Universities United Kingdom Goldsmiths University of London Courses MFA Computational Arts

MFA Computational Arts
at Goldsmiths University of London

London, United Kingdom

Tuition Fee £ 16,600
Country Rank-
Duration24 Months
Score IELTS: 6.5

Program Overview

Computation consists of all the changes brought about by digital technology. Art is an open set of ways of acting inventively in culture. Mixing the two together in a systematic way gives us computational art. This is a very open field, and one that is set to expand enormously in the coming years. It is where the most exciting developments in technology and in culture can already be found. This degree will place you in the middle of this fast-evolving context.

What will I learn?
This degree develops your arts practice through the expressive world of creative computation. Over a two years (full-time) or four years (part-time) you will develop your artistic work and thinking through the challenge of developing a series of projects for public exhibition which will explore the technological and cultural ramifications of computation.

You will learn the fundamentals of programming and how to apply this knowledge expressively. You will work with popular open source programming environments such as Processing, OpenFrameworks, P5.js and Arduino, and will learn how to program in languages such as Java, Javascript and C++.

Since computational artworks don’t necessarily involve computers and screens, we also encourage students to produce works across a diverse range of media. Supported by studio technicians in state-of-the-art facilities, our students are producing works using tools such as 3D printers, laser cutters, robotics, wearable technologies, paint, sculpture and textiles.

You will also study contextual modules on computational art and the socio-political effects of technology. Modules provide students with the historical foundations, frameworks, critical skills and confidence to express their ideas effectively. You will have the opportunity to learn the cultural histories of technology, to reflect on computation in terms of its wider cultural effects, and to understand the way in which art provides rigorous ways of thinking.

Course Content
Year 1

Year 1 shares the same compulsory modules as our MA in Computational Arts programme.

Module title
- Computational Arts-based Research and Theory
- Workshops in Creative Coding 1
- Workshops in Creative Coding 2
- Final Project in Computational Arts
You will then take 60 credits worth of option modules from the indicative list of optiona modules below.

Module title
- Programming for Artists and Designers
- Computational Form and Process
- Advanced Audio-visual Processing
- Physical Computing 1
- Physical Computing 2
- Data and Machine Learning for Artistic Practice
- Approaches to Play: Mechanics Dynamic, Aesthetics
- 3D Virtual Environments and Animation
- Special Topics in Programming for Performance and Installation
Please note that the availability of optional modules depends on student demand and staff availability.

Year 2

In your second year, you will take the following compulsory modules.

Module title
- Computational Arts Critical Studies
- Studio Practice - Computational Arts
You will also take two 15-credit modules from a list approved annually by the department.

In year two, you will also be encouraged to audit other classes offered by the department that fit your research interests and further develop your technical skills. Subject to agreement from the respective tutor, you can also audit other classes across Goldsmiths as well as classes across most Universities that form the University of London.

Subject to availability you will also have access to all the technical facilities in the department in order to further develop your practice.
Entry Requirement
You should have (or expect to be awarded) an undergraduate degree of at least upper second class standard in a relevant/related subject.

You might also be considered for some programmes if you aren’t a graduate or your degree is in an unrelated field, but have relevant experience and can show that you have the ability to work at postgraduate level.

Do I need to know how to program in order to join this course?

Having a creative/art background is what we require and not necessarily a technical one. We want to work with people that have some arts practice and want to introduce computation in their work. In the past, we have had performers, film-makers, architects, musicians, painters and some computer scientists join the course. The majority of people on the course don't know how to program when they join us.

When people join us we try to assess their level of skill in order to offer them a challenging learning environment. People that have previous coding experience are encouraged to take more advanced modules and are given assignments in lab and to take home that push their technical and creative skills further.

We feel that this diversity of skills and backgrounds contributes to the course’s great success over the years.
Fees & Scholarships
Annual tuition fees

These are the fees for students starting their programme in the 2022/2023 academic year.
- Home - full-time: £11200
- International - full-time: £16600
If your fees are not listed here, please check our postgraduate fees guidance or contact the Fees Office, who can also advise you about how to pay your fees.

It’s not currently possible for international students to study part-time if you require a Student Visa, however this is currently being reviewed and will be confirmed in the new year. Please read our visa guidance in the interim for more information. If you think you might be eligible to study part-time while being on another visa type, please contact our Admissions Team for more information.
Career Prospect
The programme will equip you with a broad training in the use of creative computing systems that are currently most important in artistic, design and cultural practices and the creative industries, as well as technologies that are yet to emerge.

Cost Of Studying At Goldsmiths University of London

Interest rates as low as 8.9% ^*

250K+

Students Assisted

800Cr+

Loan Amount Disbursed

5000+

Loans Sanctioned

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MFA Computational Arts at Goldsmiths University of London