Event and Experience Design - MA

Entry requirements

A first or 2.1 honours degree, usually in a relevant humanities subject. In certain circumstances, the Centre will consider applicants who have not followed a conventional education path but who may have relevant experience in the industry. These cases are assessed individually by the Director of Graduate Studies. All applicants must also submit a digital or web-based portfolio that gives the admissions officer an understanding of your creative and presentation skills.

All applicants are considered on an individual basis and additional qualifications, professional qualifications and relevant experience may also be taken into account when considering applications. 

International students

Please see our International Student website for entry requirements by country and other relevant information. Due to visa restrictions, students who require a student visa to study cannot study part-time unless undertaking a distance or blended-learning programme with no on-campus provision.

English language entry requirements

The University requires all non-native speakers of English to reach a minimum standard of proficiency in written and spoken English before beginning a postgraduate degree. Certain subjects require a higher level.

For detailed information see our English language requirements web pages. 

Need help with English?

Please note that if you are required to meet an English language condition, we offer a number of pre-sessional courses in English for Academic Purposes through Kent International Pathways.

Teaching and assessment

Modules are taught over three terms, each module is assessed by a range of assessment formats, essays, research portfolios, and practical assignments. The practical assignments are for the most part realized projects, however, there is the opportunity to make a funding application or business plan. The final assessment is the dissertation.

Programme aims

The programme aims to:

• Produce specialist designers with knowledge and skills in advanced practice-based research in the delivery of immersive environments and experiences for brand development, experiential marketing strategies, digital landscapes and narrative environments such as museums and visitor attractions.
• Develop work through individual enquiry as well as sharing and critiquing ideas drawing on staff research activity and expertise in various areas of design, digital technologies and performance work.
• Provide students with the opportunity to develop and design their own forms of audio-visual, spatial and performance work within the wider contemporary context, addressing recent histories, key concepts and aesthetics in the field.
• Provide a multi-disciplinary environment that fosters high quality collaborative and interdisciplinary work with external creative agencies and organisations, nationally and internationally (predominantly within the digital realm).
• Equip students with the necessary academic analytic and practice based skills and abilities to site projects in the public domain and present in national and international contexts such as conferences, creative forums and festivals.
• Enhance student employability and the University’s impact and engagement with the creative industries by equipping students with the learning and technical skills and abilities to meet the challenges of a rapidly changing and expanding field.

Learning outcomes

Knowledge and understanding

You gain a knowledge and understanding of:

•  A systematic understanding and a critical awareness of key repertoires and current issues, much of which is at, or informed by, the forefront of contemporary research and practice.
• A comprehensive understanding and use of audio–visual, production and performance techniques (design and digital technologies) relating to the student’s own advanced practice.
• A critical appreciation of the wider cultural context for contemporary communication design, AV and digital culture particularly in the student’s chosen field.
• The professional standards, ethical responsibilities and legal responsibility in design and media production and dissemination.

Intellectual skills

You gain the following intellectual skills:

• To critically evaluate and analyse relevant texts and case studies, using specific terminology and employing a range of methodologies.
• To be able to deal with complex issues and live situations both systematically and creatively, developing appropriate and innovative solutions.
• To continue to advance their knowledge and understanding and to develop new skills to a high level.

Subject-specific skills

You gain the following subject-specific skills:

• To design, develop and explore audio- visual materials to form complete projects from brief to resolution, demonstrating self-direction and originality in their own practice.
• To work on an ambitious/large-scale audio-visual, creative project over an extended period of time, drawing on existing skills and developing new ones.
• To present and disseminate work to specialist and non-specialist audiences/stakeholders using appropriate terminology.
• The ability to draw upon an understanding and engagement with professional standards and practices within the broader Creative Industries.

Transferable skills

You gain the following transferable skills:

• To exercise initiative and personal responsibility.
• To develop clear concepts and ideas when presented with complex situations and conflicting information.
• The capacity to communicate and express arguments and proposals with conviction, referring to key issues and relevant questions

Fees

The 2021/22 annual tuition fees for this programme are:

• Home full-time £8100
• EU full-time £15400
• International full-time £20500
• Home part-time £4050
• EU part-time £7700
• International part-time £10250

For details of when and how to pay fees and charges, please see our Student Finance Guide.

For students continuing on this programme fees will increase year on year by no more than RPI + 3% in each academic year of study except where regulated.* If you are uncertain about your fee status please contact information@kent.ac.uk.

Your fee status

The University will assess your fee status as part of the application process. If you are uncertain about your fee status you may wish to seek advice from UKCISA before applying.

Additional costs

General additional costs

Find out more about general additional costs that you may pay when studying at Kent. 

Funding

Search our scholarships finder for possible funding opportunities. You may find it helpful to look at both:

• University and external funds
• Scholarships specific to the academic school delivering this programme.

Careers

Roles and careers in the events industry and creative studios:

Events Account Manager, Events and Marketing Manager, Junior Designer, Marketing Officer, Production Executive, Events Assistant, Events Manager, Events and Promotions Officer, Senior Designer, Production Manager, Creative Producer, Digital Designer, Brand Manager, Graphic Designer, Event Coordinator, Project Manager, Set and Exhibition Designer, Commercial Marketing Manager, Product Manager, Creative Director, Senior Event Manager, Prop Maker, Construction Manager.

Study support

Global Skills Award

All students registered for a taught Master's programme are eligible to apply for a place on our Global Skills Award Programme. The programme is designed to broaden your understanding of global issues and current affairs as well as to develop personal skills which will enhance your employability.