MRes Typeface Design

Overview

Our MRes Typeface Design course is targeted specifically at experienced, practicing typeface designers who want to develop a deeper understanding of the historical and theoretical aspects of their field, and gain a research-intensive qualification that allows them to teach a postgraduate level.

The course is structured on a hybrid model, over two years of part-time study. This structure extends the core seminars of the residential MA Typeface Design course, and integrates intensive sessions modelled on the TDi short course.

Most of the work is conducted online, with three residential periods of two weeks each providing targeted research skills and archival work. The aim is to combine self-directed learning through guided study, discourse development through engagement with peers, face-to-face feedback on presentations and discussion, and hands-on experience with sensitive artefacts.

The course follows a three term per academic year structure. Students start the course in September of Year 1, with the first residential period at the beginning of the first term (late September). The second residential period takes place in the summer of the first year, at a time that coincides with the vacation period of most HEIs. The third residential period takes place in the autumn of Year 2.

The course is ideal for practitioners transitioning to teaching careers, and educators seeking to gain higher qualifications in a research-intensive environment. Graduates can expect to have a deep engagement with the literature in the field, and a unique opportunity to work with archival material. They can also expect to build broader academic skills in research and writing. The main output takes the form of a rigorous dissertation based on original research. We expect the better examples to be of publication quality, and contribute to the nascent scholarship in the field.

From the students’ point of view the course will begin with the preparation for the first residential period, which involves some key texts on methodology and resources that help define the discipline. During this period of a few weeks students will also develop skills in using the online channels and the VLE that will be used during the course.

During the first residential period in September of Year 1, students will focus on working methodologies, writing and critical reading skills, and preparing for studying the thematic seminars. This period combines elements of orientation in the resources available in the University and two series of intensive seminars. The first outlines the themes of the seminars and introduces the relevant key texts, together with a first round of hands-on sessions with relevant archival material. The second series focuses on research methods and academic writing skills. At the end of the two-week period students should be familiar with the Department’s approach to research and study, have familiarised themselves with our resources and made preliminary notes, and established working relationships with core staff. Some of the orientation sessions will be shared with students on the residential MA courses, helping establish the wider PGT network in the Department. MA Typeface Design and MRes Typeface Design students are located in the same studio for the duration of the residential period.

The first online period revolves around the online delivery of the themed seminars. The assumption is that students will be in different time zones, so the key interactions will be asynchronous. The delivery of each theme happens in two phases: in the first, I introduce the key texts and initiate a discussion amongst the group by setting questions to be answered; in the earlier seminars this discussion will be more structured, with a more open-ended approach once the group has established a pattern for working. These contributions are intended to develop students’ methodology and critical skills, as well as establish terminology. Students will contribute short responses and annotations to the key texts, and will elect a topic related to the themes of the seminars for their assessed work. All formative and summative feedback will take place through the VLE. The seminar series will take students into the summer term of the first year, when they will also commence preparation for the second residential period.

Entry requirements

IELTS: 7.0 overall with no element less than 6.0 (or equivalent)

Entry requirements: You will be required to submit a CV/portfolio of work, and attend an interview. You will need to show evidence of substantial engagement with the practice of typeface design at a professional level.

Fees

New UK/Republic of Ireland students: £7,100

New international students: £7,100

Careers

This programme enables graduates to develop further their teaching and research careers. This includes moving from sessional or teaching-only posts to positions where research outputs are expected. The potential to carry out original research during the MRes can help start or improve your publications list. It also enables graduates to apply directly to PhD programmes, having demonstrated to a high level independent research and writing skills.

Overall, 97% of graduates from Typography and Graphic Communication are in work or further study within 15 months of graduation.

deadlines

We process applications all year round but recommend applying as early as possible to ensure you can have a place in your chosen degree. Please be aware that to ensure there is enough time to complete all administrative procedures, and VISA requirements, applications may need to be submitted no later than a month (or longer) before the start of the courses.