Art and Design in Education

The Art and Design in Education program at University College London offers an innovative and comprehensive approach to preparing educators and professionals to foster creativity and artistic development within educational settings. This program is designed for individuals passionate about integrating art and design into learning environments, whether in primary, secondary, or higher education, as well as community and informal educational contexts. Through a combination of theory, practice, and research, students explore diverse pedagogical approaches, contemporary art practices, and curriculum development strategies tailored to enhance artistic literacy and creative expression among learners of all ages. The curriculum emphasizes critical thinking, reflective practice, and interdisciplinary collaboration, equipping graduates with the skills necessary to lead transformative arts education initiatives and advocate for the importance of arts in education policy and practice. Students engage with a wide range of topics including visual culture, digital media, craft, design thinking, and inclusive education, fostering innovative teaching methodologies that respond to evolving societal and technological landscapes. The program also encourages active participation in exhibitions, workshops, and community projects, providing hands-on experience and professional networking opportunities. Upon completion, graduates are well-prepared for careers in teaching, arts administration, curriculum development, arts consultancy, or further academic research, contributing to the promotion and integration of art and design within diverse educational contexts. The program is delivered by experienced faculty members who are leading practitioners and scholars in the fields of art education and design, ensuring that students receive a rich, dynamic, and industry-relevant learning experience.

This programme will enable you to share and investigate art education from theoretical, historical and practical perspectives. It addresses key issues such as globalisation, alternative models for art education, new technologies and embodied learning. Students will explore the relationship between practical and theoretical modes of enquiry and learn to conduct research using appropriate methodologies.

Students undertake modules to the value of 180 credits.

The programme consists of two core modules (60 credits), two optional modules (60 credits), and a dissertation (60 credits).

Core modules

• Alternative Models for Art Education
• Learning and Teaching in Art and Design

Optional modules

• Contemporary Art and Artists in Education
• Material and Virtual Cultures: Transforming the Museum and Gallery Experience
• Responsive Museums: Inclusion and Outreach in Practice

Dissertation/report

All students undertake a dissertation in one of three modes:

• a thesis of 20,000 words
• exhibition and 10,000-word report

Teaching and learning

Teaching methods include studio practice, lectures, seminars, and gallery-based learning delivered by IOE staff, visiting lecturers and professionals working in universities, galleries and schools. Assessment is based on coursework assignments and the dissertation.

Normally a minimum of an upper second-class Bachelor's degree from a UK university, or an overseas qualification of an equivalent standard, in an art/art theory/art history specialism is required together with professional experience in formal or informal educational contexts e.g. in schools, colleges, galleries or residencies. All applicants, who meet the entry criteria, are interviewed and asked to show examples of their own artwork or curatorial practice.

The financing of Art and Design in Education programs at University College London (UCL) is supported through a combination of funding sources including tuition fees, government grants, scholarships, bursaries, and external sponsorships. Tuition fees for home students are set annually and are outlined on the official UCL website, which provides transparent information regarding the cost of studies, including potential increases over time. International students are required to pay higher tuition fees, which are also subject to annual review. Government financial support typically includes student loans available to eligible students from the UK, offered through the Student Loan Company (SLC). These loans cover tuition fees and provide maintenance support to aid students with living expenses during their course duration.

UCL actively offers a range of scholarships specifically designed for students pursuing Art and Design in Education, aiming to reduce financial barriers and attract talented applicants globally. These scholarships are often merit-based, considering academic excellence, portfolio quality, and potential contributions to the field. Bursaries and funding opportunities are also available for students demonstrating financial need, with application processes accessible via the university’s financial aid office.

External funding avenues include sponsorships from arts organizations, industry partners, and charitable foundations dedicated to promoting arts education. Some students secure Research Council grants if undertaking research-intensive components or postgraduate study. Work placements and part-time employment opportunities within UCL’s extensive industry collaborations further supplement students’ income during their studies.

Additionally, UCL provides guidance and support through its dedicated financial aid services, offering advice on loan applications, scholarship opportunities, and budgeting. International students, in particular, are advised to explore visas that include access to work options and are encouraged to seek external funding from their home country or international agencies.

Overall, financing an Art and Design in Education program at UCL involves a multifaceted approach combining university-funded scholarships, government student loans, external sponsorships, personal savings, and income from part-time work, facilitating a diverse and inclusive student body capable of pursuing their educational and artistic ambitions with financial support.

The Art and Design in Education program at University College London offers a comprehensive exploration of artistic and design practices within educational contexts. This program is designed for individuals who are passionate about integrating creative arts into teaching and learning environments, aiming to foster innovative approaches to education through art and design. It encompasses a diverse curriculum that includes theoretical foundations, practical skills, and research methodologies pertinent to art education. Candidates will engage with contemporary debates on creativity, pedagogy, and the role of the arts in societal development. The program emphasizes critical thinking and reflective practices, encouraging students to analyze and challenge traditional educational paradigms. Through a combination of lectures, seminars, workshops, and independent research, students develop both technical competencies and scholarly understanding necessary for careers in art education, curriculum development, arts administration, or further academic pursuits. The faculty includes experienced educators and practitioners who provide mentorship and industry insights. The course typically offers opportunities for collaborative projects, exhibitions, and placements that enhance real-world understanding. Graduates of this program are equipped to contribute meaningfully to educational settings, arts organizations, cultural institutions, or undertake doctoral research. The program aims to foster a community of creative practitioners committed to advancing art education theory and practice, making a positive impact on learners of all ages.