Madoka Kadowaki – How the Pre-Master's programme led me to MA Graphic Design

Although it is not widely known, AUB has a Pre-MA course (Preparations for Master’s), which is a two-term course for international students. It is not an actual diploma, but it allowed me to learn many things and prepared me well for my Master’s degree.

As I did not have an arts background, I was originally looking for a graduate diploma or a Pre-MA course before starting my MA degree. While researching universities in the UK, I was attracted by the fact that AUB has only a single campus. I studied at a university in Japan located in a big city with several campuses when I was an undergraduate student. I rarely went to other campuses or used their facilities. Therefore, having a single campus, where all resources are in one place, was the biggest reason I chose AUB. In addition, living in a quiet seaside town was fascinating to me, and the cost of living in Bournemouth is lower than in London.

I feel that the Pre-MA course at AUB is very individual, so students can make great use of it. With this programme, I joined undergraduate classes. I talked with the course leader before each term started and was allowed to choose which year’s classes I joined. The classes were good not only for learning about design, but also for becoming familiar with AUB’s facilities and Bournemouth.

I could have applied to other universities for my MA degree, but my two terms of experience led me to choose AUB again. I wanted to adjust to a new environment as soon as possible to start my MA degree.

The biggest thing I gained from my Pre-MA course was great friends. Of course, there were hardships in living in a different country with a different language and culture, but all my friends were very kind and always helped me. We are still good friends, and I really appreciate that.

In my daily MA studies, I feel that the MA focuses more on conceptual thinking compared to the BA. I learned how to use various software in the Pre-MA course, so the extra experience as a Pre-MA student really helps me now. Sometimes it is difficult to understand briefs and to consider and explore my ideas, but I enjoy learning new things thanks to the kind lecturers and my Pre-MA background.

I decided on the main theme of the project I am currently working on by myself. I have a lot of freedom not only in choosing the theme but also in deciding my final outcome and materials. Sometimes I feel there are too many options and I cannot make my ideas specific. However, I take advantage of focusing more on my thinking in the MA programme, narrowing down and developing my ideas with the support of friendly and helpful lecturers.

I also enjoy living in Bournemouth. I like walking by the sea or in the woods. I feel that Bournemouth is a safe town in the UK, and it is a good place for me.