MA Narrative Environments

at University of the Arts London

Narratives are told through artefacts, text, sound, images and film, which are integrated into the physical environment. This is achieved in three ways. Firstly, through the design of hard physical structures, materials and form, which tend to remain fairly fixed over time. Secondly, through text, light, image, sound and digital media which can change rapidly. Thirdly, through the soft and most unpredictable dimension of human presence and interaction. 

On this course, theories of space and narrative will be introduced and debated through lectures, seminars and conferences. You will also have access to an online compendium. Theory is integrated with practice in team projects. You will gain insight into professional practice through placements, live projects and visiting practitioners. During the course, you will progress towards independent thinking. You will establish your own critical position, allowing you to graduate with a clear set of principles to underpin your future career.  

Unit 1: Methodology and Scope of the Design of Narrative Environments

This unit consists of a series of short, group projects. It will introduce you to a variety of research methods, multidisciplinary collaboration and the scope of narrative environment design. You will also be introduced to the theoretical, socio-economic and cultural context of practice. Unit 1 also integrates personal and professional development. This will enable you to become an active member of a learning community. You will develop your skills in research, communication, reflection, planning, decision-making and creative practice.  

Unit 2: Challenging, Originating and Repositioning Narrative

On this unit, you will have the opportunity to define your own direction. You will research and design a major project proposition. You may opt to do an industry case study or a placement to gain direct insight into opportunities and working methods in industry. The case study or placement will enable you to appraise your own abilities, ambitions and career direction. 

The major project proposition is self-directed. You will define your own research question, aims and objectives. You will compile a research document and assemble your own collaborative team to develop a visual design proposition. This unit allows you to engage with the professional world and become a reflective, creative and critical practitioner, as well as explore your career options.  

Unit 3: Challenging, Originating and Repositioning Narrative Environments 2

In this unit, you will write a project rationale which will contextualise and justify your direction. You will prototype, test, produce and install your major project where feasible. Unit 3 concludes with a critical evaluation of your major project. This project enables you to define your own professional and personal goals. It also encourages you to reflect on the dynamics of the industry, to consolidate your experience and advance your skills and knowledge. 

The standard entry requirements for this course are as follows:
 

• An honours degree in a relevant field: architecture, exhibitions, graphics, interiors, performance, retail, spatial, theatre, 3D, multimedia or interaction design, museum studies or curatorship, writing and design management  
• Or an equivalent EU/international qualification

And normally at least one year of relevant professional experience.

APEL - Accreditation of Prior (Experiential) Learning

Exceptionally applicants who do not meet these course entry requirements may still be considered. The course team will consider each application that demonstrates additional strengths and alternative evidence. This might, for example, be demonstrated by:"
 

• Related academic or work experience
• The quality of the personal statement
• A strong academic or other professional reference

Or a combination of these factors.

Each application will be considered on its own merit but cannot guarantee an offer in each case.

English language requirements

IELTS level 6.5 or above, with at least 5.5 in reading, writing, listening and speaking

Home fee
£6,650 per year

International fee
£16,945 per year

Companies and institutions that are affiliates and sponsors of MA Narrative Environments include:
 

• Arthesia HD, Switzerland
• Arup Innovation Unit
• The British Museum, London
• Event Communication, London
• Eyebeam, NY
• FAT (Fashion Architecture Taste) London
• The Freud Museum, London
• Glasshouse Community-led Design, London
• G.T.F, London
• Hidden Art, London
• IDEO London and Shanghai
• Imagination, London and NY
• Land Design Studio, London
• LDJ lighting design, Yorkshire
• MET London and Hong Kong
• Metaphor, London
• Participle, London
• Ralph Appelbaum Associates London and NY
• Selfridges, London
• the Serpentine Gallery, London
• The Science Museum, London
• The Speaker's Corner Trust
• Southbank Centre, London
• Stanton Williams, London
• Tate Modern, London
• United Visual Artists, London
• Wolf Olins, London
• The Wellcome Trust, London.