University master's degrees
University Master's Degree in Research in Art and Design

Research into art and design through theory and practice: visual creation, project culture and applied aesthetics

Official Master's Degree in Research in Art and Design

Ideal student profile

Given the theoretical nature of the programme, and its twin dimensions of art theory and design theory, candidates should demonstrate the following:

a. Skills: creativity, cross-disciplinary reflection, ability to work on theory, aesthetic judgment, writing, creating and particiipating in networks, initiative in generating and managing projects.

b. Knowledge: languages (essential to have an English level of B1 of the Council of Europe's Common European Framework of Reference for Languages; basic texts on modern and contemporary art and design theory; contemporary practice in art and design, online research tools.

c. Interests: in contemporary art and design as objects of research and in the areas where these intersect. In all forms of contemporary creativity, in its post-media multidimensionality, in its institutional and commercial dimension, in creating and producing innovative projects, in new professions, such as food designer or independent curators, and in new forms of artistic writing linked to post-mediality.

Knowledge

  • Interpret the main theoretical frameworks and paradigms applied to research in contemporary art and design, assessing their impact on current debates in the field.
  • Associate advanced concepts in the design of an academic research proposal in art and design, developing a structured critical argumentation.
  • Compare the different stylistic languages that shape the history of design and art in relation to their socioeconomic contexts, in order to interpret and adapt them to a research project.
  • Critically analyze the suitability and epistemological implications of different research methodologies in art and design, depending on the type of project and the dissemination channels of the results.
  • Critically interpret changes and trends in the economic, legislative, and business environment, evaluating their impact on the professional practice of design and art.
  • Organize complex graphic representation tools linked to design and visual communication, analyzing the most appropriate information sources to structure and formulate academic arguments.

Skills

  • Apply a critical perspective on sociocultural reality in the formulation and development of artistic and design research projects.
  • Select the most appropriate research methods for the preparation of academic articles, conference presentations, or the development of professional projects in art and design.
  • Apply sustainability criteria in the development of projects and scientific work in art and design, assessing their social, economic, and environmental impact, and integrating a gender perspective from an ethical and responsible practice.
  • Design creative and innovative solutions to complex problems in art and design projects, applying unconventional approaches and critically justifying the decisions made.
  • Discriminate the reliability, truthfulness, and validity of data and documentary sources in artistic research.
  • Apply a critical intersectional perspective that integrates the analysis of gender, class, race, and other axes of inequality in the theoretical discourses of contemporary art and design.
  • Interpret artistic productions from different historical currents through the critical analysis of cultural, political, and social issues.
  • Implement innovative and alternative solutions in the study and practice of art and design, based on critical positions acquired in multidisciplinary environments.
  • Organize tasks for the co-creation of art and design research projects, maintaining an open collaborative climate and teamwork.
  • Communicate information, analyses, and conclusions derived from complex problems in art and design clearly, coherently, and concisely, using appropriate academic or professional formats (reports, presentations, articles, or papers).
  • Analyze the complexity of the functioning of institutional, political, economic, and business environments in which artistic and design projects are developed, as well as their main agents and management mechanisms.
  • Communicate orally or in writing the results of academic research work in art and design in specialized academic or professional contexts, promoting its dissemination and critical discussion.

Competences

  • Design a realistic and flexible work plan for an academic or professional project in art and design, anticipating difficulties, negotiating solutions, and collaborating effectively in complex environments and teamwork.
  • Adapt critical research methods in art and design to address contemporary social challenges through historical, theoretical, and cultural approaches, promoting a creative practice committed to social justice and aligned with the SDGs.
  • Develop projects with a gender perspective, providing conceptual, specific, and innovative solutions that respond in an advanced way to the needs and demands of society.
  • Justify an ethical and professional awareness in the thematic selection, projection, and presentation of academic-scientific works in the field of design and art, with particular attention to the implications regarding social and gender inequalities.
  • Integrate diversity and democratic values in the development of projects and publications in art and design, promoting inclusive and collaborative dynamics in teamwork.