ObjectivesThe Postgraduate Diploma will enable those with performance skills to understand how they might work independently or in partnership with educational and community organisations to encourage participation and learning in the performance arts. The MA will build upon the experience of arts practitioners to enhance their understanding and support their professional development.
Entry requirementsCandidates should normally possess (or expect to gain before beginning the course) a first or good second class honours degree in a relevant discipline (such as dance, drama, music or performing arts). All candidates should have practical experience in their specialist art form including knowledge and experience of art/performance making. MA candidates should have experience in community or participatory arts practice. Candidates should make clear their commitment to engaging with community or participatory arts and to studying at postgraduate level.
Academic titlePGDip/MA Community Arts Practice
Course descriptionProgramme
The development of informed, reflective practitioners underpins these courses in which advanced, academic study is supported by practice-based learning. There are exciting opportunities for cross-discipline and shared learning encompassing arts management, performance, education, youth work and community development.
Modules are:
-Contexts for Community Arts Practice
-Theory and Practice of Community Development
-Researching the Arts (under development)
-Participatory Arts: Professional Skills
-Participatory Arts: Placement/project
-Dissertation (MA only; under development)
Students gain an overview of the cultural, social and political contexts in which community and participatory arts practitioners in the UK operate. Key concepts, principles and values of community art and community development are introduced and examined. Students encounter the wide range of methods and approaches relevant to current research in arts practices. Students then focus on understanding practice situations and the skills needed to develop effective workshop practice together with longer-term, project planning, management and evaluation. Students may gain practical experience through a placement with a professional organisation or involvement in a project operating at a professional level. MA students go on to investigate an aspect of community or participatory arts provision in a major piece of individual research.
Teaching/assessment
Full-time or part-time study is available. The course is delivered through a blend of distance learning, supervised, independent study and modules taught on campus. Distance learning uses on-line individual and seminar-based work, guides and readers to support learning. On site, taught modules are delivered largely through presentations, discussion and small group work. Students will need to attend the University one afternoon/evening each week and will need to be available in the second part of the year to undertake a placement or project. Assessment is via written and practical coursework assignments.
Study is supported by a comprehensive collection of library resources in the areas of community arts, arts management, community development, dance, theatre and music. Students also benefit from new facilities for music, dance and drama and activities of the Centre for Excellence in Performance Arts.