Program Overview

A postgraduate pathway is a single course comprising two stages of study; Pre-Master’s and Master’s. When you successfully complete the full pathway you will be awarded a Master’s degree from Hertfordshire International College (HIC).

Advantage of Hertfordshire International College (HIC) Postgraduate Pathway

The postgraduate pathway is designed for students from a variety of backgrounds who:

• Require additional English language training
• Come from a different academic environment to that of the UK
• Have been away from studies for a period of time
• Are looking to fine-tune skills already gained during undergraduate studies, employment or both

If you fall into any of the above categories, choosing the postgraduate pathway at Hertfordshire International College (HIC) is the right decision.

The Pre-Master’s pathway will prepare you for future postgraduate studies by giving you confidence and expertise in areas relevant to your taught Master’s degree. You will:

• Develop your fundamental knowledge and understanding of the basic principles relevant to your chosen degree
• Develop basic numerical techniques, research methodologies and ICT, presentation and communication skills
• Gain a competent set of transferable skills that will help you in your academic studies and future career, and enable you to make informed decisions
• Attain the necessary level of language competence specific to your chosen field of study.

Pre-Master's (Stage 1)

The Pre-Master’s course is Stage 1 of the postgraduate pathway, it has been designed to prepare students who have not qualified for direct entry to Hertfordshire International College (HIC) Master’s degrees, for postgraduate level studies.

Undertaking a Pre-Master’s course will provide you with the time to adjust to the rigorous research and independent study requirements of postgraduate studies and prepare you to get the most out of your postgraduate study at Hertfordshire International College (HIC).

Master's (Stage 2)

The Master’s (Stage 2) offers students the chance to build on what they have learned during the Pre-Master’s and extend their professional understanding about their relevant area of study. A taught Master’s degree usually consists of a series of specialist modules in structured class, seminar or tutorial formats. A research thesis component may be included, but is much shorter than what is required for a Master’s degree by research. However, most taught masters’ degrees will have a final major project or dissertation component. The Master’s (Stage 2) is delivered by Hertfordshire International College (HIC).

MA Concept Art

This MA Concept Art course will enable you to

• Develop your concept art skills and knowledge, to a professional level
• Produce a commercial-standard personal portfolio that reflects the forefront of current practices in the games, film and animation industries
• Explore the theoretical and contextual understanding of concept art, its audiences and significances in our contemporary media culture
• Develop professional-level enquiry, research, creative invention, project planning and management practices
• Have access to additional technical training by auditing undergraduate skills modules
• Choose to study parts of this course online or on campus (home students only)
• Specialise in one area, such as character or environment design, or develop a broadly-based concept art practice
• Study specialist modules in your chosen discipline area, as well as studying modules that are shared with other awards in the postgraduate media programme such as MA Animation and MA Games Art and Design
• Have a personal tutor who you will see throughout your study and also have regular opportunities for advice on preparing for your future career and developing your portfolios.