Find out more about studying MA Art Education, Culture and Practice at UCL (University College London)? We've gathered all the key details, entry requirements, modules, fees, and more. Take the next step by booking an open day to explore it for yourself.
MA - Master of Arts
UCL (University College London) - Bloomsbury Campus
Part Time
Sep 2026
2 Year
The Art Education, Culture and Practice MA examines the relationship between art practice, culture and pedagogy and enables students to develop innovative approaches to educational research across sites for education, such as art colleges, schools, galleries and alternative spaces for art education. Previously known as the Art and Design in Education MA, the course's alumni go on to be key influencers in the expanded field of art education. This innovative course advocates the critical value of art and culture to address contemporary issues in and through the expanded field of art education. We position practice-based research as an interdisciplinary research approach enabling you to explore and question the material, social and political production of knowledge, teaching and learning. The course creates a critically engaged community of practitioners through a combination of studio practice, and a structured programme of lectures, seminars, site visits and live projects aimed at cultivating new possibilities for art education. As a student on this course, you will learn about art education and its social and cultural impact through practice and theory across a range of professional contexts. Key issues addressed include access and inclusion, globalisation and decolonisation, material and embodied learning, discourses of creativity, socially engaged practice, alternative educational models and digital, networked culture. This course is for those interested in the intersection of art and education with experience in both education and art practice. We are therefore looking for students with strong practical and theoretical interests in shaping art education for the 21st century. We invite applications from early years, primary and secondary school teachers, university and college lecturers, curators and freelance arts educators working in formal and informal educational contexts (local communities, galleries, hospitals, museums, prisons, etc.). We also invite applications from practising artists working or planning to work in galleries, schools, universities and other educational sites. This programme is also available on a modular (flexible) basis, with a duration of 5 calendar years.
In the past decade political, economic and technological developments have had a major impact on art education and generated critical debate about the efficacy of existing art educational models. As a direct response, new paradigms are being established locally and globally including, online colleges; nomadic art schools; and more idiosyncratic short-term projects in and outside of established institutions. This module enables students to investigate and engage critically with these recent initiatives. Geographical context will also be examined in relation to the increasingly global and digitally networked possibilities for education, communication and knowledge production. The module requires students to devise a proposal for an educational model linked to a specific context that is relevant to their practice. As such it will allow them to formulate their developing philosophical and critical position as artist educators whilst engaging with current literature and debate. Students not enrolled on the MA Art & Design or the MA Museums & Galleries in Education programmes MUST contact the module tutor in the first instance before selecting on Portico.
The Dissertation module spans two terms; spring and summer. It has been designed to, provide a supportive, academic framework within which students can develop a substantial piece of independent research within the field of art and design education; and, encourage the exploration of a key issue in depth and in such a way that the completed Dissertation of 18,000-20,000 words or 10,000 words plus a visual presentation/exhibition contributes to knowledge and/or professional practice in the field of art and design education.
This module enables students to identify and explore key issues of interest for developing research through studio practice and related theory. It takes place in a specialist studio environment with technical support. During the module relevant theoretical texts and art practices are introduced to support the development of students? initial ideas. A series of one to one and group tutorials provide opportunities to discuss the potential of practice based research to contribute to art pedagogy. In particular the development of situated, participatory, relational and collaborative approaches to art making are considered alongside more traditional forms. Assessment is based on the presentation of practice-based work supported by a 2,000 word written rationale. Previous experience of practical work in an area of art or design practice is normally required. Students not enrolled on the MA Art & Design in Education programme MUST contact the module tutor in the first instance before selecting on Portico.
A fee deposit will be charged at 2.5 percent of the first year fee
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