Course Overview
Course summary
The Creative Practice MRes is an innovative research-focused Master’s course designed for aspiring creative practitioners, nurturing independent art and design practices as a distinctive form of practice-led enquiry.
The course welcomes creatives from diverse disciplines, including architecture, fashion, music, fine art, moving image, photography, ceramics, and digital media. The course cultivates a vibrant research culture through seminars, workshops, site visits, and interactions with visiting practitioners and external organisations. You'll gain the practical tools and critical knowledge to complete a major creative research project while developing transferable skills in problem-solving and technical expertise. You’ll also benefit from the creative expertise at the world leading Centre for Research in Education, Art and Media (CREAM).
Based at Westminster School of Arts on our Harrow Campus, you'll have access to state-of-the-art workshops in film, photography, music, print, fashion, and 3D. The In Situ core module extends your learning to Marylebone Campus, home to the School of Architecture, where you’ll explore how place and space shape creative research through cross-disciplinary collaboration.
Throughout the course, you’ll engage with contemporary debates and critical insights across the Schools of Arts, Architecture, and Visual Culture, joining an interdisciplinary community of Master’s students, enriching your practice through collaboration. You’ll choose an option module aligned with your research focus, with module choices curated from offerings across Arts, Media and Communication, Architecture and Visual Culture.
The Creative Practice MRes opens avenues to future academic and professional careers in your chosen field of creative research, including opportunities to pursue practice-based PhD research.
Top reasons to study with us
- Independent research: This course equips you with the confidence and skills to realise an ambitious independent research project in your chosen creative field of practice. You’ll receive expert guidance from renowned artists, designers and scholars at CREAM and Westminster’s School Arts.
- Pathway to Future Practice Based Research: You’ll develop the skills and insights needed to grow and position your research for future academic and professional careers.
- Be part of a creative community: The Creative Practice MRes connects you to a vibrant network of creative researchers. You’ll meet them studying on related Masters and PhD programmes in the School of Arts and sharing research as part of the research culture at CREAM. You’ll also have the chance to engage with the research culture in other schools, such as Visual Culture and Architecture, through your module studies.
- Superb Creative Facilities: Whether you are a filmmaker, fine artist, designer, musician or photographer, Westminster’s Harrow campus offers state of the art facilities and technical expertise to meet your creative needs.
Course structure
Students need to take three core modules and an elective module:
Core modules
The Research Project module enables you to complete a complex independent creative research project, in dialogue with the skills, knowledge and understanding explored across the range of seminars, workshops and lecturers you will attend throughout the MRes curriculum, and your related module option. Working with MRes peers, doctoral and research practitioners in the highly acclaimed Centre for Research in Education, Art and Media (CREAM), you’ll develop your research project in a responsive and experimental environment, realising your project through the University of Westminster's excellent technical facilities on our Harrow and other campuses. This creatively focused module will be augmented with the perspectives of creative research practitioners and professionals through visiting lecturers, gallery visits and field trips.
100 credits
This module provides an in-depth and rigorous understanding of the key theoretical debates and creative practices which will frame your research. You’ll develop the skills of cross- disciplinary and collaborative working methods to confidently articulate your research to a range of audiences: cultural, community-based and research-led. This core module will instil key understandings of how research methodologies can shape and inform your creative research, addressing questions of ethics, sustainability and inclusivity. Through workshops and seminars with experts in the field, it will examine different models of creative research practice, addressing the role of the archive and research engagements which counter the conventions of the academy. On the module you’ll engage in a programme of workshops and group work, field trips and presentations culminating in a student-led symposium debating the urgent questions arising from your research and its wider application.
20 credits
This module tests your research in a real-world context in dialogue with external organisations, spaces and partners. It will broaden your understanding of different models of public engagement and develop your skills on how to collaborate with partners, both professional and creative, to expand the reach of your research. The module gives you a critical grounding of how place and space interface with the development and dissemination of creative research, and its cultural and professional applications. Working closely in a unique cross-disciplinary collaboration with staff and students in Westminster’s School of Architecture and Cities, the module reflects on practice-based research through the development of cross-disciplinary and collaborative dialogues, enabling you to develop insights and knowledge into the realisation of spatially engaged, practice-based projects for different platforms and audiences. Through field work and site visits, you’ll learn to situate your research in the wider cultural field and attain a greater understanding of the social and environmental impact of creative research. Critical seminars will provide insights into the histories and theories of spatial practices, and their political and cultural underpinnings. Through discursive engagements with case studies and live projects, the module will situate creative research in the context of geopolitical issues, social and environmental justice, and explore how creative research can offer valuable interventions and responses to local and global contexts and communities. Through its focus on field work and cultural exchange with a range of external partners and collaborators, the module will give you the opportunity to expand your experience of project-based research in a real-world context.
20 credits
This module explores and tests ways in which creative practices can become research tools and methodologies for use in policy and cultural sector contexts. This involves looking at a range of different research methods that can bring evidence-based, iterative approaches to policy - from diagnosing the problem to delivering desired outcomes. The module will be experimental in its approach, enabling you to assess and evaluate your research methods and outcomes for policy and cultural sector contexts which will equip you to pitch ideas and approaches for different audiences and potential funding streams.
20 credits
To accompany the core modules on the MRes, you must select a 20-credit elective module. The list of MRes electives is curated annually from those offered by the Westminster Schools of Arts, Media and Communications, Architecture and Cities and Humanities, including Visual Cultures. Any module choice will be based on being in alignment with the individual student’s research area, agreed upon following discussions with the MRes Course Leader and the appropriate Module Leader. If you wish to undertake an elective that falls outside the annual list of indicative electives, this will need to be agreed in consultation with the Course Leader.
To enrol on the elective module, students will complete a Module Registration Form through the School of Arts Registry Office. All assessment processes will follow those of the relevant module and be assessed by the Module Leader. The selected module will complement but not replicate content with any core module taken as part of the MRes. Your module elective assessment grade will contribute to your overall MRes assessment outcome.
Past examples of electives you can select from include:
- Film Programming and Moving Image Curation
- Documentary Aesthetics, Sites and Spectatorship
- Theories of the Image
- Representing World Cultures
- Writing Photography
- Digital Cultures
- Contemporary Debates
- Histories and Context – Documentary and Photojournalism
- Queer Now
- Art Institutions and Contemporary Culture
Please note that this list is indicative only, and the live list of elective modules and titles may differ from year to year.
20 credits
For more details on course structure, modules, teaching and assessment Download the programme specification (PDF).
To request an accessible version please email [email protected]
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+44 (0)20 7911 5000 EXT 65511
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Careers
This course offers valuable transferrable skills to take you forward into a range of different career options: from working in your chosen industry as a creative professional to roles in teaching and academia. Through studying the Creative Practice MRes, you’ll develop confidence and skills in how to present and utilise your creative research for a range of different contexts and briefs. The course also provides excellent preparation into further research fields through PhD study, with Westminster’s high profile research centre, CREAM, providing an ideal destination for suitable graduates.
Build connections
You'll have the opportunity to build valuable connections in research and professional communities in arts and media.
Develop your creative practice
You'll develop your practice and research skills in arts and media, with the support of research-led practitioners from the internationally renowned Centre for Research and Education in Arts and Media (CREAM).
Progress towards PhD study
This course provides an ideal stepping stone to further practice-based PhD research.
Job roles
This course will prepare you for a variety of roles in a range of industries, including:
- Animator and Graphic Designer
- Archivist
- Fine Artist, Ceramicist and Photographer
- Composer (for film and popular music)
- Costume Designer
- Curator and Educator in museums and galleries
- Educator, lecturer and manager in tertiary and higher education
- Filmmaker (documentary, experimental and fiction)
- PhD researcher
- Website designer and project manager (recently for Google)
Industry links
The interdisciplinary working practices on this course offers professional routes into a range of creative and heritage industries, from architecture, museums and galleries to music and film. Visiting speakers and field trips help to build valuable contacts with professional creatives, research institutes and archives. The course benefits from creative engagements with organisations both local and global, including recent creative projects with the nearby Northwick Park Hospital.
Westminster Employability Award
Employers value graduates who have invested in their personal and professional development – and our Westminster Employability Award gives you the chance to formally document and demonstrate these activities and achievements.
The award is flexible and can be completed in your own time, allowing you to choose from a set of extracurricular activities.
Activities might include gaining experience through a part-time job or placement, signing up to a University-run scheme – such as mentoring or teaching in a school – or completing online exercises.
Read more about our Westminster Employability Award.
Course Leader
Lucy Reynolds
Senior Lecturer
Lucy Reynolds is a researcher, curator and artist, whose research focuses on questions of the moving image, feminism, political space and collective practice. She has published widely and lectures on creative research at the University of Westminster. She is editor of the anthology Women Artists, Feminism and the Moving Image and the co-editor of the Moving Image Review and Art Journal (MIRAJ). As an artist, her ongoing sound work A Feminist Chorus has been heard at the Glasgow International Festival, the Wysing Arts Centre, Grand Union galleries, Birmingham and Swedenborg Hall. Recent curatorial projects include the film and video exhibits in ‘Women in Revolt: Art and Activism in the UK 1970 – 1990’ at Tate Britain, and the accompanying film series ‘Through a Radical Lens’.
We welcome artists, designers and practitioners from all creative fields to this exciting interdisciplinary research course, providing you with the skills needed to pursue your creative path with confidence and ambition.
Course Team
What our students say
James Snazell
Creative Practice MRes student 2018-20
What has made the Creative Practice MRes course so special for me has been the group of staff who play their part either in a small or big way teaching on the course. The MRes has definitely given me direction, and I have really enjoyed the way the course has flexibility. The Mres can be beneficial for you whether you want it to just help you focus on developing your own creative practice or whether you want it as well to work as a kind of foundation towards doing a PhD. I definitely now have a much better understanding and appreciation of creative practice in connection to the research environment and how this relates to undertaking a PhD.
Why study this course?
Leading provider
We’re ranked 1st in the UK in the Complete University Guide 2022 for Research Quality in Art and Design.
Outstanding facilities
You’ll have access to our excellent resources and facilities in the School of Arts, through the research culture at CREAM, along with our photography, film and media, ceramics and 2D and 3D design facilities.
Specialist support
You'll work under the close supervision of a researcher practitioner in your field of specialism, who will assist you in the development of your individual research project.
Entry Requirements
A minimum of an upper second class honours degree (2:1) or a lower second class honours degree (2:2) with relevant experience.
Application should include a proposal of around 500 words for the research project, the applicant wishes to conduct on the course. This will be developed and refined in discussion with the course leader and supervisor during the MRes. Interviews are by skype.
If your first language is not English you should have an IELTS 6.5 with at least 6.0 in writing and no element below 5.5.
Recognition of prior learning and experience
Applicants who do not meet the normal entry requirements but can demonstration of substantial professional or professional-level experience in creative practice, can be considered. For more information, visit our Recognition of Prior Learning page.
Application process
Visit our How to apply page for more information on:
- the application process
- what you need to apply
- deadlines for applications
A minimum of an upper second class honours degree (2:1) or a lower second class honours degree (2:2) with relevant experience.
Application should include a proposal of around 500 words for the research project, the applicant wishes to conduct on the course. This will be developed and refined in discussion with the course leader and supervisor during the MRes. Interviews are by skype.
If your first language is not English you should have an IELTS 6.5 with at least 6.0 in writing and no element below 5.5.
Recognition of prior learning and experience
Applicants who do not meet the normal entry requirements but can demonstration of substantial professional or professional-level experience in creative practice, can be considered. For more information, visit our Recognition of Prior Learning page.
Application process
Visit our How to apply page for more information on:
- the application process
- what you need to apply
- deadlines for applications
More information
Student Work
Joe Grahame, 'Intensive Care Unit Projections', in (Re)imagined, MRes Creative Practice Graduation Exhibition, February 2023.
Shannon Alonzo, ‘Subterranean Sentiments of Belonging’, in Temporal Speculations, MRes Creative Practice Graduation Exhibition, September 2021.
Sara Samra, ‘Liberated but Not Free’, in (Re)imaged, MRes Creative Practice Graduation Exhibition, February 2023.
Scott Perry, ‘Defying Gravity’, in MRes Creative Practice Graduation Exhibition, September 2023.
Lou Cox, ‘Living Data’, in (Re)imaged, MRes Creative Practice Graduation Exhibition, February 2023.
Zijan Li, ‘Six Dreams’ in Quiet Night Thinking, MRes Creative Practice Graduation Exhibition, September 2019.
Learn new skills
Volunteer and gain new skills
We offer a number of different volunteering opportunities for you to learn new skills, create connections, and make a difference in the community.
Develop your entrepreneurial skills
Our award-winning Westminster Enterprise Network offers industry networking events, workshops, one-to-one business advice and support for your start-up projects.
Get extra qualifications
We provide access to free online courses in Adobe and Microsoft Office applications, as well as thousands of specialist courses on LinkedIn Learning.
Fees and Funding
UK tuition fee: £5,850 (Price per academic year)
When you have enrolled with us, your annual tuition fees will remain the same throughout your studies with us. We do not increase your tuition fees each year.
Find out how we set our tuition fees.
Paying your fees
If you don't wish to pay the whole amount of your fees at once, you may be able to pay by instalments. This opportunity is available if you have a personal tuition fee liability of £2,000 or more and if you are self-funded or funded by the Student Loans Company.
Find out more about paying your fees.
Alumni discount
This course is eligible for an alumni discount. Find out if you are eligible and how to apply by visiting our Alumni discounts page.
Funding
There is a range of funding available that may help you fund your studies, including Student Finance England (SFE).
Find out more about postgraduate student funding options.
Scholarships
The University is dedicated to supporting ambitious and outstanding students and we offer a variety of scholarships to eligible postgraduate students.
Find out if you qualify for one of our scholarships.
Additional costs
See what you may need to pay for separately and what your tuition fees cover.
As a Masters level researcher it is anticipated that you will have access to some existing equipment for your practice, such as a laptop and camera, and a studio or working space for your creative research outside the University. Costs that will be covered through the facilities and resources at Harrow Campus at Westminster are detailed below, and the costs which you will be expected to cover yourself, for both the development and the final presentation of your creative research project. Access to University facilities and managing your budget for your project will be discussed in consultation with your supervisor and the MRes course leader.
Included in the costs of your study:
- Equipment, such as cameras, are free to hire through the audio visual stores, and specialist software programmes can be accessed through computers in the library resources at Harrow Campus, and through relevant course facilities.
- Workshops and tutorials are also available to develop the technical knowledge and skills appropriate to your project, and to using the technical facilities available, and can be arranged in liaison with the MRes course leader.
Additional costs will vary according to the materials required for the development and realization of your project. For example, researchers working with moving image may wish to explore the more costly option of 16mm film whilst others may prefer to use digital moving image, at a lower cost. Materials are available at a cost price through the technical stores at Harrow Campus. Please see the appended list for more details.
Other additional costs may include:
- External field trips for the purposes of individual research.
- Additional costs as may be required for materials on your chosen module option.
- Materials for your final project exhibition.
Whilst the MRes will cover the costs of installation and AV equipment is available to hire at no charge, please anticipate budgeting for additional costs for further materials, depending on the nature of your final exhibition.
International tuition fee: £7,750 (Price per academic year)
When you have enrolled with us, your annual tuition fees will remain the same throughout your studies with us. We do not increase your tuition fees each year.
Find out how we set our tuition fees.
Paying your fees
If you don't wish to pay the whole amount of your fees at once, you may be able to pay by instalments. This opportunity is available if you have a personal tuition fee liability of £2,000 or more and if you are self-funded or funded by the Student Loans Company.
Find out more about paying your fees.
Alumni discount
This course is eligible for an alumni discount. Find out if you are eligible and how to apply by visiting our Alumni discounts page.
Funding
There are a number of funding schemes available to help you fund your studies with us.
Find out more about funding for international students.
Scholarships
The University is dedicated to supporting ambitious and outstanding students and we offer a variety of scholarships to eligible postgraduate students.
Find out if you qualify for one of our scholarships.
Additional costs
See what you may need to pay for separately and what your tuition fees cover.
As a Masters level researcher it is anticipated that you will have access to some existing equipment for your practice, such as a laptop and camera, and a studio or working space for your creative research outside the University. Costs that will be covered through the facilities and resources at Harrow Campus at Westminster are detailed below, and the costs which you will be expected to cover yourself, for both the development and the final presentation of your creative research project. Access to University facilities and managing your budget for your project will be discussed in consultation with your supervisor and the MRes course leader.
Included in the costs of your study:
- Equipment, such as cameras, are free to hire through the audio visual stores, and specialist software programmes can be accessed through computers in the library resources at Harrow Campus, and through relevant course facilities.
- Workshops and tutorials are also available to develop the technical knowledge and skills appropriate to your project, and to using the technical facilities available, and can be arranged in liaison with the MRes course leader.
Additional costs will vary according to the materials required for the development and realization of your project. For example, researchers working with moving image may wish to explore the more costly option of 16mm film whilst others may prefer to use digital moving image, at a lower cost. Materials are available at a cost price through the technical stores at Harrow Campus. Please see the appended list for more details.
Other additional costs may include:
- External field trips for the purposes of individual research.
- Additional costs as may be required for materials on your chosen module option.
- Materials for your final project exhibition.
Whilst the MRes will cover the costs of installation and AV equipment is available to hire at no charge, please anticipate budgeting for additional costs for further materials, depending on the nature of your final exhibition.
Teaching and Assessment
Below you will find how learning time and assessment types are distributed on this course. The graphs below give an indication of what you can expect through approximate percentages, taken either from the experience of previous cohorts, or based on the standard module diet where historic course data is unavailable. Changes to the division of learning time and assessment may be made in response to feedback and in accordance with our terms and conditions.
How you’ll be taught
Teaching methods across all our postgraduate courses focus on active student learning through lectures, seminars, workshops, problem-based and blended learning, and where appropriate practical application. Learning typically falls into two broad categories:
- Scheduled hours: examples include lectures, seminars, practical classes, workshops, supervised time in a studio
- Independent study: non-scheduled time in which students are expected to study independently. This may include preparation for scheduled sessions, dissertation/final project research, follow-up work, wider reading or practice, completion of assessment tasks, or revision
How you’ll be assessed
Our postgraduate courses include a variety of assessments, which typically fall into two broad categories:
- Practical: examples include presentations, podcasts, blogs
- Coursework: examples include essays, in-class tests, portfolios, dissertation
Data from the academic year 2022/23
Research groups
Our research achieves real-world impact and we are proud to claim a rich and diverse profile of high-quality research and knowledge exchange in a wide range of disciplines.
Find out more about our research groups related to this course:
Supporting you
Our Student Hub is where you’ll find out about the services and support we offer, helping you get the best out of your time with us.
- Study support – workshops, 1-2-1 support and online resources to help improve your academic and research skills
- Personal tutors – support you in fulfilling your academic and personal potential
- Student advice team – provide specialist advice on a range of issues including funding, benefits and visas
- Extra-curricular activities – volunteering opportunities, sports and fitness activities, student events and more
Course Location
Harrow is our creative and cultural hub, home to most of our arts, media and digital courses. It houses state-of-the-art facilities for every discipline, including project and gallery spaces, film studios, creative labs, collaborative learning spaces, and the Westminster Enterprise Network.
Harrow Campus is based in north-west London, just 20 minutes from the city centre by train.
For more details, visit our Harrow Campus page.
Contact us
Call our dedicated team on:
+44 (0)20 7911 5000 ext 65511
Opening hours (GMT): 10am–4pm Monday to Friday
Opening hours (GMT): 10am–4pm Monday to Friday
More information
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