Should I be applying for BA or MA in Design? i have BA(Hons) in English Lit and worked as designer for 2.5 yrs?

by **gwawl** » Fri Dec 04, 2009 4:31 am

I'm 24 and considering further studies overseas, and its largely going to be self-funded. I have worked as freelance web/graphic designer since 2006 and as a contract designer in an agency as well (current employment). Since I'm looking for a course to further myself, I don't really want to go back to school just to learn the basics all over again - i've done all that on the job. Is a BA or MA more suitable for me? Could I even aim to get into the MA course with only a few years experience, my Literature degree, and my portfolio? Does it all depend on how impressive my application/portfolio is?

by **erchanbold** » Fri Dec 04, 2009 5:26 am

Master's degree. Most people do their master's in a subject slightly different than their undergrad degree. (The notable exception to the rule is science degrees)

by **delane** » Fri Dec 04, 2009 6:11 am

Your MA doesn't have to be related to your BA if you have sufficient experience or knowledge to enable you to do your course. Admittance onto Post-grad programmes is generally done on a case by case basis, so my best advice would be to speak to the admissions tutor for the Masters and see what s/he thinks.

I've been doing an MA in Education with a BA in French and Business Studies, I got in on the basis of my professional experience post graduation.

Good luck!

by **valdo** » Fri Dec 04, 2009 6:53 am

I think they'll want a design qualification before they'd let you do a masters in it. You should be able to do a conversion course which is usually only 2 years to get a degree in design and you could do the masters afterwards

by **walbridge** » Fri Dec 04, 2009 7:46 am

As you already have a BA, you know how to study. It will all depend on the intake requirements for the course you are interested in. I would suggest that you could probably get straight onto the MA in the circumstances. I have a BSc in Criminology, and know that I could walk onto an MBA next week, even though the courses are very different.

An MA is not too difficult if you already have a BA.

Check online at the University you want to go to, and see what the joining requirements are. They will tell you what you have to do, which will reduce your concerns.