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Postgraduate

MA Art and Science

Blue ink running across a pink background
Image courtesy of UAL,
College
Central Saint Martins
Start date
September 2024
Course length
Two years (60 weeks)
Extended full-time

This pioneering course investigates the creative relationships between art and science and how to communicate them.

Please note this course is undergoing re-approval

Every 5 years the University reviews course content to ensure that our students are benefitting from a high-quality academic experience. During this process there may be some changes made to the course which are not immediately reflected in the content displayed on this page. The information on this page will be updated once the process has been completed. Please contact us if you have any questions about this or the course via study@csm.arts.ac.uk.

Applying for more than 1 course

You can apply for more than 1 postgraduate course at UAL but we recommend that you apply for no more than 3. Find out more in the Apply Now section.

You will explore the making and presentation of your work and pursue innovative outcomes in practice and research. This course is part of the Art programme.

Why choose this course at Central Saint Martins

  • Interdisciplinary practice: You will learn from and build working relationships with artists, scientists, curators and other professional practitioners in the fields of art and science.
  • Institutional networks: You will benefit from established links with museums, galleries and institutions. These include Arts Catalyst, the British Library, the Gordon Museum of Pathology, the Royal Society, the Science Museum, Tate and the Wellcome Trust among others.
  • Dynamic teaching: You will attend lectures and participate in seminars which provide a critical context for your research and practical work. These will be complemented by workshops and special access to places of particular interest.
  • Exhibiting opportunities: You will take part in exhibitions and a symposium, bringing together staff and peers as well as professional practitioners and critics.

Open days

There are currently no open days scheduled for this course, please check back at a later date.

Tours:

If you're interested in exploring the facilities used by students on MA Art and Science, book your place to join a College Tour for Archway Building on the following dates:

Scholarships, bursaries and awards

Course overview

MA Art and Science explores the creative relationships between art and science. It examines how they may be communicated through an evolving interdisciplinary practice. On this course, you will investigate new approaches to making and presenting work and ideas that reflect laboratory processes and practices driven by curiosity and research. 

The relationship between art and science expands the boundaries of understanding and invention. It challenges our view of the world. Through their work, artists and scientists contribute to a greater understanding of life in the age of the Anthropocene and how we relate to the world around us. Both require creative insight in their quest for knowledge. They focus on developing new ways in which the innovative nature of their discoveries can be communicated and understood. 

On MA Art and Science, you will explore ways to understand, represent and reinterpret the world. You will question how the measurable can be defined; the invisible envisaged; the senses extended, and perceptions tested. The course structure allows you to investigate the contemporary and historical context of art and science. It embraces the spectrum of interaction, endeavour and the making of forms. You will explore how research and production can have implications for discovery and invention across disciplinary fields.  

The course emphasises critical investigation. The curriculum encompasses reflective practice, contextual awareness, practical processes, research, analysis and debate. These will support you as you develop an independent project. You will be encouraged to co-operate and correspond with artists, scientists and professional institutions, and you will be encouraged to develop a professional network which supports your practice.  

MA Art and Science is situated within the Art programme at Central Saint Martins alongside MA Fine Art, MA Fine Art: Digital and MA Contemporary Photography; Practices and Philosophies. Lectures and presentations of your work offer opportunities for cross- course engagement. Additionally, shows and opportunities for public engagement are supported at interim stages and at the completion of the course. 

We are committed to developing ethical practices in MSc Art & Science. To achieve this, we are working to embed UAL's Principles for Climate, Social and Racial Justice into the course.

Course units

MA Art and Science supports the development of your practice through a project proposal and ongoing evaluation. This is introduced and developed during Unit 1. This helps you to structure and manage your work and to articulate your concerns as they change and develop. Practice is complemented by lectures and seminars. These explore key ideas and critical issues, involving a range of specialist staff. Year 1 is more intensively taught, including introductions to workshops. Year 2 continues with a combination of taught and more independent study as you realise your research and practice.

Unit 1: Enquiry Through Interdisciplinary Practice

Through a series of projects, this unit explores relationships between art and science. You will look at both contemporary and historical subjects and related critical issues. Teaching is also delivered through seminars and lectures. These provide a critical and historical context for your research and practice. They will address different approaches to research methods. In seminars, you will discuss emerging issues in art and science. You will address the contribution of interdisciplinary engagement to public understanding. This focus is complemented by practical workshops and introduction to places relevant to art and science research.

Unit 2: Independent Project: Developing Interdisciplinary Practice

This unit represents a substantial opportunity to develop your independent project that takes the form of an in-depth investigation leading to practical outputs and a research paper (with optional presentation). You will have a supervisor or mentor (i.e. Personal Tutor) who will guide the progress of your independent project. Progress is supported through tutorials, critiques, seminars and student-directed group discussions.

Unit 3: Independent Project: Realising Interdisciplinary Practice

In the final unit, you will resolve your independent project. Seminars relating to continuing professional practice will offer guidance for your future development. Tutorials in each unit will also enable you to review progress toward achieving your goals.

You will implement your research and development to create a body of work, expressed through practical outputs using appropriate media. This work is for presentation or show in a format that is appropriate for public dissemination. This includes the possibility of collaborating with students or others to prepare and curate your work. In a student-directed presentation or symposium, you will also have the opportunity to debate key questions arising from your work.

Important note concerning academic progression through your course: 

If you are required to retake a unit you will need to cease further study on the course until you have passed the unit concerned. Once you have successfully passed this unit, you will be able to proceed onto the next unit. Retaking a unit might require you to take time out of study, which could affect other things such as student loans or the visa status for international students. 

Mode of study

MA Art and Science is offered in extended full-time mode which runs for 60 weeks over two academic years. You will be expected to commit 30 hours per week to study, which includes teaching time and independent study. Year 1 is more intensively taught, including introductions to workshops. Year 2 continues with a combination of taught and more independent study as you realise your research and practice.

The course has been designed in this way to enable you to pursue studies, while also undertaking part-time employment, internships or care responsibilities. 

Credit and award requirements

The course is credit-rated at 180 credits. 

On successfully completing the course, you will gain a Master of Arts (MA degree). 

Under the Framework for Higher Education Qualifications, an MA is Level 7. All units must be passed in order to achieve the MA but the classification of the award is derived from the marks for the second and third units. 

If you are unable to continue on the course, a Postgraduate Certificate (PG Cert) will normally be offered following the successful completion of 60 credits, or a Postgraduate Diploma (PG Dip) following the successful completion of 120 credits.

Learning and teaching methods

The learning and teaching methods devised for this course include: 

  • Blended delivery; a combination of on-campus and on-line delivery
  • Briefing materials, published guidance and meetings
  • Inductions and technical workshops 
  • Lectures and guest speakers 
  • Independent project proposal document 
  • Collaborative project opportunities 
  • Personal and group tutorials 
  • Seminars and symposium 
  • Presentations and sharing events
  • Recommended reading and viewing 
  • Independent study  
  • Critiques and peer evaluations 
  • Self-critical evaluation 
  • Assessment feedback. 

Meet the Course Leader, Nathan Cohen

Degree Show 2019: Shannon Bono

Graduate Showcase

Explore work by our recent students on the UAL Showcase

  • 'Talk to' and 'hear like' Liminilians
    'Talk to' and 'hear like' Liminilians, Vidya Lalgudi Jaishankar, 2023 MA Art And Science, Central Saint Martins, UAL
  • Finding You Here
    Finding You Here, Sophie Bryer, 2023 MA Art And Science, Central Saint Martins, UAL
  • A swimmer between worlds
    A swimmer between worlds, Nina Gonzalez-Park, 2023 MA Art And Science, Central Saint Martins, UAL
  • CENTAUR
    CENTAUR, Yiying Liu, 2023 MA Art And Science, Central Saint Martins, UAL
  • The Phorager
    The Phorager, Angela Hadrill, 2023 MA Art And Science, Central Saint Martins, UAL
  • Ardha Rahasya - अर्ध रहस्य
    Ardha Rahasya - अर्ध रहस्य, Mahija Mandalika, 2023 MA Art And Science, Central Saint Martins, UAL
  • Mother, Machines and Cyborg Goddess
    Mother, Machines and Cyborg Goddess, Chinmayee Pradhan, 2023 MA Art And Science, Central Saint Martins, UAL
  • the soft taste of memories
    the soft taste of memories, Heiyi Tam, 2023 MA Art And Science, Central Saint Martins, UAL
  • Nonsense make sense when you're hungry
    Nonsense make sense when you're hungry, Risa Ueno, 2023 MA Art And Science, Central Saint Martins, UAL
  • The Big Electron
    The Big Electron, Nandhit Reddy Vasanth, 2023 MA Art And Science, Central Saint Martins, UAL

MA Art and Science stories

  • Photo by Jamie Johnson

    An art education multipack of perspectives and contexts in Sideshow

    Central Saint Martins Art Programme and friends take over the Lethaby Gallery this January. With installed artworks and a playful programme of daily happenings, Sideshow zones in on the offbeat, with uplifting perspectives on serious concerns.

  • Luciana Dal Ri, 'Dust'

    GROTTO: Postgraduate Art Print Sale preview

    Opening soon! CSM XMAS GROTTO: where you can buy affordable work by final-year postgraduate students from across the Central Saint Martins Art programme. Over 100 limited edition A3 prints at £50 available to buy in person and online.

  • Miles Robinson, BA Jewellery Design. Photo: Paul Cochrane

    MullenLowe NOVA Awards 2023 shortlist

    Congratulations to our students shortlisted for this year's MullenLowe NOVA Awards for Fresh Creative Talent, recognising hopeful and insightful interventions into our world.

  • Risa Ueno, MA Art and Science, Nonsense Makes Sense When You're Hungry

    Maison/0 This Earth 2023

    Now in its third year, the Maison/0 This Earth Award celebrates the power of artistic practice to advocate for nature.

Facilities

Staff

Fees and funding

Home fee

£6,980 per year

This fee is correct for 2024/25 entry and is subject to change for 2025/26 entry.

Tuition fees may increase in future years for new and continuing students on courses lasting more than one year. For this course, you can pay tuition fees in instalments.

Home fees are currently charged to UK nationals and UK residents who meet the rules. However, the rules are complex. Find out more about our tuition fees and determining your fee status.

International fee

£18,350 per year

This fee is correct for 2024/25 entry and is subject to change for 2025/26 entry.

Tuition fees may increase in future years for new and continuing students on courses lasting more than one year. For this course, you can pay tuition fees in instalments.

Students from countries outside of the UK will generally be charged international fees. The rules are complex so read more about tuition fees and determining your fee status.

Scholarship search

Entry requirements

The standard entry requirements for this course are as follows:

  • An honours degree 
  • Or an equivalent EU/international qualification.

AP(E)L – 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 (please check our main English language requirements webpage).

Selection criteria

We select applicants according to potential and current ability in the following areas: 

  • The quality of your practice 
  • Ability to devise and develop a self-directed programme of study 
  • The ability to develop and contextualise work in written form 
  • The ability to analyse and evaluate in both visual and oral terms 
  • Eagerness to contribute to the learning environment at postgraduate level. 

What we are looking for

We are seeking imaginative, resourceful individuals who are committed to exploring art in relation to science. 

Apply now

Application deadline

Deadline

Round 1:

13 December 2023 at 1pm (UK time)

Round 2:

3 April 2024 at 1pm (UK time)

Digital portfolio deadline

Round 1:

7 days after digital portfolio and/or video task request

Round 2:

7 days after digital portfolio and/or video task request

Decision outcome

Round 1:

End of March 2024

Round 2:

End of June 2024

Round 1
Round 2
Deadline
13 December 2023 at 1pm (UK time)
3 April 2024 at 1pm (UK time)
Digital portfolio deadline
7 days after digital portfolio and/or video task request
7 days after digital portfolio and/or video task request
Decision outcome
End of March 2024
End of June 2024

All applications received by 3 April will be treated equally. If there are places available after this date, the course will remain open to applications until places have been filled.

Read more about deadlines

Apply now

Application deadline

Deadline

Round 1:

13 December 2023 at 1pm (UK time)

Round 2:

3 April 2024 at 1pm (UK time)

Digital portfolio deadline

Round 1:

7 days after digital portfolio and/or video task request

Round 2:

7 days after digital portfolio and/or video task request

Decision outcome

Round 1:

End of March 2024

Round 2:

End of June 2024

Round 1
Round 2
Deadline
13 December 2023 at 1pm (UK time)
3 April 2024 at 1pm (UK time)
Digital portfolio deadline
7 days after digital portfolio and/or video task request
7 days after digital portfolio and/or video task request
Decision outcome
End of March 2024
End of June 2024

All applications received by 3 April will be treated equally. If there are places available after this date, the course will remain open to applications until places have been filled.

Read more about deadlines

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Find your representative

How to apply

Follow this step-by-step guide to apply for this course

Step 1: Initial application

You will need to submit an initial application including your personal statement and CV.

Personal statement advice

Your personal statement should be maximum 500 words and include:

  • your reasons for choosing the course
  • your current creative practice and how this course will help you achieve your future plans
  • any relevant education and experience, especially if you do not have any formal academic qualifications.

Visit our personal statement page for more advice.

CV advice

Please provide a CV detailing your education, qualifications and any relevant work or voluntary experience. If you have any web projects or other media that you would like to share, please include links in your CV. If English is not your first language, please also include your most recent English language test score.

Study proposal

Please provide a summary of your study proposal (800-1000 words).

It should include:

  • an outline of your study proposal including the methodologies, practices and theories that you plan to explore
  • a brief summary of your current work and creative practice
  • any contextual references that demonstrate your understanding of contemporary art practice and thinking.

Please note, your proposal serves to inform your application and we understand that your ideas will develop and change throughout your studies.

Step 2: Digital portfolio

We will review your initial application. If you have met the standard entry requirements, we will ask you to submit a digital portfolio.

You’ll need to submit this via PebblePad, our online portfolio tool.

Digital portfolio advice

Your portfolio should consist of recent work that reflects your creative strengths.

It should:

  • be maximum 25 pages
  • consist of work that illustrates your previous experience, technical skills and creative practice
  • include work that best demonstrates your specific interests. For example, if you work in film and video, you could upload a compilation film (maximum 10 minutes).
  • include any relevant research that demonstrates your capacity for independent inquiry and awareness for cultural and social contexts
  • demonstrate your ability to critically reflect upon your own creative practice and the contemporary art world.

For more support, see our Portfolio advice and PebblePad advice.

Step 3: Interview

You may be invited to an interview following our review of your application. All interviews are held online and last 15 to 20 minutes.

For top tips, see our Interview advice.

You also need to know

Communicating with you

Once you have submitted your initial application, we will email you with your login details for our Applicant portal.

Requests for supplementary documents like qualifications and English language tests will be made through the applicant portal. You can also use it to ask questions regarding your application. Visit our After you apply page for more information.

Applying to more than 1 course

You can apply for more than 1 postgraduate course at UAL but we recommend that you apply for no more than 3 courses. You need to tailor your application, supporting documents and portfolio to each course, so applying for many different courses could risk the overall quality of your application. If you receive offers for multiple courses, you'll only be able to accept 1 offer. UAL doesn't accept repeat applications to the same course in the same academic year.

Visas and immigration history check

All non-UK nationals must complete an immigration history check. Your application may be considered by our course teams before this check takes place. This means that we may request your portfolio and/or video task before we identify any issues arising from your immigration history check. Sometimes your history may mean that we are not able to continue considering your application. Visit our Immigration and visas advice page for more information.

External student transfer policy

UAL accepts transfers from other institutions on a case-by-case basis. Read our Student transfer policy for more information.

Alternative offers

If your application is really strong, but we believe your strengths and skillset are better suited to a different course, we may make you an alternative offer. This means you will be offered a place on a different course or at a different UAL College.

Deferring your place

We do not accept any deferral requests for our postgraduate courses. This means that you must apply in the year that you plan to start your course and you will not be able to defer your place to start at a later date.

Application deadlines

For postgraduate courses at UAL there are 2 equal consideration deadlines to ensure fairness for all our applicants. If you apply ahead of either of these deadlines, your application will be considered on an equal basis with all other applications in that round. If there are places available after the second deadline, the course will remain open to applications until places have been filled.

Careers

Our Postgraduate Art Programme offers valuable opportunities to build transferable professional knowledge and skills. The exchange of perspectives with others through shared units, reading groups and debates helps establish stimulating and productive networks.

The focus on proposing and developing a major independent programme of study is supported by a shared professional practice lecture series featuring guest speakers plus opportunities to attend symposia and critique work in progress across subject areas. The Postgraduate Art Programme has wide-ranging links with professional organisations, collections and galleries, and includes opportunities for interaction and networking according to your personal career direction.

MA Art and Science graduates will be able to enhance communications and creative exchange between areas of art and the sciences, participate effectively in creative projects with an interdisciplinary perspective, work collaboratively in multidisciplinary teams, and exercise initiative and personal responsibility in advancing research skills and subject knowledge as well as in managing their career or further studies. With these attributes and the abilities that underpin them, MA Art and Science graduates will be attractive to organisations that value creative thinking and the effective communication of ideas. They'll also have the potential to develop their interest at research degree level.