Masters Degrees (Personal Statement)

The MPA + MSW Dual-Degree Program prepares students for administrative positions in social service agencies. It also helps social workers gain the management and administrative skills needed for roles as supervisors, administrators and agency heads. Similarly, public administration practitioners recognize the need for specialized knowledge and skills to respond to an environment of increasing policy and organizational complexity within social welfare agencies. The program is designed to ensure students acquire both the management and social work skills necessary to excel in these environments.

By carefully structuring the sequence of courses, recognizing comparable course offerings, and using courses in one program to count as electives in the other, students are often able to complete both degrees in three years of full-time study without compromising the professional standards of either program.

Successful completion of the dual-degree programs results in two degrees: a Master's in Public Administration (MPA) and Master's in Social Work (MSW).

All applicants must submit the following:

- Online graduate degree application and application fee
- Transcripts from each college/university you have attended
- Letters of recommendation
- Personal statement
- Resume or Curriculum Vitae (max. 2 pages)

And, for international applicants:
- International Student Financial Statement form
- Official bank statement/proof of support
- Official TOEFL, IELTS, or PTE Academic scores

Applicants must also meet the following program-specific requirements:
MPA:
- Two letters of recommendation
Letters of recommendation should be from individuals who know the applicant in a professional capacity, such as professors, work supervisors, and professionals from organizations where the applicant has served as a volunteer or in another capacity. When evaluating the letters of recommendation, the admissions committee looks for evidence of academic achievement, community involvement, and personal characteristics that suggests the applicant has the capacity to foster an institutional culture that advances democratic administration and governance.

- Personal statement
The personal statement should be no more than 500 words or two (2) double-spaced, typed pages and should answer the question,"Why do I want an MPA?" You may wish to describe your reasons for pursuing graduate studies in public administration, your career aspirations, your special interests within your field, and any unusual features of your background that might need explanation or be of interest to your program's admissions committee. In the personal statement, the committee assesses the student's commitment to public and/or nonprofit administration as well as his/her ability to communicate in writing.

- Significant work experience (5 or more years in the public and/or nonprofit sectors) can earn applicants a positive adjustment to their admissions scores. However, the lack of work experience does not result in a penalty.

- The GRE is not required. If GRE scores are submitted, the admissions committee evaluates them by averaging the applicant's quantitative, verbal, and analytical writing scores.

MSW:
- Minimum of 24 credit hours (undergraduate) in the liberal arts and sciences, with a minimum of 15 credit hours in the social sciences (anthropology, economics, political science, psychology, sociology)

- Paid or volunteer experience related to human services

- Three letters of recommendation from individuals who can attest to your potential for graduate study, such as those with whom you have worked in an academic, professional, volunteer or work-related capacity
* The MSW program has a special letter of recommendation form that must be used to evaluate MSW applicants. Use the Letter of Recommendation for MSW form. Please download and save the form to the computer first, before beginning to fill out the form. Then, open the file from the computer and enter text. Please do not use the version that opens in the web browser.
* If you are a college student or a recent graduate, one letter must be from a college instructor.
* If you are or have recently been employed, one letter must be from an employment supervisor.

- Personal statement (6-8 pages)
Follow the guidelines in the Personal Statement for MSW document.

- Resume or curriculum vitae (max. 2 pages)
Include paid or volunteer experience related to human services.

- A signed copy of the Social Work Contract
* By signing the above document, you agree, if admitted to the program, to abide by the professional standards of social work as set forth by the National Association of Social Workers (NASW) Code of Ethics.
* Review the Code of Ethics before signing the contract.

- A signed copy of the Certification of Information

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The MPA + MS Student Affairs Administration Dual-Degree Program prepares students for administrative positions in college and university settings.

To be an effective leader in student affairs, professionals must first be knowledgeable of how students grow and develop during the college years and how institutions can be intentional in facilitating the growth process. Leaders in higher education need to employ proven managerial strategies in order to be successful and must pay careful attention to the management of human resources, finances, information technology, and physical infrastructure. In addition to this, leaders should know how to adjust their administrative style if problems are encountered and be able to ground both successes and shortcomings in administrative theory.

By carefully structuring the sequence of courses, recognizing comparable course offerings, and using courses in one program to count as electives in the other, students are often able to complete both degrees in three years of full-time study without compromising the professional standards of either program.

Successful completion of the dual-degree programs results in two degrees: a Master's in Public Administration (MPA) and a Master of Science in Student Affairs Administration.

The MPA-MSAA Dual Degree Program

The Master of Public Administration (MPA) and Master of Science in Student Affairs Administration (MSAA) programs both are housed within the College of Community and Public Affairs and are considered professional terminal degrees. By carefully structuring the sequence of courses, recognizing comparable course offerings and using courses in one program to count as electives in the other, the MPA-MSAA dual degree program allows students to complete both degrees in three years of full-time study, without compromising the professional standards of either program. The 42-credit hour MPA program and the 45-credit hour MS in Student Affairs Administration program can be completed as part of a 66-credit hour program (rather than 87 credit hours required to complete the two programs without the benefit of the dual degree structure).
The MPA-MSAA dual degree will prepare students for administrative positions in college and university settings. The MSAA program provides specialized training for students desiring to work in student affairs offices, while the MPA provides the knowledge and skills necessary for management. To be an effective leader in student affairs, professionals must first be knowledgeable of how students grow and develop during the college years and how institutions can be intentional in facilitating the growth process. This requires the study of organizational and student development theory as well as gaining hands-on experience in at least one student services office. Leaders in higher education also need to employ proven managerial strategies in order to be successful and must pay careful attention to the management of human resources, finances, information technology, and physical infrastructure. In addition to this, leaders should know how to adjust their administrative style if problems are encountered and be able to ground both successes and shortcomings in administrative theory.

All applicants must submit the following:

- Online graduate degree application and application fee
- Transcripts from each college/university you have attended
- Letters of recommendation (see details below)
- Personal statement (2-3 pages) describing your reasons for pursuing graduate study, your career aspirations, your special interests within your field, and any unusual features of your background that might need explanation or be of interest to your program's admissions committee.
- Resume or Curriculum Vitae (max. 2 pages)
- Official GRE scores. GMAT scores can be submitted in lieu of GRE scores.

And, for international applicants:
- International Student Financial Statement form
- Official bank statement/proof of support
- Official TOEFL, IELTS, or PTE Academic scores

You must also meet the following program-specific requirements:
MPA:
- Two letters of recommendation
Letters of recommendation should be from individuals who know the applicant in a professional capacity, such as professors, work supervisors, and professionals from organizations where the applicant has served as a volunteer or in another capacity. When evaluating the letters of recommendation, the admissions committee looks for evidence of academic achievement, community involvement, and personal characteristics that suggests the applicant has the capacity to foster an institutional culture that advances democratic administration and governance.

- Personal statement
The personal statement should be no more than 500 words or two (2) double-spaced, typed pages and should answer the question,"Why do I want an MPA?" You may wish to describe your reasons for pursuing graduate studies in public administration, your career aspirations, your special interests within your field, and any unusual features of your background that might need explanation or be of interest to your program's admissions committee. In the personal statement, the committee assesses the student's commitment to public and/or nonprofit administration as well as his/her ability to communicate in writing.

- Significant work experience (5 or more years in the public and/or nonprofit sectors) can earn applicants a positive adjustment to their admissions scores. However, the lack of work experience does not result in a penalty.

MS:
- Personal statements should specifically address the applicant's interest in the program, career goals, and current skills and experiences relative to their current or intended career in student affairs

- Three letters of recommendation, which should come from instructors or professors who can attest to the applicant's academic ability for graduate study
Applicants who have been out of college for at least three (3) years may submit current letters of reference from employment supervisors or others affiliated with their employment who can attest to their ability to perform successfully and professionally and to the likelihood of success in a graduate program

- A signed copy of the Student Affairs Administration Contract
*By signing the above document, you agree, if admitted to the program, to abide by the professional standards of student affairs administration as set forth by the American College Personnel Association (ACPA) Statement of Ethical Principles and Standards that govern our profession.
*Review the Statement of Ethical Principles and Standards before signing the contract.

- A signed copy of the Student Affairs Administration Certification of Information

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The MPA + MS Nursing Dual-Degree Program prepares students for nursing administrator positions in hospitals, health care facilities and community health agencies. Nurses who advance to administrative positions often find themselves struggling with their new responsibilities related to budgetary, human resources, organizational, policy and management matters. The dual-degree program is designed to ensure that students not only advance their professional nursing credentials, but also develop knowledge and skills for effective management. The dual-degree program is targeted specifically to students in the Community Health Nursing program who have selected the Nurse Administrator role.

By carefully structuring the sequence of courses, recognizing comparable course offerings, and using courses in one program to count as electives in the other, students are often able to complete both degrees in three years of full-time study without compromising the professional standards of either program.

Successful completion of the dual-degree programs results in two degrees: a Master's in Public Administration (MPA) and a Master of Science (MS) in Nursing.

The MPA-MS Nursing Dual Degree Program

The Master of Public Administration (MPA) housed in the College of Community and Public Affairs and Master of Science in Nursing (MS Nursing) housed in the Decker School of Nursing offer a dual MPA-MS Nursing degree program to provide students at Binghamton University with a unique opportunity. By carefully structuring the sequence of courses, recognizing comparable course offerings and using courses in one program to count as electives in the other, the MPA-MS Nursing dual degree program allows students to complete both degrees in three years of full-time study, without compromising the professional standards of either program. The 42-credit hour MPA program and the 48-credit hour MS Nursing program can be completed as part of a 68-credit hour program (rather than 90 credit hours required to complete the two programs without the benefit of the dual degree structure).
The MPA-MS Nursing Dual Degree Program prepares students for nursing administrator positions in hospitals, health care facilities and community health agencies. Nurses who advance to administrative positions often find themselves struggling with their new responsibilities related to budgetary, human resources, organizational, policy and management matters. The dual-degree program is designed to ensure that students not only advance their professional nursing credentials, but also develop knowledge and skills for effective management. The dual-degree program takes advantage of the complementary foci of the two degree programs. Both programs have a clear commitment to preparing students to help their communities through advanced professional knowledge and skills. Accordingly, the dual degree emphasizes community health and professional management to prepare nurses to be effective administrators. The dual degree is targeted specifically to students in the Community Health Nursing program who have selected the Nurse Administrator role.
Students must apply and be admitted to both the MPA program and the MS Nursing program. These are separate applications and each requires an application fee to the Graduate School. Students who begin one program and then apply to the other program later will need to meet with the appropriate advisors for both programs to develop a customized program of study; completion within three years may not be possible for students who do not begin the programs in the same semester.

All applicants must submit the following:

- Online graduate degree application and application fee
- Transcripts from each college/university you have attended
- Two letters of recommendation
- Personal statement (2-3 pages) describing your reasons for pursuing graduate study, your career aspirations, your special interests within your field, and any unusual features of your background that might need explanation or be of interest to your program's admissions committee.
- Resume or Curriculum Vitae (max. 2 pages)
- Official GRE scores. GMAT scores may be submitted in lieu of GRE scores.

And, for international applicants:
- International Student Financial Statement form
- Official bank statement/proof of support
- Official TOEFL, IELTS, or PTE Academic scores

Applicants must also meet the following program-specific requirements:

MPA:
- Letters of recommendation
Letters of recommendation should be from individuals who know the applicant in a professional capacity, such as professors, work supervisors, and professionals from organizations where the applicant has served as a volunteer or in another capacity. When evaluating the letters of recommendation, the admissions committee looks for evidence of academic achievement, community involvement, and personal characteristics that suggests the applicant has the capacity to foster an institutional culture that advances democratic administration and governance.

- Personal statement
The personal statement should be no more than 500 words or two (2) double-spaced, typed pages and should answer the question,"Why do I want an MPA?" You may wish to describe your reasons for pursuing graduate studies in public administration, your career aspirations, your special interests within your field, and any unusual features of your background that might need explanation or be of interest to your program's admissions committee. In the personal statement, the committee assesses the student's commitment to public and/or nonprofit administration as well as his/her ability to communicate in writing.

- Significant work experience (5 or more years in the public and/or nonprofit sectors) can earn applicants a positive adjustment to their admissions scores. However, the lack of work experience does not result in a penalty.

MS Nursing:
- Undergraduate degree in nursing from a program which is accredited by a nursing accreditation organization
- Previous (successful completion of a) course in descriptive statistics
- A license to practice as a registered professional nurse
- Passing completion of the NCLEX examination (must be completed prior to the start of clinical courses)
- One year of full-time employment as a registered nurse is strongly encouraged (Candidates without one year of previous full-time employment may wish to consider enrolling in a part-time program while they acquire the needed work experience)

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A Message to Prospective Students

This is an exciting time to pursue a public service career and the demand for motivated, knowledgeable and skilled professionals continues to grow. If you have a passion for public service and a desire to improve your community through professional service in the public or non-profit sector, we invite you to look more closely at what the Department of Public Administration at Binghamton University has to offer. We offer a variety of academic program options, all centered around our Master of Public Administration (MPA) program which is accredited by the Network of Schools of Public Policy, Affairs, and Administration (NASPAA).

The focus of the MPA program at Binghamton University is to prepare people to handle the growing challenges facing local governments and nonprofit organizations in communities near and far. The department brings together the energy and expertise of faculty and staff who have active research agendas, strong records of community service and growing national and international reputations. Our diverse student body includes recent graduates of some of the top undergraduate institutions in the United States, representatives from a variety of other countries, as well as practicing public administrators with many years of professional experience.

The MPA

The MPA Program is a 42 credit hour program, comprised of:
- a core of seven courses (25 credits) where students are introduced to the knowledge and skills they need for professional public service
- a three-course (9 credits) specialization or set of electives
- two courses (3 credits) to practice application of learning
- a culminating experience consisting of two courses (5 credits) to demonstrate competencies.

It typically takes full-time students 2 years to complete our MPA Program.

COURSES

Core Courses
1. PAFF 510 - Research Design & Methods (4 credits)
2. PAFF 521 - Foundations of Public Service (4 credits)
3. PAFF 520 - 21st Century Governance (4 credits)
4. PAFF 527 - Budgeting & Financial Management (4 credits)
5. Evidence-Based Decision Making (4 credits): Students can fulfill this requirement with one of several courses including Policy Analysis, Program Evaluation, Survey Research, and Performance Analysis.
6. Managing People in Organizations (3 credits): Students can fulfill this requirement with one of several courses including Human Resource Management, Organization Theory, Organization Behavior, and Managing Networks.
7. PAFF 526 - Managing Information and Technology (2 credits)

SPECIALIZATION OR ELECTIVES
(3 courses = 9 credits)

Three specializations are available within the Department of Public Administration:
Nonprofit Management & Leadership
Local Government Management & Leadership
Sustainable Communities

The Department also has relations with the School of Nursing for students interested in Health Policy Administration, and with the Department of Geography for students interested in Environmental Policy. Dual degree students complete specialization/elective courses in the discipline of their other degree. Additionally, students are offered the opportunity to choose elective courses suited to their specialized academic interests from various other graduate academic departments.

APPLICATION OF LEARNING
PAFF 594 - Internship (2 credits)
PAFF 591 - Problem Definition (1 credit)
CULMINATING EXPERIENCES/DEMONSTRATION OF COMPETENCIES
PAFF 595 - Capstone Project (3 credits)
PAFF 590 - Praxis through Cases (2 credits)

All applicants must submit the following:

- Online graduate degree application and application fee

- Transcripts from each college/university you have attended

- Two letters of recommendation
Letters of recommendation should be from individuals who know the applicant in a professional capacity, such as professors, work supervisors, and professionals from organizations where the applicant has served as a volunteer or in another capacity. When evaluating the letters of recommendation, the admissions committee looks for evidence of academic achievement, community involvement, and personal characteristics that suggests the applicant has the capacity to foster an institutional culture that advances democratic administration and governance.

- Personal statement
The personal statement should be no more than 500 words or two (2) double-spaced, typed pages and should answer the question,"Why do I want an MPA?" You may wish to describe your reasons for pursuing graduate studies in public administration, your career aspirations, your special interests within your field, and any unusual features of your background that might need explanation or be of interest to your program's admissions committee. In the personal statement, the committee assesses the student's commitment to public and/or nonprofit administration as well as his/her ability to communicate in writing.

- Resume or curriculum vitae (max. 2 pages)
Significant work experience (5 or more years in the public and/or nonprofit sectors) can earn applicants a positive adjustment to their admissions scores. However, the lack of work experience does not result in a penalty.

- The GRE is not required.
If GRE scores are submitted, the admissions committee evaluates them by averaging the applicant's quantitative, verbal, and analytical writing scores.

And, for international applicants:
- International Student Financial Statement form
- Official bank statement/proof of support
- Official TOEFL, IELTS, or PTE Academic scores

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* We still have a position on the course starting in September 2018 – this will lead to a placement in Synthetic Organic Chemistry. Please apply by Friday 29 June *

Overview

Our pioneering two-year MSc programme is unique in the UK, and builds on the foundations of our very successful one-year programme in Drug Discovery and Pharmaceutical Sciences, to equip students with an in-depth knowledge of all aspects of drug discovery, and industry standard training. 

The course is designed to develop graduates who have exceptional scientific understanding and a host of transferable skills, including leadership skills. It is therefore especially recommended to high-achieving and ambitious students seeking an opportunity to gain extensive hands-on training in an industrial environment, working as part of a multidisciplinary team.

The course blends the two fundamental disciplines underpinning drug discovery and provides students with the opportunity to practise background theory within the productive, research-led environments offered by the School of Pharmacy. This school has world-leading expertise in the areas of drug discovery and pharmaceutical science, and students on this course will have the chance to learn directly from staff at the forefront of the field.

The course is technology-rich, using online learning packages to supplement face-to-face teaching and innovative assessment methods.

Placement year

The second year of the course has been developed in conjunction with the pharmaceutical industry to ensure currency and relevance, and to increase the future employability of graduates. Our aim is to train future leaders in the pharmaceutical sector.

The placement year with one of our industrial partners is arranged and guaranteed upon completion of a successful application and interview process. You will pay reduced tuition fees for the second year of the course, as you focus on your industrial training.

Due to limited places available, students who are unable to join the two-year programme will automatically be considered for our Royal Society of Chemistry accredited one-year programme, which includes the same disciplines underpinning drug discovery and research-led environment in which to practise the theory. 

Develop your skills

The overall aim of the MSc is to develop knowledge and understanding, cognitive skills, key skills and practical and professional skills in the area of Drug Discovery and Pharmaceutical Science. The overall drug discovery process from ‘concept to clinic’ provides the reference point for the education and training delivered in the more specific scientific and regulatory aspects.

Students will, therefore, be able to develop an understanding of the scientific principles underlying the main topic areas housed within the arena of drug discovery. In addition, upon completing the degree students will be able to make effective use of electronic communication and information search and retrieval to facilitate development of key critical skills with which to assess and analyse a broad array of scientific literature.

When taken together, the ethos of the programme is therefore to:

• instil, develop and encourage an independent approach to learning, through initiative and self-motivation
• provide the education and training required to become a translational scientist; with pertinent knowledge of basic and clinical science that can be applied to drug discovery and development
• instil a critical understanding of disease/disorder biology and how it impacts upon human health
• provide the necessary knowledge of chosen areas of normal and abnormal pharmacology and bodily function to equip the student with an understanding of how and why drugs are either rejected or taken forward for future development
• present physicochemical and pharmacological principles alongside the regulatory processes necessary for new medicine discovery and entry into the clinic
• contextualise this knowledge and principles to the process of drug design and development and therefore equip the graduate to apply knowledge to practical problems in pharmacology, drug discovery and pharmaceutical science
• provide students with the practical skills and experience via a year-long training placement to excel in future leadership roles

Please visit the online prospectus for detailed module information.

Application process

Applicants who meet the eligibility criteria will be shortlisted for interview based on their whole application, including the personal statement. Your personal statement should include:

• Why you are applying for this course, and why to the University of Nottingham in particular
• Why you wish to pursue a career in drug discovery
• How this course will help you achieve your long-term career goals, and why the industrial placement is key to this
• What makes you suitable for this course compared to other applicants

The interview will include a technical component, which will involve questions relating to theoretical organic chemistry, synthesis and retrosynthesis. The final offer of a place will depend on the availability of placements.

To secure your place, you will need to pay a £2000 deposit. This will form part of your conditional offer as there are a limited number of placements offered in advance by providers. Once the deposit is paid and any other offer conditions are met, your place on the course is guaranteed. The deposit will be used to offset your tuition fee for the first year.

If you are unable to secure a place on the two-year course, after meeting initial eligibility criteria, you will be guaranteed an offer for the one-year course (which is accredited by the Royal Society of Chemistry). This course incorporates the same high quality taught module component but replaces the industrial placement year with a three-month research project at the University. 

Careers

Graduates can expect to move into a range of scientific careers, particularly with global pharmaceutical companies and pharmaceutical SMEs. Strong industrial links to the course will further enhance students’ employability.

The MSc also provides a strong grounding for students wishing to subsequently study for a PhD in a related subject area.

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Accredited by the National Council on Social Work Education, Binghamton University's master of social work (MSW) program trains competent and effective social workers in an empowering, inclusive environment. Our mission is to prepare social workers for autonomous, knowledge-based, advanced generalist practice within an integrated community of scholars, practitioners and learners.

Students in the program acquire a broad base of knowledge and skills to address the needs of families, individuals, groups, organizations and communities. Binghamton University is committed to education that furthers social and economic justice, as well as to developing professional social workers who will become leaders in a complex, multicultural and increasingly global society.

Become an Agent of Change

The Master of Social Work (MSW) degree program prepares students for beginning and advanced practice in social work in a variety of settings. The curriculum includes courses in human behavior and the social environment, social welfare services and policy, research methods, administration, practice methods, special topics, and field education. Students learn to engage individual and community strengths to further the understanding, treatment, and prevention of individual and social problems.
The curriculum for the MSW degree is divided into two levels: the professional foundation and the advanced generalist concentration. Students complete the professional foundation before moving to the advanced generalist portion of the curriculum.
Students are admitted for either full-time or part-time study in the 64-credit MSW program. Full-time students complete the program in 2 years, taking 16 credits each semester for 4 semesters. Full-time students with bachelor's degrees in social work in the advanced standing program earn their MSWs in less than one calendar year. Part-time students complete the program in 3.5 years, taking 6 or 7 credits each semester, including summer sessions. Beginning in Fall 2015, the part-time program will be offered as a blended program, allowing students the opportunity to complete half of their classroom experiences online. The program will offer one online course each semester where students will meet in a virtual classroom for discussions, presentations, and group work.

Applicant qualifications:

- Minimum of 24 credit hours (undergraduate) in the liberal arts and sciences, with a minimum of 15 credit hours in the social sciences (anthropology, economics, political science, psychology, sociology)
- Paid or volunteer experience related to human services

All applicants must submit the following:

- Online graduate degree application and application fee

- Transcripts from each college/university you have attended

- Three letters of recommendation from individuals who can attest to your potential for graduate study, such as those with whom you have worked in an academic, professional, volunteer or work-related capacity
* The MSW program has a special letter of recommendation form that must be used to evaluate MSW applicants. Use the Letter of Recommendation for MSW form. Please download and save the form to the computer first, before beginning to fill out the form. Then, open the file from the computer and enter text. Please do not use the version that opens in the web browser.
* If you are a college student or a recent graduate, one letter must be from a college instructor.
* If you are or have recently been employed, one letter must be from an employment supervisor.

- Personal statement (6-8 pages)
Follow the guidelines in the Personal Statement for MSW document.

- Resume or curriculum vitae (max. 2 pages)
Include paid or volunteer experience related to human services.

- A signed copy of the Social Work Contract
* By signing the above document, you agree, if admitted to the program, to abide by the professional standards of social work as set forth by the National Association of Social Workers (NASW) Code of Ethics.
* Review the Code of Ethics before signing the contract.

- A signed copy of the Certification of Information

- The GRE is not required

And, for international applicants:
- International Student Financial Statement form
- Official bank statement/proof of support
- Official TOEFL, IELTS, or PTE Academic scores

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Every community requires qualified and dedicated teachers to prepare students for success in their subjects and in life. To meet the needs of aspiring teachers from a variety of fields and backgrounds, Binghamton University's College of Community and Public Affairs (CCPA) offers both initial certification and advanced certification programs in adolescence education:

-Biology

-Chemistry

-Earth science

-English

-French

-Mathematics

-Physics

-Social studies

-Spanish

Initial certification programs are intended for students who do not yet have certification to teach. They culminate in Master of Arts in Teaching (MAT) degrees. These programs prepare students with bachelor’s degrees who seek certification to teach students in grades 7-12 in New York State schools for initial teaching certification.

Advanced certification programs are designed for students who already hold teaching certification and lead to Master of Science in Education (MSEd) degrees. These programs combine advanced study and practice in both an academic area and in professional education, enhancing the teaching and leadership abilities of secondary school educators. Completion of this degree and other requirements leads to professional certification in New York State as a teacher of the subject area for students in grades 7-12.

After You Graduate

This program prepares students for teaching certification in adolescence education in New York State. Employment opportunities for teachers have improved significantly over the last few years. Due to strict licensure rules, a New York State teaching license is well respected across the nation. Typically, graduates of the programs easily find employment as teachers in other states.

All applicants must submit the following:

- Online graduate degree application and application fee

- Transcripts from each college/university which you have attended

- Two letters of recommendation (additional letters of recommendation are accepted)

- Personal statement (Please see the Admissions website for additional information about the personal statement)

- Resume or Curriculum Vitae (max. 2 pages)

- Official GRE scores for pre-service applicants

- Teaching certification for advanced certification program applicants

- Any program-specific materials (please see the Admissions website for details)

And, for international applicants:

- International Student Financial Statement form

- Official bank statement/proof of support

- Official TOEFL, IELTS, or PTE Academic scores

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Children at a young age need dedicated teachers to provide them positive experiences that foster a love of learning: their later performance in school is frequently inaugurated by early success.

The College of Community and Public Affairs at Binghamton University (CCPA) offers an innovative, initial certification program toward a Master of Science in Education (MSEd) in Childhood and Early Childhood Education. This program leads to multiple New York State teaching certifications, allowing graduates to work with children from birth through grade 6 in a variety of different roles. Two tracks are available:

-Childhood, Early Childhood and Literacy

-Childhood, Early Childhood and Special Education

Under the guidance of distinguished professors and top-tier teachers in partnership schools and early-childhood programs, students will become teachers with clearly defined commitments, as well as the ability to make a real difference in the lives of children and their families.

Professional Development

During this 2-year, full-time program, students will take a range of courses and work with children in several different fieldwork and student-teaching placements. These experiences will offer opportunities to make connections between theory and practice while developing the knowledge, skills and dispositions necessary to help all students be successful in school.

The curriculum includes intensive coursework and field experiences, boasting strong content speciality as well as diverse student and faculty backgrounds. Faculty advisors and office staff are eager to assist students in tailoring their course of study and field placements. Students are encouraged to take advantage of a well-established network of alumni and professional connections that will help with field visits and placement. There are urban, suburban and rural schools in close proximity for student teaching opportunities.

After You Graduate

Alumni of our program teach in schools around the region and around the country. Other graduates have found roles working with children in other capacities, such as in literacy programs or as speech therapists. Employment opportunities for teachers have improved significantly over the last few years, particularly for teachers who are willing to relocate. Due to strict licensure rules, a New York State teaching license is well respected across the nation, and it is easy for graduates of the program to find employment as teachers in other states.

All applicants must submit the following:

- Online graduate degree application and application fee

- Transcripts from each college/university which you have attended

- Two letters of recommendation (the CCPA will accept additional letters of recommendation)

- Personal statement (Please see the CCPA Admissions website for additional information about the personal statement)

- Resume or Curriculum Vitae (max. 2 pages)

- Official GRE scores

- Any program-specific materials (please see the CCPA Admissions website for details)

And, for international applicants:

- International Student Financial Statement form

- Official bank statement/proof of support

- Official TOEFL, IELTS, or PTE Academic scores

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The College of Community and Public Affairs (CCPA) offers an advanced-certification literacy program that culminates in a Master of Science in Education (MSEd) degree. This program provides broad academic study and supervised field experiences in literacy education for certified teachers who are prepared to assume leadership roles as competent and qualified literacy instructors, specialists and consultants. Two tracks are available: birth–grade 6 and grades 5–12.

The program follows the International Reading Association's Guidelines for the Specialized Preparation of Reading Professionals and guidelines established by the New York State Commissioner of Education. Integrally woven into the program are understandings of critical literacy, multiculturalism and diversity in relation to race, ethnicity, gender, culture, language, socio-economic background, learning style and ability.

Professional Development

The program boasts strong content speciality as well as diverse student and faculty background. Faculty advisors and office staff are always available to assist students in tailoring their course of study and field placements. Students are encouraged to take advantage of a well-established network of alumni and professional connections that will help with student teaching and field visits and placement. There are urban, suburban and rural schools in close proximity where student teaching opportunities are available.

After You Graduate

The completion of this degree and other requirements leads to a New York State certification as a literacy teacher. Employment opportunities for teachers have improved significantly over the last few years, particularly for teachers who are willing to relocate. Alumni of our programs in education teach at numerous schools regionally and around the country. Due to strict licensure rules, a New York State teaching license is well respected across the nation. Typically, graduates of the programs easily find employment as teachers in other states.

All applicants must submit the following:

- Online graduate degree application and application fee

- Transcripts from each college/university which you have attended

- Two letters of recommendation (the CCPA will accept additional letters of recommendation)

- Personal statement (Please see the CCPA Admissions website for additional information about the personal statement)

- Resume or Curriculum Vitae (max. 2 pages)

- Teaching certification for in-service applicants

- Any program-specific materials (please see the CCPA Admissions website for details)

And, for international applicants:

- International Student Financial Statement form

- Official bank statement/proof of support

- Official TOEFL, IELTS, or PTE Academic scores

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The College of Community and Public Affairs (CCPA) offers several advanced certification programs that culminate in a Master of Science in Education (MSEd) degree in Special Education. Four program options are available, corresponding with the age/grade level of the applicant's initial certificate:

-Early Childhood Special Education - Birth to Grade 2 (requires initial certification in early childhood education)

-Early Childhood and Childhood Special Education - Birth to Grade 6 (requires initial certification in early childhood and childhood education)

-Childhood Special Education - Grades 1 to 6 (requires initial certification in childhood education)

-Adolescence Special Education - Grades 7 to 12 (requires initial certification in a subject area)

This program is designed to prepare teachers to operationalize “least restrictive environment” philosophies for children and youth with disabilities. Core themes include collaboration with families and other professionals and pedagogy that respects and responds to individual differences. For teachers with initial certification, this program provides knowledge and skills to fulfill various special education teacher roles in today's schools. Sufficient flexibility exists for individuals from undergraduate programs in special education to either deepen their skills in the field or link their special education foundation with the larger context of general education. Similarly, graduates of early childhood, childhood or adolescence education programs may extend their knowledge and skills with students needing special education.

Professional Development

In addition to graduate courses suited to the degree you choose to pursue, fieldwork and student teaching are important components to the program. The program boasts strong content speciality as well as diverse student and faculty background. Faculty advisors and office staff are eager to assist students in tailoring their course of study and field placements. Students are encouraged to take advantage of a well-established network of alumni and professional connections that will help with field visits and placement. There are urban, suburban and rural schools in close proximity where student teaching opportunities are available.

After You Graduate

The completion of this degree and other requirements leads to a New York State certification as a special education teacher. Employment opportunities for teachers have improved significantly over the last few years. Alumni of our programs in education teach at numerous schools regionally and around the country. Due to strict licensure rules, a New York State teaching license is well respected across the nation. Typically, graduates of the programs easily find employment as teachers in other states.

All applicants must submit the following:

- Online graduate degree application and application fee

- Transcripts from each college/university which you have attended

- Two letters of recommendation (the CCPA will accept additional letters of recommendation)

- Personal statement (Please see the CCPA Admissions website for additional information about the personal statement)

- Resume or Curriculum Vitae (max. 2 pages)

- Teaching certification for in-service applicants

- Any program-specific materials (please see the CCPA Admissions website for details)

And, for international applicants:

- International Student Financial Statement form

- Official bank statement/proof of support

- Official TOEFL, IELTS, or PTE Academic scores

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Whether you are a globetrotter who is also passionate about education or a certified teacher who wants to expand your professional repertoire, the Teaching English to Speakers of Other Languages (TESOL) graduate program at Binghamton University can help meet your needs. The TESOL program offers the Master of Science in Education (MSEd) and the Master of Arts (MA) degrees. The MA enables graduates to teach in English as a Second Language (ESL) programs on college campuses or in other English programs across the globe. This track is also suitable for international students who wish to be involved in English education around the world, such as ESL programs in higher education or other intensive English programs. The MSEd is designed for those who are already certified looking to teach English Language Learners (ELL) in K-12 settings.

Students will be immersed in multi-layered theoretical and practical approaches to teaching English as a second language, from language acquisition and literacy development to effective ESL pedagogies and history about ELLs. Students taking classes full-time will complete this program in just three semesters, with their studies culminating in either a capstone project or master’s thesis.

Professional Development

Students are assigned a faculty advisor who will offer guidance throughout their academic career. Our lively curriculum reflects the rapidly changing needs of the national population by including language teaching in global perspectives, technology-enhanced language teaching, and courses embedded in field experience.

In addition to regular coursework, fieldwork and student teaching are important components of the program. The program boasts strong content speciality as well as diverse student and faculty backgrounds. Faculty advisors and office staff are eager to assist students in tailoring their courses of study and field placements. Students are encouraged to take advantage of a well-established network of alumni and professional connections that will help with field visits and placements. There are urban, suburban and rural schools with student teaching opportunities in close proximity.

After You Graduate

The completion of the MA degree allows graduates to work in ESL programs on college campuses, while earning the MSEd and meeting other requirements leads to New York State certification as a TESOL teacher. Employment opportunities for teachers have improved significantly over the last few years. Alumni of our programs in education teach at numerous schools regionally and around the country. Due to strict licensure rules, a New York State teaching license is well respected across the nation. Typically, graduates of the programs easily find employment as teachers in other states.

All applicants must submit the following:

- Online graduate degree application and application fee

- Transcripts from each college/university which you have attended

- Two letters of recommendation (the CCPA will accept additional letters of recommendation)

- Personal statement of 500 words on career goals (Please see the CCPA Admissions website for additional information about the personal statement)

- Resume or Curriculum Vitae (max. 2 pages)GS

- Official GRE scores for pre-service applicants

- If you are a certified teacher, a copy of your initial teacher certification in Early Childhood Education (birth–grade 2), Literacy or Special Education, Childhood Education (grades 1–6) and/or Adolescence Education (grades 7–12) in one of the content areas: English, mathematics, sciences, social studies or foreign languages)

- Proof of successful completion of at least 12 semester hours or the equivalent of study of a language other than English

And, for international applicants:

- International Student Financial Statement form

- Official bank statement/proof of support

- Official TOEFL, IELTS, or PTE Academic scores

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Binghamton University's College of Community and Public Affairs (CCPA) offers a Master of Science in Educational Studies degree for individuals interested in the general study of education who are not seeking certification to teach. This program is suited for several types of students.

The program is ideal for professionals working in schools in non-teaching positions and for professionals working in with students or schools through human service agencies or other settings who would benefit from a greater understanding of educational foundations, as well as for teachers and educators from outside the U.S. who desire graduate study in the field of education.

The program also serves teachers interested in obtaining a master’s degree in education but who work in a subject area OTHER than the certification areas offered by Binghamton University (childhood and early childhood education, special education, literacy education, or adolescence education in English, romance languages, mathematics, sciences or social studies).

Professional Development

The program consists of 36 credits, and students must take at least 4 credits in each of the following educational areas: foundations of education, teaching and learning, and research. Students will work closely with a faculty advisor to select suitable courses from the diverse curriculum and develop an individualized course of study. The program culminates in a research-based master’s paper or project. This involves a formal research paper on a major educational issue or a research report of a field-based study. If the student is teaching, the final project could involve presenting a reflective portfolio and curricular materials, including a review of relevant research.

After You Graduate

Graduates of this program often teach subjects like music, art, physical education and health. With a strong educational background obtained through this degree, many international alumni of the program have returned to their respective home countries to pursue teaching positions.

Please note that although this program is a New York State registered teacher education program, it does NOT lead to certification. Students interested in becoming certified after completing this program should apply to the New York State Education Department (NYSED) on their own, with the understanding that the GSE cannot predict the outcome. Students are responsible for working with NYSED regarding professional certification matters.

All applicants must submit the following:

- Online graduate degree application and application fee

- Transcripts from each college/university which you have attended

- Two letters of recommendation (the CCPA will accept additional letters of recommendation)

- Personal statement (Please see the CCPA Admissions website for additional information about the personal statement)

- Resume or Curriculum Vitae (max. 2 pages)

- Official GRE scores

And, for international applicants:

- International Student Financial Statement form

- Official bank statement/proof of support

- Official TOEFL, IELTS, or PTE Academic scores

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Course Overview

The Master of Fine Art (MFA) programme caters for students who wish to develop their professional practice or knowledge within the discipline of Fine Art. Typically this might include teachers, practicing artists, community workers, arts administrators, or recent graduates in Fine Art who wish to further their professional practice.

The MFA is designed to respond to students who already have a practice and who are able to readily determine where they are in relation to a field and its histories of practices and ways of working. It is the role of the MFA to work outwards, as it were, towards a context for the students practice.

​The student focus will be on their development of Art Practice relevant to the CSAD Subjects of: Fine Art; Textiles; Ceramics; Artist Designer Maker; and Illustration.

The MFA curriculum is designed so that students in the field of Fine Art:
- Kick-start a career or develop an idea
- Develop professional skills
- Become able, professional and directed
- Have a trajectory towards progression to a future Professional Doctorate

Course Content

The MFA programme is offered as One Year Full Time.

The following Modules will be undertaken by MFA students:
- ART7007: Position (60 credits).
- ART7008: Exploration (60 credits)
- ART7009: Realisation (60 credits)
- ART7005: Research and Ideas Seminars (0 credits. All students must attend the year-long Research & Ideas Seminars which happen on a weekly basis.)

Exit points/Awards
- On completing the Context module (60 credits in total) students will be awarded a Postgraduate Certificate.
- On competing the Context and Exploration modules (120 credits in total) students will be awarded a Postgraduate Diploma.
- On completing Realisation in addition to the above, (180 credits in total) students will be awarded a Master’s Degree (Master of Fine Art).

Learning & Teaching

The MFA is taught through lecture and seminar with individualised supervisory meetings to develop a learning contract (part of the early Personal Development Planning process [PDP]) and an individualised programme of learning and individualised supervision towards a creative research outcome, defined and monitored by developing PDP. Our approach to learning and teaching is based on negotiation and dialogue, encouraging students to develop their own, self-directed project to a professional standard within a rigorous yet supportive academic environment.

To support this, each student is allocated a Personal Tutor and an additional subject-specialist member of staff (academic tutor) from within the design expertise in a respective design department. Together, they form the Supervisory Team. The CSAD web application form includes a personal statement, and an outline of the professional or research project that the student wishes to pursue at Masters level. This informs the allocation of personal tutor and subject-specialist member of academic staff (academic tutor) with whom the learning contract is established, which in turn forms the basis for the student’s personal plan, reflected on in the continuing PDP process.

There are opportunities for all MFA students to come together in common teaching and presentations, to engage in peer learning groups and peer review of work, and to reflect on the outcomes of these peer reviews in PDP. At several key stages in the MFA programme we stress the importance of self-directed and negotiated learning. This is in part a response to what we perceive to be a growing demand for programmes of study that allow students to integrate work, study, career, personal aspirations and other commitments.

All course documentation, including Cardiff Metropolitan University’s Research Studies Manual, CSAD’s Research Study Guide, the MFA Handbook with module descriptors, assessment guidelines and criteria, will be available as hard copy and electronically. In addition, lecture PowerPoint presentations and workshop-generated material, for example, paragraphs and textual or visual analyses composed during workshops, will be available on the Cardiff Metropolitan University Virtual Learning Environment (VLE).

Remote or electronic contact with staff will be available by email and/or VLE . The supervisory team will deliver, manage and monitor each student's progress through a number of individual and team meetings. Students will also be encouraged to form and maintain peer-learning groups, either face-to-face or online.

Learning will be supported through the use of the VLE, electronic communications, and other relevant methods. Any students requiring learning support are advised to contact Learning Support in Student Services. Throughout the programme, students are expected to maintain their own Personal Development Plan/Portfolio (PDP), intended to provide evidence of their knowledge and understanding in relation to the learning outcomes of each module, including the Research and Ideas Module.

Each 60 Credit module is typically delivered through:
- Seminars; workshops; lectures; personal and group tutorials, and supervised use of workshop equipment (100 hours).
- Directed study via virtual learning, e.g. Cardiff Metropolitan University Virtual Learning Environment or student blogs or wikis (100 hours).
- Self-directed study. (400 hours)

Assessment

For each module, assessment is in the form of:
- ART7007: Position (60 credits). Design practice, Website / blog & reflective commentary / report (Personal Development Plan/Portfolio - PDP)/ 4,000 words.
- ART7008: Exploration (60 credits) Portfolio Submission: Substantial body of practical work. PDP: 1,000-2,000 words
- ART7009: Realisation (60 credits) Final body of work in the form of a public presentation through exhibition. A 3000 word Critical Paper and Viva Voce.
- ART7005: Research and Ideas Seminars (0 credits). Assessed through PDP undertaken in the other modules.

Support will be available through weekly small group seminars (normally no more than 16 students per group) after each lecture, exploring the theme of the lecture and allowing students to clarify their understanding. These sessions may also be run as workshops where practical demonstrations, involving student participation, are run.

This may include, for example, communal writing (via computer and data projector) or small group discourse analysis. Weekly tutorials will also be available.

Employability & Careers

The MFA programme acts as a gateway for students to enhance their careers as, or to become, established artist, designers, makers or architectural technologists, leading towards a career or to a Professional Doctorate in either art or design. Cardiff School of Art and Design offers Professional Doctoral programs in both Art and Design.

The MFA programme is designed to enable students to achieve the attributes of greater flexibility, adaptability, and individual responsibility and autonomy as professional artists, designers or researchers. It goes without saying that the MFA programme develops increasing creativity, self-reliance, initiative, and the ability to perform in rapidly changing environments as well as increasing competence with research skills and methods which will make graduates highly employable as academics and or researchers or enable them to develop an active and sustained practice as artists or designers.

The MFA is particularly focused on students who have already commenced their professional practice, designed about the provision of opportunities for ‘learning in employment’, and thus by implication exhibit the qualities necessary for employment.

All students’ will complete a portable ‘record of achievement’ and use their PDP to support employability and life-long learning, normally in the form of a blog, that integrates opportunities for self-reflection in programmes in order to help them develop as effective and confident learners.

Find information on Scholarships here https://www.cardiffmet.ac.uk/scholarships

Find out how to apply here https://www.cardiffmet.ac.uk/howtoapply

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Course Overview

The MA Ceramics Programme’s aim is to enable each student to identify their true interests and concerns as artists, designers or makers and to develop appropriate methods to explore their ideas and articulate or express them effectively in imaginative or innovative ways, through the medium of ceramics.

It also engages students with the key theories and contemporary debates, thus fostering their understandings of the ways in which these influence the development, expression and communication of their ideas, which will impact upon the success of their future practice as artists, makers or academics

Ceramics is a medium in which the practitioner occupies very different positions and frequently has opposing priorities and values drawn from previous personal experiences, technical competence and tacit knowledge.

The MA Ceramics programme is for individuals seeking to extend and develop their practice as well as deepen their knowledge and understandings of the subject, as future practitioners, researchers or academics.

The MA programme allows each student to:
- Develop their authorship of advanced studio work
- Be analytically rigorous
- Develop a greater capacity for reflection

Students are encouraged to challenge norms and question conventions through fusing materiality and concept. This approach is underpinned by a critical and historical approach discourse – a critical language for both fine and applied art and design.

See the website https://www.cardiffmet.ac.uk/artanddesign/courses/Pages/maceramics.aspx

Course Content

The MA programme is offered as One Year Full Time, or Two Years Part Time.

Students undertake a sequentially designed course to lead seamlessly from one module to the next and finally into the Major study (equivalent to Dissertation of a more theory based MA). There are no options or electives or alternatives to the scheme. The development of these skills have been embedded into specific modules.

The following Modules will be undertaken by MA Ceramics students:
- MAA7001 Research Methods (20 Credits)
- MAC7004 Studio Project 1 (40 Credits)
- MAC 7006 Studio Project 2 (40 Credits)
- MAC7008 Dissertation (20 Credits)
- MAC7007 Major Project (60 Credits)

Exit points/Awards
- On completing 120 credits in total students will be awarded a Postgraduate Diploma.
- On completing 180 credits in total students will be awarded a Master’s Degree (MA Ceramics).

Learning & Teaching

The MA is taught through lecture and seminar with individualised supervisory meetings to develop a learning contract (part of the early Personal Development Planning process [PDP]) and an individualised programme of learning and individualised supervision towards a creative research outcome, defined and monitored by developing PDP.

Our approach to learning and teaching is based on negotiation and dialogue, encouraging students to develop their own, self-directed project to a professional standard within a rigorous yet supportive academic environment. To support this, each student is allocated a Personal Tutor and an additional subject-specialist member of staff (academic tutor) from within the design expertise in a respective design department.

Together, they form the Supervisory Team. The CSAD web application form includes a personal statement, and an outline of the professional or research project that the student wishes to pursue at Masters level. This informs the allocation of personal tutor and subject-specialist member of academic staff (academic tutor) with whom the learning contract is established, which in turn forms the basis for the student’s personal plan, reflected on in the continuing PDP process.

There are opportunities for all MA students to come together in common teaching and presentations, to engage in peer learning groups and peer review of work, and to reflect on the outcomes of these peer reviews in PDP. At several key stages in the MA programme we stress the importance of self-directed and negotiated learning. This is in part a response to what we perceive to be a growing demand for programmes of study that allow students to integrate work, study, career, personal aspirations and other commitments.

All course documentation, including Cardiff Metropolitan University’s Research Studies Manual, CSAD’s Research Study Guide, the MA Ceramics Handbook with module descriptors, assessment guidelines and criteria, will be available as hard copy and electronically. In addition, lecture PowerPoint presentations and workshop-generated material, for example, paragraphs and textual or visual analyses composed during workshops, will be available on the Cardiff Metropolitan University Virtual Learning Environment (VLE).

Remote or electronic contact with staff will be available by email and/or VLE. The supervisory team will deliver, manage and monitor each student's progress through a number of individual and team meetings. Students will also be encouraged to form and maintain peer-learning groups, either face-to-face or online. Learning will be supported through the use of the VLE, electronic communications, and other relevant methods. Any students requiring learning support are advised to contact Learning Support in Student Services. Throughout the programme, students are expected to maintain their own Personal Development Plan/Portfolio (PDP), intended to provide evidence of their knowledge and understanding in relation to the learning outcomes of each module.

Each 20 credits is equivalent to 240 learning hours (80 typically are taught and 160 are directed study or independent study).

Assessment

For each module, assessment is in the form of:
- MAA7001 Research Methods (20credits) Written 3000 word paper
- MAC7004 Studio Project1. (40 credits) Constructing a Discourse’ Presentation of Practical Work Power Point Presentation with 1,000-1500 word transcript
- MAC 7006 Studio Project 2. (40 credits)Presentation of Practical Work Power Point Presentation, with 1,000-1500 word transcript Viva Voce.
- MAC7008 (20 credits) ‘Developing a Theoretical Context for Student’s Studio-Based Practice’. Written 5000 word paper
- MAC7007 Major Project. (60 credits) Presentation of Practical Work Power Point Presentation with 1,000-1500 word transcript Viva Voce.

Support will be available through weekly individual tutorials, group seminars, workshops where practical demonstrations, involving student participation. This may include, for example (Theory), communal writing (via computer and data projector) or group discourse analysis.

Students are encouraged to instigate discussion within and outside of the formal delivery Programme Face book pages and blogs further contribute and facilitate this shared learning experience.

Employability & Careers

The MA Ceramics programme enables students to enhance their careers as, or to become, established artist, designers, makers leading towards a career, or towards a PhD or to a Professional Doctorate in either art or design. Cardiff School of Art and Design offers Professional Doctoral programs in both Art and Design.

The MA Ceramics programme is designed to enable students to achieve the attributes of greater flexibility, adaptability, and individual responsibility and autonomy as professional artists, makers and designers or researchers. It is Internationally recognised that the MA Ceramics programme develops individuality , creativity, self-reliance, initiative, and the ability to perform in rapidly changing environments as well as increasing competence with research skills and methods which will make graduates highly employable as academics and or researchers or enable them to develop an active and sustained practice as artists makers or designers.

The MA Ceramics programme particularly characteristic is that it enable graduates, mid- career and professional practitioners from within and outside of the discipline of Ceramics to negotiate and examine strategies of Practice through the medium of Ceramics and yet being able to create their own hybrids of material based practice that can further enhance the territory that Ceramics can occupy.

All students receive individual Semester based PDP tutorials to support employability and life-long learning. Learning Journal blogs, and continuous visual documentation /text that integrates opportunities for self-reflection in programmes in order to help them develop as effective and confident learners are expected to be maintained throughout the programme of study.

At the conclusion of the programme, a very high percentage of MA graduates establish or continue their professional practice, enabled by the links they have made with galleries or organisations associated with the visual arts. Some elect to continue with ceramics at CSAD by undertaking a PhD.

Find information on Scholarships here https://www.cardiffmet.ac.uk/scholarships

Find out how to apply here https://www.cardiffmet.ac.uk/howtoapply

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The MA Art and Design programme offers pathways in the following specialist areas:

Design Futures

Fashion Design Futures

Illustration

Philosophy

Learning & Teaching

The MA Art and Design is taught through lecture and seminar with individualised supervisory meetings to develop a learning contract (part of the early Personal Development Planning process [PDP]) and an individualised programme of learning and individualised supervision towards a creative research outcome, defined and monitored by developing PDP. Our approach to learning and teaching is based on negotiation and dialogue, encouraging students to develop their own, self-directed project to a professional standard within a rigorous yet supportive academic environment.

To support this, each student is allocated a Personal Tutor and an additional subject-specialist member of staff (academic tutor) from within the fine-art/design expertise in a respective fine-art/design department. Together, they form the Supervisory Team. The CSAD web application form includes a personal statement, and an outline of the professional or research project that the student wishes to pursue at Masters level. This informs the allocation of personal tutor and subject-specialist member of academic staff (academic tutor) with whom the learning contract is established, which in turn forms the basis for the student’s personal plan, reflected on in the continuing PDP process.

There are opportunities for all MA Art and Design students to come together in common teaching and presentations, to engage in peer learning groups and peer review of work, and to reflect on the outcomes of these peer reviews in PDP. At several key stages in the MA Art and Design programme we stress the importance of self-directed and negotiated learning. This is in part a response to what we perceive to be a growing demand for programmes of study that allow students to integrate work, study, career, personal aspirations and other commitments.

All course documentation, including Cardiff Metropolitan University’s Research Studies Manual, CSAD’s Research Study Guide, the MA Art and Design Handbook with module descriptors, assessment guidelines and criteria, will be available as hard copy and electronically. In addition, lecture PowerPoint presentations and workshop-generated material, for example, paragraphs and textual or visual analyses composed during workshops, will be available on the Cardiff Metropolitan University Virtual Learning Environment (VLE).

Remote or electronic contact with staff will be available by email and/or VLE . The supervisory team will deliver, manage and monitor each student's progress through a number of individual and team meetings. Students will also be encouraged to form and maintain peer-learning groups, either face-to-face or online.

Learning will be supported through the use of the VLE, electronic communications, and other relevant methods. Any students requiring learning support are advised to contact Learning Support in Student Services. Throughout the programme, students are expected to maintain their own Personal Development Plan/Portfolio (PDP), intended to provide evidence of their knowledge and understanding in relation to the learning outcomes of each module, including the Research and Ideas Module.

Each 60 Credit module is typically delivered through:

- Seminars; workshops; lectures; personal and group tutorials, and supervised use of workshop equipment (100 hours) except for ART7004 Output (75 hours).

- Directed study via virtual learning, e.g. Cardiff Metropolitan University Virtual Learning Environment or student blogs or wikis (100 hours) except for ART7004 Output (125 hours).

- Self-directed study. (400 hours)

Employability & Careers

The MA Art and Design acts as a gateway to research or advanced experimental practice. It has an option for students to focus on research (by taking the initial formal PG Cert Research Skills module) or by taking an alternative creative practice route both leading towards potential future MPhil/PhD study. Students taking the MA Art and Design align with specific research and experimental practice pathways, led by academic staff with established practice careers and/or advanced scholarship and research.

The MA Art and Design programme is designed to enable students to achieve the attributes of greater flexibility, adaptability, and individual responsibility and autonomy as professional artists, designers or researchers. The MA Art and Design programme aims to develop increasing creativity, self-reliance, initiative, and the ability to perform in rapidly changing environments as well as increasing competence with research skills and methods which will make graduates highly employable as academics and or researchers or enable them to develop an active and sustained practice as artists or designers.

All students’ are expected to complete a portable ‘record of achievement’ and use their PDP to support employability and life-long learning, normally in the form of a blog, that integrates opportunities for self-reflection in programmes in order to help them develop as effective and confident learners.

Find information on Scholarships here https://www.cardiffmet.ac.uk/scholarships

Find out how to apply here https://www.cardiffmet.ac.uk/howtoapply

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