged to engage with the university's research centres in relation to their specific subject areas, in particular The C3 Centre: Creative Industries and Creative communities and DEMI Centre for research in the Digital entertainment and media industries

 Research centres - University of Staffordshire (staffs.ac.uk) 

Academic year

Modules

The tables provide an indicative list of the modules that make up the course for the current academic year. Each module is worth a specified number of credits. Our teaching is informed by research, and modules change periodically to reflect developments in the discipline. We aim to ensure that all modules run as scheduled. If for any reason a module cannot be run we will advise you as soon as possible and will provide guidance on selecting an appropriate alternative module.

Year 1 compulsory modules
Approaches To Flexible Learning 20 credits
Negotiated Project 1 20 credits
Negotiated Project 2 20 credits
Negotiated Project 3 40 credits
Negotiated Study Masters Project 60 credits
Research Methods Seminar 20 credits

Modules

The tables provide an indicative list of the modules that make up the course for the current academic year. Each module is worth a specified number of credits. Our teaching is informed by research, and modules change periodically to reflect developments in the discipline. We aim to ensure that all modules run as scheduled. If for any reason a module cannot be run we will advise you as soon as possible and will provide guidance on selecting an appropriate alternative module.

Year 1 compulsory modules
Approaches To Flexible Learning 20 credits
Negotiated Project 1 20 credits
Negotiated Project 2 20 credits
Negotiated Project 3 40 credits
Negotiated Study Masters Project 60 credits
Research Methods Seminar 20 credits

Modules

The tables provide an indicative list of the modules that make up the course for the current academic year. Each module is worth a specified number of credits. Our teaching is informed by research, and modules change periodically to reflect developments in the discipline. We aim to ensure that all modules run as scheduled. If for any reason a module cannot be run we will advise you as soon as possible and will provide guidance on selecting an appropriate alternative module.

Year 1 compulsory modules
Approaches To Flexible Learning 20 credits
Negotiated Project 1 20 credits
Research Methods Seminar 20 credits
Year 2 compulsory modules
Negotiated Project 2 20 credits
Negotiated Project 3 40 credits
Negotiated Study Masters Project 60 credits

Entry requirements

You’ll normally need a 2:1 Bachelor degree or above. However, we’ll consider suitability for a Masters course based on experience and working practice. 

You’ll normally need a 2:1 Bachelor degree or above. However, we’ll consider suitability for a Masters course based on experience and working practice. 

You’ll normally need a 2:1 Bachelor degree or above. However, we’ll consider suitability for a Masters course based on experience and working practice. 

For equivalent entry requirements in your home country, please see the information on our country pages.

Choose your country

Check our entry and English language requirements for your country.

GO

Facilities

Dedicated Studio Space

Many of our art and design courses offer students their own personal workspace, conveniently located within an open-plan studio, to use throughout their course.

Watch video View virtual tour

3D Workshops

Get hands-on in our industry-standard workshops across wood, ceramics, heavy metal, fine metal, & composite materials. Equipped with everything from lathes, laser cutters, throwing wheels, glaze labs, arc welders, etching tanks and more. Read more

You'll learn traditional hand-making, machine manufacture and modern digital craft techniques. Find out more about our maker facilities
Watch video View virtual tour

Art and Design workshops

Our workshop facilities include 3D (wood, metal and plastics), digital imaging, surface decoration, and ceramics.

Careers

The award will open the door to creative opportunities depending on the area of interest followed. For example, graduates have gone on to careers in: 

  • Publishing
  • Designer makers
  • Games industry
  • Broadcasting
  • Teaching
  • Further study via PhD

All students have access to Career Connect, our dedicated careers team.

Teaching and assessment

Teaching

You’ll have a designated subject-specific supervisor throughout the course. The research methods module is taught alongside other students. 

You’ll have a designated subject-specific supervisor throughout the course. The research methods module is taught alongside other students. 

You’ll have a designated subject-specific supervisor throughout the course. The research methods module is taught alongside other students. 

Assessment

There are two types of assessments: practice (also called formative) or formal (also called summative).

Your formal assessments could include essays, virtual presentations or critical reviews.

There are two types of assessments: practice (also called formative) or formal (also called summative).

Your formal assessments could include essays, virtual presentations or critical reviews.

There are two types of assessments: practice (also called formative) or formal (also called summative).

Your formal assessments could include essays, virtual presentations or critical reviews.

Learning support

Your course tutors will provide lots of support. But you can also take advantage of our Academic Skills team, who can help you online with:

  • Study skills (including reading, note-taking, presentation skills)
  • Written English (including punctuation, grammar)
  • Academic writing (including how to reference)
  • Research skills
  • Critical thinking
  • Revision and assessment skills (including time management)

Additional support

If you have additional needs like dyslexia or a sensory impairment, then our Student Inclusion Services are here to help make sure nothing stands in your way.

Feedback

We know that it’s important for you to be able to gauge your progress. So, your tutor will give you feedback on any practice assessments you do or through a weekly discussion board.

We usually give you feedback on formal assessments within 20 working days, but the format will vary for each module.

We know that it’s important for you to be able to gauge your progress. So, your tutor will give you feedback on any practice assessments you do or through a weekly discussion board.

We usually give you feedback on formal assessments within 20 working days, but the format will vary for each module.

We know that it’s important for you to be able to gauge your progress. So, your tutor will give you feedback on any practice assessments you do or through a weekly discussion board.

We usually give you feedback on formal assessments within 20 working days, but the format will vary for each module.

Your study time will include scheduled one-to-ones with your supervisor, independent learning and assessments.  

Your study time will include scheduled one-to-ones with your supervisor, independent learning and assessments.  

Your study time will include scheduled one-to-ones with your supervisor, independent learning and assessments.  

Independent learning

The focus of this course is independent learning and individual study time. This could involve:

  • Reading journals, articles and books
  • Working on projects
  • Researching in the library
  • Preparing coursework 

We’ve invested in state-of-the-art facilities to help you make the most of your private study time. Whether you need a library, a computer, or a workshop, you’ll find it at University of Staffordshire.

The focus of this course is independent learning and individual study time. This could involve:

  • Reading journals, articles and books
  • Working on projects
  • Researching in the library
  • Preparing coursework 

We’ve invested in state-of-the-art facilities to help you make the most of your private study time. Whether you need a library, a computer, or a workshop, you’ll find it at University of Staffordshire.

The focus of this course is independent learning and individual study time. This could involve:

  • Reading journals, articles and books
  • Working on projects
  • Researching in the library
  • Preparing coursework 

We’ve invested in state-of-the-art facilities to help you make the most of your private study time. Whether you need a library, a computer, or a workshop, you’ll find it at University of Staffordshire.

Staff

Subject supervisors on the course include industry experts and world leading researchers. Staff below are examples of academics who supervise on the MaNS course

Lou Reynolds

Work Based Learning Fellow

Lou is the MaNS course leader with 10 years’ experience working with employers across the Creative Industries to design Work-based Learning programmes.

Lou's profile

Professor Ian Brown

Professor

Prof. Brown’s research investigates how contemporary social identity is constructed through rituals of consumption within popular culture. His research also explores the Invented World and the Natural World, including plant/human relations.

Ian's profile

Michael Safaric Branthwaite

Associate Professor

I am a Contemporary Fine Artist as well as an active researcher in integrated practices. My main area of interest is the use of technology and the digitisation of History and Heritage

Michael's profile

Professor Esther Maccallum-Stewart

Professor

Professor of Game Studies, specialising in player behaviour and analog games, including tabletop roleplaying games.

Esther's profile

Fees

For the course starting on 22 September 2025 the tuition fees are:

Study option UK / Channel Islands International
Full-time £9,165 per course £16,750 per course

For the course starting on 22 September 2025 the tuition fees are:

Study option UK / Channel Islands International
Full-time £9,165 per course £16,750 per course

For the course starting on 22 September 2025 the tuition fees are:

Study option UK / Channel Islands International
Part-time £9,135 per course £16,740 per course

If you would like to know more about the fees listed and what this means to you then please get in touch with our Enquiries Team.

Alumni discount

If you've previously completed a University of Staffordshire undergraduate degree (excluding HND and foundation degrees) you may be entitled to a discount of up to 25% off your course fees for any subsequent postgraduate taught course (terms apply, see the alumni discount page for details). If you have any questions about how this relates to you, please contact feesandbursaries@staffs.ac.uk.

Included in the fees:

Travel, and accommodation costs incurred by compulsory trips and visits away from the University that are directly linked to the learning requirements of a specific module.

The use of all workshops, studios and specialist technical facilities and hire of equipment relating to the course of study.

Travel, and accommodation costs incurred by compulsory trips and visits away from the University that are directly linked to the learning requirements of a specific module.

The use of all workshops, studios and specialist technical facilities and hire of equipment relating to the course of study.

Travel, and accommodation costs incurred by compulsory trips and visits away from the University that are directly linked to the learning requirements of a specific module.

The use of all workshops, studios and specialist technical facilities and hire of equipment relating to the course of study.
Not included in the fees:

The estimated cost of text books over the duration of the course. All essential text books are available from the library, but some students chose to purchase their own copies.

Travel, subsistence, entrance fees etc. incurred by optional trips and visits away from the University related to the course.

The cost of materials for the development of a student’s individual practice and work. Additional costs vary dependent upon student’s own choice of materials and approach to their practice.

Optional personal insurance when borrowing equipment such as cameras, lighting equipment etc. for extended period of use off campus [Approx £50-£100]. It may be possible to add some items to home contents insurance.

The estimated cost of text books over the duration of the course. All essential text books are available from the library, but some students chose to purchase their own copies.

Travel, subsistence, entrance fees etc. incurred by optional trips and visits away from the University related to the course.

The cost of materials for the development of a student’s individual practice and work. Additional costs vary dependent upon student’s own choice of materials and approach to their practice.

Optional personal insurance when borrowing equipment such as cameras, lighting equipment etc. for extended period of use off campus [Approx £50-£100]. It may be possible to add some items to home contents insurance.

The estimated cost of text books over the duration of the course. All essential text books are available from the library, but some students chose to purchase their own copies.

Travel, subsistence, entrance fees etc. incurred by optional trips and visits away from the University related to the course.

The cost of materials for the development of a student’s individual practice and work. Additional costs vary dependent upon student’s own choice of materials and approach to their practice.

Optional personal insurance when borrowing equipment such as cameras, lighting equipment etc. for extended period of use off campus [Approx £50-£100]. It may be possible to add some items to home contents insurance.
Accommodation and living costs

Accommodation and living costs are not included in our fees. 

For more information on accommodation and living costs, please see: Accommodation

Sources of financial support

Providing you are studying towards a full Masters qualification you may be able to apply for a postgraduate loan of up to £11,570 to help with tuition fees, maintenance and other associated costs. Student loans are available for many of our postgraduate degrees and are provided by the Student Loans Company (SLC). The loan can cover a wide range of postgraduate study options; part-time, full-time and distance learning. 

For more information and how to apply visit masters loan.

Our students

The feeling that you’ve achieved something that you’ve written and directed at your career makes it feel even more valuable than if you go through something a bit generic and you’re following the process of other people.

Dawn Critchley

Specialism: Surface Pattern Design

I could specialise in what I wanted to do. The support from the supervisors was amazing because they were really knowledgeable on what I wanted to achieve.

Heidi Jackson

Specialism: Surface Pattern Design

Apply

Location Award Study option Start date
Stoke-on-Trent campus MSc Full-time, September start 22 September 2025 Apply now

Rules and regulations

If you are offered a place at University of Staffordshire, your offer will be subject to our rules, regulations and enrolment conditions, which may vary from time to time.

Students of University of Staffordshire enter into a contract with us and are bound by these rules and regulations, which are subject to change. For more information, please see: University Policies and Regulations. 

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