Masters Degree

The MA is a full-time, two-year, taught course. Students on our MA course work side-by-side with master practitioners to develop an understanding of traditional arts and crafts. They learn practical skills and techniques and deepen their knowledge of the principles informing the traditional arts. This supports their growth as artists, allowing them to recognise the relevance of traditional arts today, and to contribute to their resurgence in communities across the world.

About

The School’s full-time, two year, taught MA is unique as the only Masters degree programme in the traditional arts. Working in small groups, in a supportive community, students benefit from working alongside master practitioners. They also have frequent opportunities to meet individually with senior tutors to discuss their work and their progress.

There is a good student-teacher ratio, and senior tutors, visiting tutors, and students have varied backgrounds and come from all over the world. Each MA student has their own workspace in our open-plan studio, and access to the workshop where dedicated staff support them to develop their projects.

Course Structure

PART ONE (120 CREDITS) is carried out in the first year and made up of five modules:

I. Traditional Painting Techniques (30 credits)

Traditional painting techniques are introduced through five courses

1. 1. Traditional Methods and Materials
      This course introduces students to the techniques used by master painters from the 14th-17th centuries, such as grinding and preparing pigments, and formulating a range of traditional recipes essential to egg tempera and oil painting. As well as gaining a thorough grounding in traditional techniques and the principles underlying them, students will also explore the alchemical symbolism involved in the preparations. Students also learn how to gild on gesso and paper, and about colour theory.The tutor’s demonstrations show how meticulous preparation was fundamental to the great masters.
   2. Icon Painting
      The course covers the essentials of egg tempera painting, especially as used in traditional Orthodox sacred icons. The course begins with discussions about elements essential to any sacred art. Then students chose their own subject to draw; figurative, geometric or otherwise. They transfer their drawing to a pre-prepared gesso panel. Over the rest of the course the tutor introduces and demonstrates each stage of the icon-painting process to the group and assists students individually to complete their work.
   3. Persian Miniature Painting
      Opening with a brief overview of the different schools and styles of miniature painting and manuscript illustration, the course focuses mainly on the Persian tradition. It goes on to explore themes, colour symbolism and patronage within the tradition. Design, layout, composition, and spatial relationship, are also considered. A series of practical demonstrations, including pigment preparation and brush technique, guide students as they use traditional methods and materials to complete their miniature painting.
   4. Indian Miniature Painting
      Students are introduced to the practice of Indian miniature painting through a series of demonstrations and slide lectures. The technique is illustrated step-by-step so that each aspect of the craft, from the initial preparation of colours to the final detailed painting, is revealed. The experience enables students to understand both the practical and philosophical wisdom that lies within this ancient tradition.

II. Architectural Crafts (30 credits)

The Architectural Crafts module is composed of four elements:

1. 1. Stained Glass
      Students learn to experiment with all aspects of design and manufacture, including the production of ‘the cut line’ of a chosen image, selecting colours, cutting the glass, then leading and soldering the glass together. Each student is expected to produce one or two panels depicting geometric, traditional, or biomorphic designs.
   2. Wood Parquetry
      This course develops students’ understanding of the process of veneering and how to implement it with a focus on parquetry and inlay.The history, methods and materials of wood inlay are introduced, and its application in interiors and furniture presented, before exploring the variety of wood veneers available today. Demonstrations and one-to-one teaching sessions take students through the three stages of designing, making, and finishing their inlay project.
   3. Carving
      The aim of this course is to introduce students to the skills of traditional carving in plaster and wood using traditional tools. The course begins with an introductory presentation on the history, methods and materials of carving and its application as surface decoration within a range of traditional architectural settings from Europe to Morocco to Southeast Asia. This is followed by an introduction in the use of traditional tools. A relief design is selected, and students are guided through the process of transferring their design to the medium, carving the work, and producing a finished piece.
   4. Study Trip
      As part of the Architectural Crafts module, a residential study trip (usually for a week) is mandatory for first year MA students and optional for second years. The study trip gives students a more profound experience of traditional arts in their historical context. Students often find the study trip inspires the individual assignment work they do in Part 2.

III. Ceramic Craft, Letterforms, and Islimi (30 credits)

Three courses make up this module:

1. 1. Islimi
      Islimi classes are exercises in colour and ornamentation, mainly in the Islamic tradition. Students are shown visual material and choose an image to work with. Guided by the tutor, they draw and paint straight from their chosen example. Demonstrations show how the biomorphic forms (islimi or arabesque) are based on geometric principles. Through careful observation, direction and practice, students learn the value of freehand drawing skills and produce a finished piece of islimi work.
   2. Ceramic Plates
      The plate painting course has both a design component and a practical aspect. Analytical design skills are taught through studying examples of various traditional ceramics. These are then used as a basis for informing the students’ design choices, followed by painting. Students gain a basic understanding of bisque-ware ceramics, and learn how to use underglaze techniques and the kiln By the end of the course, they will produce test samples of tileware and an underglaze painted plate.
   3. Ceramic Tiles
      This course explores how geometry can be translated into physical form using template and tessellation. Through demonstrations, students learn how results can be scaled to fit specific dimensions. The possibilities within primary grid structures, and how these can be used to express more complex geometric patterns, are surveyed. Final designs are used to make glazed clay tiles that can be assembled into various compositions.

IV. Traditional And Islamic Geometry (20 Credits)

Geometry forms the backbone of the curriculum. In their first year, students are introduced to the practice, discipline and meaning of geometry, as fundamental to all the traditional arts through two ongoing courses:

1. 1. Geometry
      Through learning practical geometry from first principles, and in the traditional manner using a hand-held pair of compasses, a straight edge and, later, a square or set square, students discover how geometry reflects the natural order and its inherent beauty. Working patterns from different regions and historical moments, students come to see how geometry relates to art, pattern, proportion, and underpins the traditional arts.
   2. Geometry of Structure and Space
      Focused on space, one of the five conditions of existence in the material world (the other four being time, form, number and substance), this course introduces 3-D geometry. A subject studied in its own right, the art of defining space is foundational for all arts. Students explore the fundamentals of dimension, from point to line, line to plane, plane to solid (all as structure), and compare ancient findings, philosophical definitions and discoveries in modern atomic physics.

V. Contextual Studies (10 Credits)

In a series of seminars, this theoretical course underpins all the practical modules of the MA programme. Readings, seminar discussions, and presentations allow students to develop understanding of the many forms that symbolism and meanings can take in the traditional arts. Seminars focus on how different arts so diversely express and exhibit principles that are universally shared by the world’s great traditions, and on how they all find their reflection in the order of nature. Opportunities for discussion and investigation during the seminars, and the written work resulting, provide essential philosophical support for the craft-based courses the students undertake.

Students are required to complete reflective journals for each of the modules.

Part I is successfully completed when the work tutors prescribe is completed in an agreed timeframe, and by passing the Part 1 MA Exam.

PART 2: (60 CREDITS)

Following completion of Part I students progress to Part II in the second year of the course.

During their second year, students work independently on a Traditional Arts and Crafts Major Assignment. They choose a subject of their own for their assignment and, guided by their tutors, integrate practice, research, critical understanding, philosophy and theoretical study which was developed through their work in the first year.

The independent assignment work is regularly monitored through tutorials and MA crits. Each student is assigned a personal supervisor meeting with them frequently to discuss ideas, progress and outcomes. Their work is supported by compulsory geometry classes which continue through the second year. Students complete their independent projects by the end of the second year, in good time for final examination and the Degree Show.The Degree Show gives graduating students the opportunity to show how their studies developed, and present their final work.

Attendance

Normal working hours are from 9:30 am to 5:30 pm Monday to Friday. Studios and workshops are also available to students outside these hours.

The MA is a full-time programme, and attendance is an assessable part of each course. Students are required to attend all courses, lectures, seminars, tutorials, studio sessions, and any other sessions scheduled as part of the programme.

Students will be expected to inform MA staff of absences and provide medical evidence if required. Any prolonged absences must be approved by MA faculty.

If students need to suspend their studies, they will need to provide evidence for their reasons. Any suspension will need to be approved by MA faculty and authorised by the University of Wales Trinity St David.

Entry Requirements

Academic Qualifications or Experience

Applicants for the MA programme are expected to have successfully completed a recognised, undergraduate degree (Bachelors or equivalent). However, applications will be accepted from applicants who do not hold a Bachelors degree.

If you do not hold a Bachelors degree, the case can be made for entry based on relevant experience. Applicants will be expected to show they have relevant experience as practising artists. A reference from a second referee will be required along with a CV. Applicants should also be ready to speak about their experience should they reach the interview stage of the admissions process.

English Language Requirements

All courses are in English. Applicants must satisfy the specific English language requirements for entry onto the course.

Applicants who do not hold a degree from a UK institution or from an institution in a majority English speaking country, must provide evidence that they have taken a UKVI recognised, secure IELTS test achieving a minimum overall band of 6.0 with no single score of less than 5.5 in any of the four areas (Listening, Speaking, Reading, Writing).

If applicants hold a Bachelors degree from a UK institution or a qualification comparable to a Bachelors degree in the UK completed in a majority English speaking country, a IELTS test will not be necessary.

Applying

Deadlines

The application deadline for entry in September 2025 is  Friday 21 February 2025.

Your portfolio and letters of reference should also arrive by Friday 21 February 2025.

Preparing to Apply

Read through the information on the website carefully to ensure you have prepared all that is necessary to make your application. As places on the courses are limited, early applications are strongly encouraged.

You will need to complete the application online here. Ensure you fully complete every relevant section of your application as incomplete applications will not be accepted.

Upon completing the application, you will be directed to pay a £30 application fee online.

In the application, be sure to upload a passport sized photo, not your passport ID page:

Preparing your support documents

You will need to decide whether you will be applying based on your academic qualifications or your experience (see Entry Requirements section above) as that decision will affect what supporting materials are required.

1. References
   Reference forms are available here. You should forward the form directly to your referee. On completion of their confidential statement, the referee will need to forward it directly to the Registrar, either via email to ririko.suzuki@kings-foundation.org or via post to:

   The School of Traditional Art, attn. the Registrar,
   19-22 Charlotte Road, London, EC2A 3SG, UK

   Please ensure that your referee submits your reference(s) in good time.Applicants applying on the basis of experience will require two references and will also need to submit a CV.Choosing your Referee(s)
   

   Since your referee is requested to provide an academic reference, you are advised to choose someone who is familiar with your work and who understands the demands of the course that you are planning to undertake. They should be able to comment in detail on your qualifications, ability, motivation and character, so it may be helpful to choose someone who has known you for some time.

   If you are applying on the basis of experience, one of your two referees may be an employer. If so, they should comment specifically on the details of your work with them: job title; dates of employment; your role in the organisation; nature of the work; your performance. They should aim to provide evidence of specific experience which would be relevant to the course.

2. Degree Certificates and TranscriptsCandidates with a UK undergraduate degree or recognised equivalent are required to provide a copy of their degree certificate and transcript as evidence of completion of the degree. Transcripts should be submitted to the Registrar (ririko.suzuki@kings-foundation.org) by the application deadline and be clearly marked with the name of the applicant.
3. CVs
   Applicants are only required to submit a CV if:
   a) Their degree was completed prior to the time where transcripts were issued.b) They are applying based on experience. In this case a detailed CV, which demonstrates your suitability to study the course e.g. specific employment dates, job titles, descriptions of tasks undertaken in employment etcCVs should be submitted to the Registrar (ririko.suzuki@kings-foundation.org) by the application deadline and be clearly marked with the name of the applicant.
4. Portfolios
   Applicants are required to submit original artwork as part of their application. Portfolios should be sent electronically to the Registrar by the application deadline. They should be clearly labelled with the applicant’s name and intended course and be accompanied by a list detailing the contents of the portfolio.The application portfolio should present examples of the traditional art form that the candidate would like the committee to consider, and should include relevant visual work e.g. drawings, paintings and, if appropriate, 3-D forms. Candidates requiring more specific advice should contact the Registrar (ririko.suzuki@kings-foundation.org)

Course Fees and Student Visas

Tuition Fees

Tuition fees are expected to be paid by the beginning of each academic year and are non-refundable except in exceptional circumstances at the discretion of the School. No award can be made until all fees are paid.

Payment may be made by transfer or cheques should be made out to ‘The King’s Foundation’.

Maintenance & Living expenses

Allow for an estimated expenditure of £15,000 per academic year. This will vary according to the cost of rent and travel.

Student Visas

All international applicants for the MA will need to apply for a visa via the student route. To apply for a visa, you will need to show evidence of your English language skills (see above Entry Requirements section) and evidence of your financial situation. Once you receive notice of your acceptance onto the MA it is important that you arrange to meet your English language and financial requirements promptly.

Financial Requirements for Visas

Applicants for student visas will need to show they have one year’s tuition fees and enough money to support themselves for the first academic year.

First year international tuition fees: £10,000
Living expenses: £1,334 per month (for up to 9 months) £12,006

You must have no less than £22,006 for at least 28 consecutive days. The end date of the 28-day period must be within 31 days of the date you apply for your visa.

Please note- From Monday 1st January 2024, international students on MA programmes in the UK will no longer be able to bring dependants with them .

Submit your application

Admissions enquiries

MA AND POST EXPERIENCE PROGRAMME:

For all enquiries about the MA or Post Experience programmes, please contact the Registrar.