| Program start date | Application deadline |
| 2025-09-01 | - |
Program Overview
Postgraduate MA Creative Technology
Overview
This course allows you to explore a subject-specific practice in the expanding creative industry and its wider confines. You will consider the role of technology in society, whilst developing projects that look to explore the relevance, importance and future of this industry through analysis, experimentation and implementation of creative ideas.
Course Details
- Attendance: Full-time, Part-time
- Duration: One year, Two year
- Next Enrolment: September 2025
Introduction
This course is part of our suite of MA Art and Design programmes, which means you also get the opportunity to work collaboratively on a few modules with students from Socially Engaged Art, Socially Engaged Photography, Contemporary Fine Art, and Visual Communications. We welcome and support you to work in a cross-disciplinary with your peers, echoing the way professionals work within the creative industries today.
Modules
- Creative Research Methods: This module focuses on the understanding of and the application of a range of practice-based research methods.
- Exploring Theory and Practice: This module deals with the theoretical and practical issues faced by practitioners in the context of art and the creative and cultural industries.
- Real World Context: Through the Real World Context module you will undertake a placement in a relevant work place to gain new experiences and test out developing ideas and activities.
- Definitive Practice: The aims of the major project are to offer you the opportunity to critically engage in a major project in which the emphasis will be on defining and analysing through action research, and developing a constructive practical response to a line of enquiry or research question while formulating your own resolutions or conclusions from your body of work.
- Applied Technology: The new MA Creative Technology will integrate artistic skills and expertise with applied technologies.
What Will I Be Doing?
- 70%: Independent practice-led work
- 30%: Supporting statement/reflective journal
Employment and Stats
Innovative thinkers that are able to embed and apply new design-related ideas within the latest technological developments are highly regarded within the industry, particularly when educated at Master’s level. As a result, completing this course will open up a range of career paths to you.
Career Links
This course benefits from established partnerships and links with creative industries in the UK, which have been working with us at several levels, ranging from guest lecturers, live briefs, placement opportunities and extra-curricular activities.
Requirements
- Standard Entry Requirements: A good honours degree, usually 2:2 or above in a relevant discipline.
- International Students: If you are an international student and not from a majority English speaking country, you will need IELTS 6.5, with no element below 5.5.
- Alternative Entry Requirements: Accreditation of Prior Learning (APL)
Fees
- Full-time Home: £9,100 per year (2025/26)
- Full-time International: £17,000 per year (2025/26)
Additional Costs
You should also consider further costs which may include books, stationery, printing, binding and general subsistence on trips and visits.
Scholarships for International Students
If you are a high-achieving international student, you may be eligible for one of our scholarships. Explore our international scholarships.
Program Outline
Overview:
This one- or two-year program equips students with the knowledge and skills to explore the expanding creative industry and its technological aspects. You'll delve into the role of technology in society while developing projects that analyze, experiment with, and implement creative ideas. This program emphasizes independent research and problem setting through self-initiated projects and briefs.
Objectives:
- Develop creative thinking skills through practical and theoretical discourse
- Engage in the development of a high-level, skills-based practice
- Capitalize on professional opportunities such as placements and freelance projects with key organizations
Description:
This program offers a unique blend of artistic skills and applied technologies. You'll research and discover emerging technologies, analyze them, and apply them to your artistic practice. You'll learn programming and coding tools, game design, and software relevant to various creative fields. This comprehensive approach will enable you to understand how UX/UI design enhances creative projects.
Other:
The program places an emphasis on collaborative work. You'll have opportunities to work with students from other MA programs in Art and Design, fostering a cross-disciplinary and collaborative environment. The program also includes live project opportunities with key cultural organizations in the North West.
Program Content:
The program consists of five modules, focusing on creative research methods, theory and practice, professional context, definitive practice, and applied technology.
Program Structure:
- Three modules are collaborative, allowing you to work with students from across the MA Art and Design programs.
- Two modules are tailored specifically to the MA Creative Technology learning outcomes.
Course Schedule:
- Five modules, each focusing on a specific aspect of creative technology.
Modules:
Creative Research Methods
- Focus: understanding and applying practice-based research methods.
- Development of an individual line of inquiry.
- Supported by lectures, seminars, and tutorials.
- Two assessment points, with submissions being project-based (70%) and written (30%).
Exploring Theory and Practice
- Examination of theoretical and practical issues faced by art and creative industry practitioners.
- Development of new ideas through research and practice.
- Appraisal of the context surrounding creativity.
- Emphasis on international perspectives and contemporary debates around creativity.
Real World Context
- Undertake a placement in a relevant workplace to gain experience.
- Gain exposure to diverse creative fields.
- Develop professional skills within and across different sectors.
- Understand multidisciplinary and international working environments.
Definitive Practice
- Major project opportunity.
- Define and analyze a research question through action research.
- Develop a constructive practical response to your inquiry.
- Formulate your own conclusions based on your body of work.
- Public exhibition or exposition as the culmination of the module.
Applied Technology
- Integration of artistic skills and expertise with applied technologies.
- Research and discovery of emerging technologies.
- Analysis of these technologies in relation to your developed practice.
- Engagement with programming tools, coding tools, and games design software. This program offers students a comprehensive and dynamic curriculum designed to equip them with the necessary skills and knowledge for a successful career in the creative technology landscape.
Assessment Methods:
- Independent practice-led work (70%)
- Supporting statement/reflective journal (30%)
Assessment Criteria:
- Demonstration of practical skills and knowledge in creative technology.
- Development of critical thinking and theoretical understanding.
- Ability to independently research and engage in creative problem-solving.
- Professional presentation of project outcomes.
Teaching Methods:
- Lectures
- Group seminars
- Practical workshops
- Student symposia
- Tutorials (group and individual)
- Situated learning (live projects)
- Independent learning
Careers: MA Creative Technology at the University of Salford
Career Paths:
- Creative technologist
- Web or mobile developer
- Motion graphics artist
- UX designer
Career Links:
- Partnerships with creative industries in the UK.
- Collaboration with BBC, Trunk Manchester, BigBrandIdeas, Yippee Entertainment, and Carbon Digital.
- Live briefs, placement opportunities, and extra-curricular activities available.
Facilities:
- Five-camera HD TV studio
- Three-camera HD TV studio
- Digital performance studio with full green screen capability
- Two radio/audio recording studios
- 5.1 surround sound audio post-production theatre
- Foley Booth
- Audition v3 audio editing
- Final Cut Pro and Avid software-enabled suites
- Maker Spaces at MediaCityUK and Peel Park campuses
Faculty:
- Full-time home 2024/25 £8,820.00per year
- Full-time international 2024/25 £16,380.00per year
- Part-time 2024/25 Part time fees are calculated on a pro rata basis
University of Salford: A Summary
Overview:
The University of Salford is a public university located in Salford, Greater Manchester, England. It is known for its strong focus on practical learning and its close ties to industry. The university offers a wide range of undergraduate and postgraduate programs across various disciplines.
Student Life and Campus Experience:
The university provides a vibrant campus experience with a range of facilities and activities for students. These include:
Accommodation:
The university offers a variety of accommodation options, including on-campus residences and private apartments.Sports Centre:
Students can stay active and healthy by joining the university's sports centre, which offers a wide range of activities.Clubs and Societies:
Students can join a variety of clubs and societies to meet new people and pursue their interests.Library:
The university library provides students with access to a wide range of resources, including books, journals, and online databases.Cafe and Dining:
The campus has several cafes and dining options for students to enjoy.Key Reasons to Study There:
Practical Learning:
The university emphasizes practical learning, with many programs incorporating hands-on experience and industry placements.Industry Connections:
The university has strong ties to industry, providing students with opportunities for internships, placements, and networking.Location:
The university is located in Salford, a vibrant city with easy access to Manchester city centre.Modern Facilities:
The university has invested in modern facilities, including a state-of-the-art sports centre and a new library.Other:
The university offers a variety of student support services, including academic advising, career counseling, and mental health support. It also has a strong commitment to research, with a focus on areas such as energy, healthcare, and technology.
Entry Requirements
UK/EU Students:
- A good honours degree, typically a 2:2 or above, in a relevant field.
- Alternative Entry Requirements: Accreditation of Prior Learning (APL) is available for individuals without formal qualifications who possess relevant experience or the capability to succeed in the program. This includes both Accreditation of Prior Certificated Learning (APCL) and Accreditation of Prior Experiential Learning (APEL).
International Students:
- A good honours degree equivalent to a UK 2:2 or above in a relevant field.
- English Language Proficiency: IELTS 6.5 overall with no band below 5.5. The University accepts qualifications from various countries.
Language Proficiency Requirements
- The University accepts a range of other English language qualifications.
