MA Art Practice and Education

The MA Art Practice and Education is a new and unique course that focuses on the interface between contemporary fine art and art education in their many forms. It is mainly taught through studio practice and offers an opportunity for those who are involved or interested in education to acquaint themselves with contemporary critical debates, theories and practice in fine art. It also offers those who work in the arts to locate their practice in the context of teaching and learning.

Students share modules and staff with fine art and art education students and lecturers, and are offered the opportunity to work in disciplines of research and theory, installation, video, performance and computer generated imagery as well as re-engaging in an informed and critical way with traditional practices such as painting and drawing. Course participants may be drawn from a wide range of backgrounds and disciplines. What they will have in common is an open interest in the arts in an educational context. The course is taught within a module-based structure and is supported by seminars, lectures and tutorials including contributions from visiting artists, critics and theoreticians.

The programme is designed for and enhances the career prospects of those working in public and private sectors in education and/or the arts. For instance, teachers and lecturers at all levels, curriculum designers, arts administrators, educational funding and policy-makers; gallery educators, community arts workers or artists and designers working independently.

Students direct from BA courses and those with equivalent interests and others who may have proven skills in artistic and creative activities - for instance dance or drama workers and those working in non-institutional practices such as carnival or entertainment - are invited to apply. All applications will be treated individually and considered with care.

Assessment
Assessment is continuous without formal examination. The two year course is divided into three stages, Post-graduate Certificate and Post-graduate Diploma there is an assessed assignment and assessed artworks for each module. The assignments may vary from personal research, formal theoretical papers or practice supported by critical commentary. For the masters stage, students will be able to mount an exhibition of their own art practice in a context of debate I education.

The course works closely with and shares core modules with the Art and Education and the Fine Art MA’s. Staff from across all BIAD MA’s may participate in teaching on the Art Practice and Education MA.