MA/MFA Glass

Program Overview

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What you'll study

The content of the course may be subject to change. Curriculum content is provided as a guide.

Integrated Pre-Masters (if undertaken)

Our Integrated Pre-Master's course will prepare for postgraduate study by improving your academic and creative skills before your degree begins.

You'll build a portfolio of work whilst you explore your subject specialism and benefit from personal development tutoring that will support your academic growth and help refine your specialism.

If you need to enhance your English language skills you can opt to join a pre-sessional English course to improve your IELTS score as well.

Term one

Exploratory Practice

In this unit you’ll develop your practice into a means of inquiry – investigating the potential of skills, techniques, ideas and themes to analyse and interrogate approaches to practice.

Research Contexts

Exploring the design, construction and expression of practice as a process of research, you will be introduced to critical research methodologies which you will employ in your independent research enquiries.

Term two

Reflective Practice

This unit promotes rigorous self-critique and the subsequent progression of increasingly independent practice. You will begin to interrogate your research and practice in a far greater depth with a view to constructing a specific Major Project proposal. You will also consider modes of display, audience and the documentation of work in preparing you for the professional realisation of ideas.

Professional Contexts

Focused on professional development, you will engage with professional contexts through opportunities and projects developed with partner organisations. Through group work and individual research, you will establish and develop a sense of your position in relation to your identified subjects, interests and practice areas. This unit also includes the opportunity to develop a creative business plan, funding application, or pitch to professional audiences.

Term three

Major Project

To conclude your studies, you will undertake a sustained, in-depth and critically informed research inquiry. You will define your practice through your own work and an understanding of how it sits in relation to others — identified industries or professional contexts, collaborators and audiences. The major project will culminate in a substantial body of work.

MFA – Advanced Practice (if undertaken)

Advance Practice

Should you choose to undertake the MFA route of this degree, you will spend this unit developing, extending and furthering your professional practice. Through advance research methods, this unit will require you to demonstrate the skills, knowledge, confidence and originality that you have developed as a practitioner and researcher. Through this unit you will be supported in preparing PhD applications, organising public events and seeking external platforms to work with professional contexts and engage audiences.

specifications

• Course information 2025/26 entry
• Course information annex for Integrated Pre-Masters 2025/26 entry
• Student regulations

Please note, syllabus content indicated is provided as a guide. The content of the course may be subject to change in line with our Student Terms and Conditions for example, as required by external professional bodies or to improve the quality of the course.

Fees & funding

_Fees & _ financial support

UK

• Tuition fees
  • MA course: £10,500 (2025/26, full-time)
  • MFA course: £7,000 (2025/25, full-time, year 1)

EU

• Tuition fees
  • MA course: £10,500 (2025/25)
  • MFA course: £7,000 (2025/25, year 1)

International

• Tuition fees
  • MA course: £18,000 (2025/25)
  • Integrated International Pre-Masters course: £17,500 (2025/25, Sept & Jan), £8,750 (2025/25, May)
  • MFA course: £11,700 (2025/25, year 1)

UCA scholarships and fee discounts

At UCA we have a number of financial support information available to assist you with the cost of your studies.

Current UCA students and alumni may be eligible for a tuition fee discount.

Financial support

There are lots of ways you can access additional financial support to help you fund your studies - both from UCA and from external sources. Discover what support you might qualify for please see our scholarships and fee discounts.

Additional course costs

In addition to the tuition fees there may be other costs for your course. The things that you are likely to need to budget for to get the most out of a creative arts education will include books, printing costs, occasional or optional study trips and/or project materials.

These costs will vary according to the nature of your project work and the individual choices that you make. Please see the Additional Course Costs section of the Course Information Document for more details of the costs you may incur.

Explore our Gradshow

Each year, we’re privileged to be able to share our graduates’ incredible work with the world. And now’s your chance to take a look.

Equipment & Facilities

We are one of only a few UK universities with a glass workshop, including:

• Hotshop for glass blowing
• Ladle casting and centrifuging
• Polishing and engraving machinery

We have extensive cutting, finishing and grinding workshops with grit blasting and engraving facilities, and plaster, gelflex and wax rooms for mould making.

opportunities

Industry links Careers Further study

Our course has excellent links with industry specialists, and can assist with the provision of work placements.

Our connections include:

• Bullseye Glass Company
• The New Ashgate Gallery Trust (based in Farnham)

This course will equip you with a host of valuable and transferable skills. Upon successful completion, you might decide to become a self-employed artist or forge a career within the craft and design industries, for example.

Recent graduates work as:

• Artists
• Designers
• Makers
• Arts administrators
• Gallery curators
• Teachers
• Writers

You may want to undertake further study or research to specialise even further.

Our Staff

• Debra Allman
• Ashley Howard
• Grant McCaig
• Joshua Kerley
• Adrian Bland

Entry & portfolio requirements

For this course we will need to see your portfolio for review. You can either submit a digital portfolio or request an in-person portfolio review with the course team.

View postgraduate portfolio advice

Standard requirements

• A good honours degree or equivalent qualification in a related discipline
• Relevant work experience, demonstrating your ability to study at postgraduate level

Consideration will also be given to applicants who can make a strong case for admission in relation to a particular project and can demonstrate their potential to satisfactorily complete the course.

Postgraduate requirements

Integrated Pre-Masters course

Our Pre-Masters courses require a recognised bachelor degree or 3 year diploma with a strong portfolio in a relevant subject. Applicants will also need to meet any course-specific requirements.

Masters course

For our Master’s courses, we usually require that you have successfully completed a Master’s degree at a recognised university.

English Language Requirements

Please see the English Language Requirements section for more information.

Integrated International Pre-Masters

Our Pre-Masters courses require a recognised bachelor degree or 3 year diploma with a strong portfolio in a relevant subject. Applicants will also need to meet any course-specific requirements.

Country-specific requirements

Please select your country to find the equivalent requirements.

• Afghanistan
• Albania
• Algeria
• Argentina
• Armenia
• Australia
• Austria
• Azerbaijan
• Bahamas
• Bahrain
• Bangladesh
• Barbados
• Belarus
• Belgium
• Benin
• Bermuda
• Bhutan
• Bolivia
• Botswana
• Brazil
• Brunei
• Bulgaria
• Cambodia
• Cameroon
• Canada
• Chile
• China
• Colombia
• Cote d'Ivoire
• Croatia
• Cyprus
• Czechia
• Denmark
• Dominican Republic
• Ecuador
• Egypt
• El Salvador
• Estonia
• Ethiopia
• Finland
• France
• Gambia
• Georgia
• Germany
• Ghana
• Greece
• Guatemala
• Hong Kong
• Hungary
• Iceland
• India
• Indonesia
• Iran
• Iraq
• Ireland
• Israel
• Italy
• Japan
• Jordan
• Kazakhstan
• Kenya
• Kuwait
• Latvia
• Lebanon
• Lithuania
• Luxembourg
• Malaysia
• Maldives
• Malta
• Mauritius
• Mexico
• Moldova
• Mongolia
• Morocco
• Myanmar
• Namibia
• Nepal
• Netherlands
• New Zealand
• Nigeria
• Norway
• Oman
• Pakistan
• Palestine
• Panama
• Peru
• Philippines
• Poland
• Portugal
• Qatar
• Romania
• Russia
• Saudi Arabia
• Senegal
• Serbia
• Singapore
• Slovakia
• Slovenia
• South Africa
• South Korea
• Spain
• Sri Lanka
• Sudan
• Sweden
• Switzerland
• Syria
• Taiwan
• Tajikistan
• Tanzania
• Thailand
• Trinidad and Tobago
• Turkey
• Uganda
• Ukraine
• United Arab Emirates
• United Kingdom
• United States
• Uzbekistan
• Venezuela
• Vietnam
• Zimbabwe

Please note that the requirements may vary depending on the country and course.

Apply now

Please use the following fields to help select the right application link for you:

• My location: UK/International / EU
• I am interested to start in: Select entry year
• I would like to study for: Select study option

Apply

Related courses

• Ceramics MA/MFA at UCA Farnham
• Glass MA/MFA at UCA Farnham
• Jewellery MA/MFA at UCA Farnham

Program Outline

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Degree Overview:

The MA Glass program at UCA Farnham is a one-year intensive course designed to equip students with the advanced research and practical skills needed to become leading figures in the glassmaking field. The program fosters a research-led approach, encouraging students to explore their signature style and experiment with innovative techniques while building upon their existing skillset. It provides an environment for creative exploration and collaboration, alongside fellow students from the MA Ceramics and MA Jewellery courses.

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Outline:

The program is delivered over three terms, with a focus on independent study and critical reflection.

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Term One:

• Introduction to the UCA Farnham campus and facilities.
• Familiarization with technical workshops and equipment.
• Lectures and seminars exploring key concepts in glassmaking.
• Exploratory practice unit: development of individual artistic practice through experimentation and critical analysis.
• Theory and analysis unit: deepening understanding of the theoretical and historical context of glassmaking.

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Term Two:

• Development of the MA project: in-depth exploration of chosen theme or concept.
• Reflective practice unit: honing critical thinking and self-evaluation skills.
• Professional practice placement: opportunity to gain practical experience in a professional setting.

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Term Three:

• Completion of the final body of work for the MA project.
• Major project unit: showcasing advanced technical and conceptual skills through a comprehensive portfolio.

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Assessment:

Assessment methods include:

• Practical demonstrations of technical skills.
• Critical analysis of theoretical frameworks and historical contexts.
• Reflective practice exercises.
• Final major project, demonstrating the culmination of learning and research throughout the program.

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Teaching:

The program is taught by experienced practitioners and researchers in the field of glassmaking. Guest speakers and visiting artists enrich the learning experience by sharing their expertise and perspectives. Teaching methods include:

• Individual and group tutorials.
• Seminars and lectures.
• Demonstrations and workshops.
• Independent research and studio practice.

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Careers:

Graduates of the program pursue diverse careers in the glassmaking field, including:

• Artists
• Designers
• Makers
• Arts administrators
• Gallery curators
• Teachers
• Writers

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Other:

• The program is housed in UCA Farnham's state-of-the-art facilities, featuring extensive workshops, studios, and equipment.
• The Crafts Study Centre at UCA Farnham provides access to a rich collection of historical and contemporary glasswork, inspiring further research and exploration.

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Additional Notes:

• Specific course modules and their descriptions may be subject to change.
• Additional course costs, such as materials and study trips, may apply.

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Tuition fees 2024/25 entry: £10,500 Tuition fees 2024/25 entry: £10,500 (see fee discount information) Tuition fees 2024/25 entry (MA): £18,000 2024/25 entry (Integrated International Pre-Masters course - 30 weeks): £17,500 2024/25 entry (Integrated International Pre-Masters course - 15 weeks): £8,750