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School of Art and Design
Our Curriculum

Our Curriculum

A young adult works from a laptop in an arts workspace. A young adult works from a laptop in an arts workspace.
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With over 150 years’ experience, we combine expert-led studio practice with a pioneering curriculum that connects directly with the real world.

Rigid career trajectories? They’re a thing of the past. When you study with us, you’ll be empowered to apply your skills to any sector, and feel prepared for a career that’s as ambitious and imaginative as you are.

A group of five students sit around a table talking and smiling. A group of five students sit around a table talking and smiling.

Designed for the Future

The world needs a new type of creative thinker.

Someone who can challenge the status quo and thrive across disciplines. At Cardiff School of Art & Design, we’re co-creating curious graduates who aren’t limited by one field, but confident working across many.

Our interdisciplinary curriculum has risk-taking built in, where you will have the freedom to play, explore and create. By intentionally building your learning through dedicated studio time, technical workshops, authentic live briefs, and collaborative real-world projects, you’ll develop a range of flexible 21st century skills – things like critical thinking, adaptability, and taking initiative.

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Student & Graduate Experience

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I studied in Berlin through Cardiff Met’s Global Opportunities programme
Morgan Bebb looks up from a digital tablet they are holding
Climate change, rage against the machine, and the award-winning work from the Class of '25
A folded brochure featuring a vibrant green and orange design, showcasing a modern and eye-catching layout.
Placements with purpose and getting real-world experience at Cardiff Met
A woman with long auburn hair and a white shirt smiles at the camera, standing in front of a clothing rack with colourful garments.
How the Constellation modules have shaped my art and design practice
Student holds glowing lightbulb in hand
A sustainable Field module changed my approach to design
Student views a piece of clothing on a modelling dummy
Live briefs, travel and a podcast episode have helped me to grow as a designer
Headshot of Aaron Pearce in graduation cap and gown
Cardiff Met is a special place that nurtures creativity and academia
A person with shoulder-length hair stands smiling in front of a wall decorated with various blue and green patterned plates in circular arrangement. They are wearing a white and green striped shirt over a white top.
A group of students in a studio space, surrounded by canvas paintings and sketches. A group of students in a studio space, surrounded by canvas paintings and sketches.

Subject Your specialist practice

This is where you master your discipline and make it your own. Through in-depth studio practice, expert tutorials, and hands-on workshops, you’ll be immersed in the craft, history, and creative processes of your subject. Working alongside your peers and guided by our experts, you’ll develop both the technical skills and disciplinary knowledge that form the foundation of your practice.

Student being shown a boxed product while seated at a classroom table with others listening nearby. Student being shown a boxed product while seated at a classroom table with others listening nearby.

Subject Your specialist practice

Studio life here mirrors the real world. You’ll learn through doing, refining your work through regular feedback, critiques, and presenting your projects publicly. We foster a community-based approach where apprenticeship meets experimentation, and where your peers push your personal practice forward.

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Two people stand beside a table featuring a display of architectural models, engaged in conversation. Two people stand beside a table featuring a display of architectural models, engaged in conversation.

Field Real-world collaboration

Where your skills meet the real world as you develop your unique voice as a practitioner. Working on authentic live briefs you’ll collaborate with industry experts, major brands, and real clients to solve genuine challenges facing businesses and communities.

A group of students working with fabric patterns. There are several mannequins in the foreground. A group of students working with fabric patterns. There are several mannequins in the foreground.

Field Real-world collaboration

It’s industry experience without leaving the studio. Think 24-hour live briefs working in cross-functional teams. Extended projects with companies like Aston Martin or Dyson, or exhibiting your work in one of Cardiff’s successful galleries. Study trips to Morocco, Rajasthan, or South Korea. International competitions like D&AD New Blood, or working closely on hyper-local community initiatives.

A group of students holding small hand puppets. A group of students holding small hand puppets.

Field Real-world collaboration

Importantly, you’ll choose the projects that matter most to you. You’ll work in real contexts, whether that’s in the studio, embedded in communities, or out in the field. You will navigate different perspectives and real-world demands, developing the professional skills that employers value.

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A group of young adults seated for a lecture in an open spaced workshop. A group of young adults seated for a lecture in an open spaced workshop.

Constellation Critical thinking & research

The intellectual foundation that underpins your practice. You’ll explore the theory, context, and history behind art and design, understanding how creativity shapes culture and society. Through study groups, tutorials, and collaborative discussions, you’ll build essential research skills, academic writing abilities, and critical thinking that connects directly to your studio work.

Three students sit together at a table in a studio space. One is holding a sketchbook, and there are laptops, pens and paper on the table. Three students sit together at a table in a studio space. One is holding a sketchbook, and there are laptops, pens and paper on the table.

Constellation Critical thinking & research

Our approach integrates theory with practice through applied activities, ongoing feedback, and flexible assessment. Plus, it’s all delivered within studio spaces to keep your practice connected to theory.

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Kickstart Your Creative Career

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Studying at Cardiff Met was the beginning of a seriously successful career. Now a full-time painter, Josh shares his advice on making the most of your time here.
YouTube Thumbnail - Joshua Donkor's Journey
Industry experience from day one. Watch our students work with Aston Martin on a brief to design interiors for the luxury car manufacturer.
YouTube Thumbnail - CSAD and Aston Martin
Did you know you could complete a placement year as part of your degree? BSc Product Design student Seren did exactly that and encourages others to do the same.
YouTube Thumbnail - BSc Product Design Placement
You’ll work across disciplines on projects to build your professional skills. Watch our students tackle a 24-hour challenge with industry-leader IG Design Group.
A student kneels next to a poster promoting the CSAD Master's Show.
Thanks to start-up funding, business advice, and networking opportunities available through Cardiff Met, Emily made the most of it and started a luxury homeware brand.
YouTube Thumbnail - Emily Hacker
Fancy studying abroad? With support from our Global Opportunities team, BA Fine Art student Mabli had an unforgettable adventure as a camp counsellor at a US arts summer camp.
YouTube Thumbnail - Mabli's American Summer Camp Story
A student stands with arms folded next to a display of design work. A student stands with arms folded next to a display of design work.

Professional Practice Right from the start

Alongside Subject, Field and Constellation, we weave professional development into every year of your studies – it’s not just something to think about when you graduate.

Embedded throughout your degree:

CV workshops and interview preparation · A regular art and design Careers Forum with online resources to explore · Digital badges evidencing your leadership, project management, and communication skills · International study or industry placements · Opportunities to reflect on your growth at every stage

Two students working with fabric patterns. There are several mannequins in the background. Two students working with fabric patterns. There are several mannequins in the background.

Professional Practice Right from the start

Work closely with our Careers Team from day one. Immerse yourself in real-world settings. Build tangible proof of workplace skills. By the time you graduate, you’ll be ready to hit the ground running.

Graduate springboard in your final year:

Graduate action planning · Professionalism sessions · Employability support · Building your professional brand · Support in starting a business

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Facilities Advice for Applicants Summer Show Master’s Show

Undergraduate Open Days

Want to find out more about studying with us?
Come and see us at one of our Open Days.

Book your place