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Postgraduate

MRes Art: Moving Image

People in hi vis jackets watching a light installation
Image courtesy of UAL, Lis Rhodes, Light Music (1975)
College
Central Saint Martins
Start date
September 2023
Course length
Two years (60 weeks)
Extended full-time

MRes Art: Moving Image explores the rich histories, theories and aesthetics that have led artists to turn to film and video.

Applications closed 2023/24

We are no longer accepting applications for 2023/24 entry to this course. Applications for 2024/25 entry will open in Autumn 2023.

What insights can a study of artists' moving image offer us for understanding the diverse practices that now fill our art spaces? The MRes Art course is part of the Art programme.

Why choose this course at Central Saint Martins

    • Collaboration with LUX: You will benefit from MRes Art: Moving Image’s strong link with LUX, a key UK agency for the support and promotion of artists' moving image practice. You will have unique access its wide network of collaborating institutions, artists and professionals working with the moving image.
    • Collections and archives: You will have access to the UK's only significant collection of artists' film and video works and the largest such collection in Europe, held by LUX. You will also have use of the British Artists Film and Video Study Collection, held at Central Saint Martins.
    • Leaders in the field: Central Saint Martins was one of the first educational establishments to recognise the importance of the moving image as an art medium. It continues to lead scholarship through its academic activities and related archives – such as the Moving Image Forum and the British Artists' Film and Video Study Collection.
    • Post-studies success: After graduation, you will be well placed to pursue a range of careers in artists' moving image culture. You may go on to doctoral research, choose to work within curating, film programming, distribution, publishing or journalism, or continue your own practice in moving image.

Open days

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

Scholarships, bursaries and awards

Enquiries

If you have any questions about the course, please email the Course Leader Duncan White: d.white@csm.arts.ac.uk

Course overview

MRes Art is made up of three specialist pathways: Theory and Philosophy; Moving Image; and Exhibition Studies. MRes Art uses research and writing to develop modes of questioning, speculative thinking and critical evaluation. Drawing upon a wealth of scholarly expertise from the staff team, visiting lecturers and practitioners, the course considers the relationship of contemporary art research to wider aesthetic, cultural and socio-political issues. 

There are opportunities for students on each pathway to come together for shared taught components. You will also be encouraged to develop student-led activities. In the past, our students have collaborated on research events and publications, as well as the Tate Exchange programme at Tate Modern.

From early pioneers of the twentieth century to contemporary moving image media, this pathway investigates the intersections of film, video and disciplines including photography, painting, performance, poetry and literature. MRes Art: Moving Image actively encourages new approaches to critical discourse. It is designed to appeal to writers and artists as well as those with an interest in art research.

Taught in close association with LUX, the Moving Image pathway focuses on the theoretical and historical study of artists’ moving image. Closely tied to the British Artists’ Film and Video Study Collection at Central Saint Martins, the Moving Image pathway represents one of the leading centres for moving image scholarship. It develops in-depth knowledge and exploration of one of the most visible and fast-growing contexts for arts practice. Drawing on theories from the arts and humanities, MRes Art: Moving Image develops research in a dialogue with an expanding and exciting field of moving image practice. The curriculum includes both physical and online; gallery visits, artist events, festivals, screenings and talks from visiting experts. Through this, you will engage with the urgent debates arising from current research in dialogue with historical precedents and contemporary discourse. 

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

Contact us

Register your interest to receive information and updates about studying at UAL.

Contact us to make an enquiry.

Course units

MRes Art: Moving Image offers an ambitious, discursive and critical framework in which you will engage with the implications of artists' moving image. The pathway has a strong professional focus. This is characterised by the unique link with LUX, the London-based agency for artists' moving image. This provides mentoring and support to student-directed symposia and screenings.

The pathway proposes new approaches to the history and theory of moving image culture. While laying the foundations for an in-depth knowledge of the subject, it also promotes artists' moving image as an evolving field of study. Rather than following established historical trajectories, it presents an integrated series of screenings, seminars and readings of key texts. Gallery visits and lectures augment the seminar programme.

MRes Art: Moving Image sets out to create a firm foundation of knowledge from which you can develop your chosen area of study and contribute to debate in the subject area. The first year offers teaching in research skills and engages you in the specialist subject of your pathway. Your understanding of research methodologies and their relationship with exploration of your subject is then developed. In parallel with this, you will prepare for a self-directed programme of study: your research project. In the second year you will pursue and realise your project. Your progress is supported through tutorials and critical discussions. It is monitored through written assignments and presentations.

Unit 1: Framing Artists' Moving Image

Through seminars and lectures, this unit establishes knowledge of key thinkers and debates which have emerged throughout the development of artists’ moving image. It is split into four thematic parts: modern primitives, materialisms, the expanded field and the ethnographic turn.

Unit 2: Methodologies and Methods I

Unit 2 is an opportunity for all the students in the MRes Art course to study together. The unit has two distinct components: methodologies and methods. Methodologies aims to make you aware of a range of methodological approaches that have shaped debates in your field of study. These include, but are not limited to, structuralism, Marxism, psychoanalysis, feminism, postcolonial and decolonial studies. Methods aims to equip you with essential research skills.

Unit 3: Methodologies and Methods II

Following on from Unit 2, this unit deepens your understanding of specific artistic and discursive methods. You will examine how they operate in specific texts, debates and events by relating them to the pathways’ respective subject areas. Seminars and workshops are integral to the unit, in which methods of research and writing are collectively tested.

Unit 4: Individual Research Project

Unit 4 has two parts. In part one, you will examine key texts from a number of different fields which address directly, or indirectly, artists' moving image. These include architecture, ethnography, phenomenology and feminism. You will be expected to attend weekly online seminars and complete set reading. This is complemented by a screening programme. You will be guided through a series of archival or curated screenings within the British Artists’ Film and Video Study Collection. You will also work on a group project with LUX.

Part two is designed to support the successful completion of your final dissertation project. During this part of the curriculum, your own research and practice becomes central to the programme. You will be expected to attend seminar sessions and to support your peers as part of a research community. At the end of Unit 4 you are assessed through presentation of your realised research project.

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

MRes Art 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. 

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 Research (MRes degree). 

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

Learning and teaching methods

The learning and teaching methods devised for this course include: 

  • Briefing materials, written guidance and meetings
  • Inductions and workshops 
  • Lectures and guest speakers 
  • Project proposal document for individual programme of study (Year 2) 
  • Collaborative project opportunities 
  • Personal and group tutorials 
  • Seminars 
  • Symposia 
  • Presentations and discussion forums 
  • Recommended reading, viewing and visits 
  • Independent study 
  • Self-critical and peer evaluation 
  • Assessment feedback 

Facilities

Graduate Showcase

Explore work by our recent students on the UAL Graduate Showcase

  • Dinosaur
    Dinosaur, Yijin Wang, 2023 MRes Art: Moving Image, Central Saint Martins, UAL
  • OTO/音
    OTO/音, Elisa Motta, 2023 MRes Art: Moving Image, Central Saint Martins, UAL
  • Projective Atmospheres / Cinematic Plications
    Projective Atmospheres / Cinematic Plications, Helen McGarry, 2023 MRes Art: Moving Image, Central Saint Martins, UAL
  • Unfolding reality, a reconstruction
    Unfolding reality, a reconstruction, Mees Bergshoeff, 2023 MRes Art: Moving Image, Central Saint Martins, UAL

Pathway Leader, Moving Image: Duncan White
Course Leader for MRes: Art and Pathway Leader for Theory & PhilosophyChris Kul-Want
Associate Lecturer: Filipa Ramos

Fees and funding

Home fee

£6,350 per year

This fee is correct for 2023/24 entry and is subject to change for 2024/25 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

£14,665 per year

This fee is correct for 2023/24 entry and is subject to change for 2024/25 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 we cannot guarantee an offer in each case. 

English language requirements 

IELTS level 7.0 or above, with at least 6.0 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:

  • Evidence of skills and experience appropriate to the proposed field of enquiry
  • Effective communication of the intentions and issues in the proposal
  • The level of contextual awareness
  • Awareness of the range and nature of challenges implied.

The interview: for those applicants selected following submission of the form, indicative proposal and supporting work. The interview is used to evaluate the extent to which a candidate demonstrates:

  • The capacity for independent research
  • Appropriate background knowledge and critical abilities
  • Awareness of the cultural and social context within which their interests/work is situated
  • Appropriate communication skills
  • A preparedness to participate collaboratively in debate and presentation.

What we are looking for

We are seeking imaginative, resourceful individuals who are committed to exploring art discourses.

Apply now

Applications closed 2023/24

You should apply by clicking on the link to the direct form below. The application form can be saved as you fill it out, so you do not need to complete it all at once. You will also have the chance to review all the information and make any necessary amendments before you submit the application form.

Deferred entry

Central Saint Martins does not accept applications for deferred entry. You should therefore apply in the year you wish to study.

Transfers

If you are currently studying at another institution and if you have successfully completed 60 credits in the equivalent units and modules on your current postgraduate course and wish to continue your studies at Central Saint Martins, you can apply to transfer. The Admissions Tutor will consider applications on a case by case basis, subject to places being available. You must apply directly to the course via the course webpage as early as possible.

Please check our Student Transfer Policy for more important information and be ready to provide us with your current course handbook and unit transcripts.

You will need to provide an official document (translated into English) from your current university, explaining the learning outcomes of the units you have completed.

Before you apply, please take time to read the guidance below. You will be asked to provide the following information when completing the online application form:

General information

  • Personal details (including legal full name, preferred name, date of birth, nationality, addresses)
  • Current English language level
  • Current and/or previous education and qualification details
  • Employment history

Personal statement

Your personal statement should be approximately 500 words in length, and outline the following:

  • Why you are interested in the course?
  • What aspects of your experience relate to the course?
  • How will the course impact on your future career?

Indicative Project Proposal

To apply for this course we require that you write an initial project proposal. This proposal should demonstrate your critical understanding and thinking. The course sets no boundaries to the fields of possible interest, and it is understood that proposals will evolve and change during the course (you will probably need to write between 800 and 1,000 words).

Summary of proposed project
  • Briefly describe what you are interested in undertaking and developing; describe the overall aims, objectives and rationale of the project.
  • Briefly explain your proposed approach and the methods for structuring your project and ideas
  • Highlight any problems you may encounter and how you hope to solve them.
  • Indicate key texts and sources. What resources will be involved? For example, access to archives, collections, specialist networks etc.
Methods and resources
  • Briefly explain your proposed approach and the methods for structuring your project and ideas
  • Highlight any problems you may encounter and how you hope to solve them.
Sources and references
  • Indicate key texts and sources. What resources will be involved? For example, access to archives, collections, specialist networks etc.
Any final points
  • Please briefly indicate any particular questions or further points in relation to your proposal.
Previous work
  • You will be required to submit digital examples of previous written work and/or documentary material relevant to your research interests.

We cannot consider your application if you do not provide all the information above.

Communicating with you

After you have successfully submitted your application, you will receive an email confirming we have successfully received your application and providing you with your login details for the UAL Portal.  We will request any additional information from you, including inviting you to upload documents / portfolio / book an interview, through the portal.  You should check your UAL Portal regularly for any important updates and requests.

Application deadline

19 December 2022, 3 April 2023 and 25 September 2023

We are no longer accepting applications for 2023/24 entry to this course. Applications for 2024/25 entry will open in Autumn 2023.

When you'll hear from us

If this course requires a digital portfolio as part of the application process, you will be invited to submit this through UAL’s online submission tool, PebblePad. We will request this separately after initial processing of your application is complete. Once we request your portfolio, you will have 7 days to submit it.

Once you’ve sent in your application, this will be sent through to our course teams for review. Find out more about what happens after you apply.

Applications closed 2023/24

There are two ways international students can apply:

You can only apply to the same course once per year.

If you are applying directly you click on the link to the direct form below. The application form can be saved as you fill it out, so you do not need to complete it all at once. You will also have the chance to review all the information and make any necessary amendments before you submit the application form.

Transfers

If you are currently studying at another institution and if you have successfully completed 60 credits in the equivalent units and modules on your current postgraduate course and wish to continue your studies at Central Saint Martins, you can apply to transfer. The Admissions Tutor will consider applications on a case by case basis, subject to places being available. You must apply directly to the course via the course webpage as early as possible.

Please check our Student Transfer Policy for more important information and be ready to provide us with your current course handbook and unit transcripts.

You will need to provide an official document (translated into English) from your current university, explaining the learning outcomes of the units you have completed.

Deferred entry

Central Saint Martins does not accept applications for deferred entry. You should therefore apply in the year you wish to study.

Visas

Read our visit our immigration and visa advice page to find out whether you need a visa to study.

Before you apply, please take time to read the guidance below. You will be asked to provide the following information when completing the online application form:

General information

  • Personal details (including legal full name, preferred name, date of birth, nationality, addresses)
  • Current English language level
  • Current and/or previous education and qualification details
  • Employment history

Personal statement

Your personal statement should be approximately 500 words in length, and outline the following:

  • Why you are interested in the course?
  • What aspects of your experience relate to the course?
  • How will the course impact on your future career?

Indicative Project Proposal

To apply for this course we require that you write an initial project proposal. This proposal should demonstrate your critical understanding and thinking. The course sets no boundaries to the fields of possible interest, and it is understood that proposals will evolve and change during the course (you will probably need to write between 800 and 1,000 words).

Summary of proposed project
  • Briefly describe what you are interested in undertaking and developing; describe the overall aims, objectives and rationale of the project.
  • Briefly explain your proposed approach and the methods for structuring your project and ideas
  • Highlight any problems you may encounter and how you hope to solve them.
  • Indicate key texts and sources. What resources will be involved? For example, access to archives, collections, specialist networks etc.
Methods and resources
  • Briefly explain your proposed approach and the methods for structuring your project and ideas
  • Highlight any problems you may encounter and how you hope to solve them.
Sources and references
  • Indicate key texts and sources. What resources will be involved? For example, access to archives, collections, specialist networks etc.
Any final points
  • Please briefly indicate any particular questions or further points in relation to your proposal.
Previous work
  • You will be required to submit digital examples of previous written work and/or documentary material relevant to your research interests.

Immigration history check

Whether you are applying online or through a UAL representative you will need to complete an immigration history check to establish whether you are eligible to study at UAL.  If you do not complete the check we will not be able to proceed with your application.

We cannot consider your application if you do not provide all the information above.

Communicating with you

After you have successfully submitted your application, you will receive an email confirming we have successfully received your application and providing you with your login details for the UAL Portal.  We will request any additional information from you, including inviting you to upload documents / portfolio / book an interview, through the portal.  You should check your UAL Portal regularly for any important updates and requests.

Application deadline

19 December 2022, 3 April 2023 and 25 September 2023

Our equal consideration deadlines have now passed. This course will remain open to applications for 2023 entry until places have been filled.

We recommend you submit your application as early as possible to allow the Admissions team to resolve any initial queries about your application as quickly as possible.

When you'll hear from us

Once you’ve sent in your application, this will be sent through to our course teams for review. Find out more about what happens after you apply.

After you apply

What happens next

Initial application check

We check your application to see if you meet the standard entry requirements for the course.  Following a review of the application documents, successful applicants will be invited to an online interview, lasting 15 to 20 minutes.

Interview

The interview is used to evaluate the extent to which a candidate demonstrates:

  • The capacity for independent research
  • Appropriate background knowledge and critical abilities
  • Awareness of the cultural and social context within which their interests/work is situated
  • Appropriate communication skills
  • A preparedness to participate collaboratively in debate and presentation.

How we notify you of the outcome of your application

You will receive the outcome of your application through the UAL Portal.

Feedback

This course receives a high number of applications, and unfortunately we cannot provide feedback to everyone who is unsuccessful. We can only provide feedback after you have had an interview.

If you would like to request feedback, please contact us via your portal.

Each and every application is carefully considered by a member(s) of our academic team. With so many strong applicants to choose from, it is often a very difficult decision to make. If you are unsuccessful, you are welcome to apply to us again in the future.

Deferring your place

This course accepts requests from offer holders to defer their place for one academic year. Deferral requests are granted on a first-come, first served basis until all deferral places are filled, or a deadline has been reached, whichever is sooner.

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.

MRes Art: Moving Image is unique in its relationship with LUX, the national public arts agency that explores ideas around artists' moving image and supports practice through a range of activities including distribution of works, exhibitions, education publishing and research. The pathway is supported by professional expertise from LUX and benefits from its extensive connections.

MRes Art: Moving Image anticipates both academic and professional outcomes for its students, enabling graduates to pursue a range of careers in artists' moving image culture. Some may opt for academic scholarship through doctoral research. Others may choose or continue in professions within curating and film programming, distribution, publishing and journalism. Possible career contexts include festivals, biennales, galleries, museums and archives. And for some graduates MRes Art: Moving Image will enable further enrichment of their own practice as artists working with moving image.

For details of the wide range of careers support provided for students, please visit the Student Jobs And Careers section.