Academic Master in New Media Arts

New Media Art joint study program with RISEBA University* (Riga)

2 years, ACADEMIC MASTER Degree of Humanities, in the sub-sector – new media art

*1st study year academic courses will be held in Riga

Study programme director: Dr.sc.soc., Asoc.prof. Rasa Šmite

Fee per year: 3000 EUR

Admission requirements:

• Creative compilation of recent works (video, photo, design or similar)
• Application for the topic of Master thesis
• Bachelor degree of Humanitarian sciences or Professional higher education in Humanitarian, Social, Art or Educational sciences

About the program

Master's study program NEW MEDIA ART is multi-disciplinary, dynamic, real practice led, research-based, oriented towards cooperation and communication. Two pathways are offered: - ACOUSTIC ARTS / DIGITAL MUSIC - DIGITAL NETWORKED MEDIA.

Study programme was launched in September 2010. Students acquire various new media (interactive, multimedia, sound, network etc.) instruments and skills in creating artworks. Key to this programme is research - including researching art processes. Emphasis is on art as research - within new media art, it means that the artist is not only the creator of artwork but also researcher and practitioner of new instruments, media, technology, social process, scientific discoveries.

Career opportunities

After obtaining academic Master’s degree graduates have an opportunity to work at the Art Research institution or other institution in creative industries (Advertisement Company, cultural institutions or create their own institutions) and IT institutions. They also are entitled to continue their studies as Ph.D. students in New Media Art field in Liepaja University or in other HEI’s of Latvia or EU.

Assessment

Assessment of students’ knowledge is a continuous process, which lasts during the whole semester and it is done on the basis of independent assignments and tests, as well as passing credit tests and examinations twice a year. During the semester each module envisages several independent assignments – individual and group work, tests and reports. At the end of each module, the module assignments and final project is presented (presentations are open to the public) and evaluated (participants include students, lecturers, programme director, and Art Research lab employees, audience).

In addition to that, each study programme in Liepaja University is evaluated on a regular basis according to Quality Control System.

Assessment is made by a ten-point scale or with the help of a credit test.

The language of the program

The program is conducted in English.

Program structure

The size of the Master study programme is 132 ECTS (80 CP), and the duration of the programme is 2 years. The programme consists of three parts:

• A part (79,5 ECTS / 45 CP) – compulsory courses of Research within the New Media Art and Culture environment ;
• B part (22,5 ECTS / 15 CP) – compulsory courses, which expect a deeper education of students and development of their professional skills and abilities within two branches – Acoustic Arts / Digital Music and Digital Networked Media
• MA Thesis (30 ECTS / 20 CP)

Compulsory subjects

Audio Culture, New Media Art Research, Culture-Based Economy, Interactive Media, Photographic Media, New Media (Art) in Cultural Environment, Acoustic Arts / Electronic Music, Digital Network Media, Thesis Project.

Methods of teaching and learning

Acquisition of the study programme is organized in the form of lectures, seminars, practice in workshops, documentation of the process, independent studies, acquiring literature and other information sources, working on an art project, discussions, self-appraisal, participating in New Media festivals, independent assignment (individual or group work). Implementation of each course envisages integration of knowledge, skills and abilities, the succession of the courses in their relation to writing the students’ research project.

Individual planning

During the course, students fulfill tasks of the practice, set up and present term paper (first academic year) and Master’s paper (second academic year).

Duration of the programme

The size of the Academic Master’s study programme is 120 ECTS (80 CP) and the programme is implemented during two study years.

Language proficiency

Minimum IELTS (6).