Master of Arts - Narrative Environments
- 2 years
- Duration
- 22,175 GBP/year
- Price
- September
- Start
- June
- Deadline
- Master
- Degree
- Campus
- Format
- London / United Kingdom
- Location
Program description
The MA Narrative Environments programme within Central Saint Martin's Spatial Practices Programme is a two-year course focused on researching and developing environments where narratives—both human and non-human—unfold. It explores a wide spectrum, from physical and digital spaces to ecological systems, using immersive and interactive platforms to model alternative infrastructures and ideologies.
The course begins by critically deconstructing dominant historical and contemporary narratives, employing systems mapping and speculative histories to ground future propositions. A planetary perspective is central, with climate, social equity, racial justice, and class considerations core to every project's development.
Program structure
- Unit 1: Foundations
This foundational unit develops the core principles for designing narrative environments through a series of rapid, intensive projects. It introduces key philosophical, social, and technological propositions, narrative devices, and design strategies for shaping spaces, utilizing methods like systems mapping, speculative scenarios, and strategic design.
- Unit 2: The Collaborative Unit
This unit is dedicated to cross-college collaboration, where MA Narrative Environments students partner with another CSM course on an industry, government, or academic brief. It focuses on the social impact of emerging technologies or alternative architectures, emphasizing interdisciplinary communication, ethical practice, and iterative feedback.
- Unit 3: Major Project Research
This unit focuses on narrative environment research, helping students explore foundational ideas and practices that will help them develop their own Major Project.
- Part 1: Fieldwork (Summer Term YR1) - Students work on a site-specific design brief focusing on using media tools and ways of integrating local and planetary knowledges to shape creative fictions
- Part 2: Industry Study (Summer Term YR1) - Students develop their professional network through industry research, placements, interviews with partners or surveys of the field, or participation in special projects or events.
- Part 3: Design Research (Autumn Term YR2) - In this unit, students engage with a specific site or scenario to conduct foundational research for their Major Project, developing a Research Study individually or collectively. This study charts theoretical influences and identifies possible interventions, delivered through various written modalities-from anthropological to fictional-and supported by visual or auditory elements and early design prototypes.
- Unit 4: Major Project Development & Presentation
This unit focuses on the comprehensive design, prototyping, and realisation of a major project based on prior research, often engaging with real-world environments. Students produce and present their project through high-quality media assets for the final Showcase, demonstrating a fully resolved design proposition.
Price
Tuition fee:
- 22,175 GBP per year*
*Tuition fees may increase in future years for new and continuing students on courses lasting more than one year. For this course, you can pay tuition fees in instalments.
You may need to cover additional costs which are not included in your tuition fees, such as materials and equipment specific to your course.
Requirements for applicants
The standard entry requirements for this course are:
- An honours degree in a relevant field: architecture, exhibitions, graphics, interiors, performance, retail, spatial, theatre, 3D, multimedia or interaction design, experience design, speculative design, design strategy, social or service design, gaming environments, science communications, museum studies or curatorship, writing, literature, and design management Or An equivalent EU/international qualification
- And normally at least one year of relevant professional experience.
Exceptionally applicants who do not meet these course entry requirements may still be considered.
The course team will consider each application that demonstrates additional strengths and alternative evidence. This might, for example, be demonstrated by:
- Related academic or work experience
- The quality of the personal statement
- A strong academic or other professional reference
- Or a combination of these factors.
Each application will be considered on its own merit but we cannot guarantee an offer in each case.
English language requirements
- IELTS level 6.5 or above, with at least 5.5 in reading, writing, listening and speaking
About the university
The University of the Arts London (UAL) produces and encourages the creativity essential for a better future. Its colleges have been at the forefront of innovative education since 1842, creating work with a lasting impact on people and the planet, driven by curiosity, imagination, and purpose.
London is fundamental to UAL's identity, providing a vital context where the university connects and exchanges ideas with individuals from all walks of life. Globally, its creative network influences education, culture, business, and society.
Through innovative research and creative instruction, UAL's faculty and staff bring fresh perspectives to education. The university enables students to build the careers they desire by working with them at every level - from pre-degree to postgraduate, and from short courses to online learning.
UAL's colleges
Ranked second in the world for art and design, UAL comprises six distinct colleges:
- Camberwell College of Arts
- Central Saint Martins
- Chelsea College of Arts
- London College of Communication
- London College of Fashion
- Wimbledon College of Arts
Together, they form a community of creatives, innovators, trailblazers, and storytellers, united in their mission to reimagine the future.
Courses in the visual arts, animation, screen, communication, fashion, media, and performance are available at the undergraduate and graduate levels.
