Art and Design in Education

The Art and Design in Education MA draws on the research and teaching expertise with the Art, Design and Museology group at the UCL Institute of Education (IOE). It examines the relationship between art practice, theory and pedagogy and enables students to develop a rigorous approach to educational research in art colleges, schools and galleries.

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.