MA Arts and Learning

Program Overview

The MA Arts & Learning program at Goldsmiths enriches theories of contemporary art and learning for artists, practitioners, and educators. It fosters critical thinking, innovative research, and active participation in the art landscape, preparing graduates for diverse careers in arts education, galleries, museums, and community organizations.

Program Outline

Degree Overview:

Overview:

The MA Arts & Learning program at Goldsmiths is designed to enrich and consolidate theories of contemporary art and learning for artists, practitioners, and educators. It offers a platform to engage with practice and theory, develop innovative research approaches, and critically debate the changing nature of contemporary art.

Objectives:

• Develop deeper understanding of contemporary art and learning theories.
• Cultivate critical and dialectical pedagogical approaches.
• Foster creative research practices and artistic expression.
• Encourage active participation in the contemporary art landscape.
• Prepare for diverse career paths in arts education, galleries, museums, and community-based organizations.

Program Description:

The MA Arts and Learning program is characterized by:

• A strong emphasis on student-centered and directed learning.
• Teaching sessions and personal tutorials focused on critical reflection and development of artist-educator practices.
• Exploration of contemporary art theories, learning theories, and critical and dialectical pedagogical theories and philosophies.
• Engaging lectures, seminars, workshops, and tutorials.
• Encouragement to critically discuss and debate the raised issues.
• Extensive independent learning and research, including critical reflection, development of artist-educator practices, additional readings, preparing topics for discussion/presentations, working with fellow students, producing essays, artist-positioning statements, research, planning, organizing and producing practice-based work and/or projects, curating exhibitions and presentations.
• Emphasis on independent learning and engagement with theory and practice to develop and sustain ideas and practices as artist-educators.

Outline:

Content:

The program delves into contemporary art and learning theories, exploring the critical and dialectical pedagogical theories and philosophies that shape artistic expression and educational approaches. It emphasizes student-centered learning and active engagement with theory and practice.

Structure:

• Modular structure with majority of teaching sessions conducted in the evenings.
• Enables part-time and full-time students to attend the same sessions, fostering a collaborative learning environment.
• Requires 180 credits for completion.
• Comprises four compulsory modules (150 credits) and one option module (30 credits).
• Option to choose an approved module from another department or a non-compulsory module from MA Social Justice in Education.
• Offered on either a 1-year full-time or 2 to 5 years part-time basis.
• Practitioners with existing Masters-level credits may apply for credit transfer.

Individual Modules:

• Revisiting Practice (30 credits): Examines past practices and their relevance in the contemporary context.
• Spaces of Practice (30 credits): Explores the relationship between artistic practices and physical spaces, in association with the Whitechapel, Goldsmiths Centre for Contemporary Art and the Gasworks.
• Critical Pedagogy and Contested Spaces (CP) (30 credits): Investigates critical pedagogy and its application in various learning environments, in association with several small London galleries.
• Independent Studies (IS) (60 credits): Provides a platform for independent research and project development, aligned with individual interests and goals.

Assessment:

• Utilizes a variety of complementary assessment strategies, including exhibition/presentation/performance, essay, and viva voce.
• Assessment methods and criteria are aligned with the program's ethos and learning outcomes.

Teaching:

• Employs a variety of teaching methods, including lectures, seminars, workshops, and tutorials.
• Facilitated by a team of experienced faculty, including artists, educators, and researchers.
• Encourages active participation, critical thinking, and engagement with diverse perspectives.
• Fosters a collaborative learning environment where students can share ideas, learn from each other, and develop their individual practices.

Careers:

Potential Career Paths:

• Teacher, Lecturer, Tutor
• Head of Faculty/Department
• Community Artist
• Gallery Educator/Curator
• Practicing Artist/Photographer

Career Opportunities:

• Education
• Galleries/Museums
• Social Work/Charity
• Health
• Public Administration
• Welfare

Outcomes:

• Graduates have an outstanding employment record in the aforementioned fields.
• Majority of graduates gain full-time employment in a variety of careers.
• Program prepares graduates for diverse career paths in arts education, galleries, museums, and community-based organizations.

Other:

• The program emphasizes a strong international scope, drawing on the international scope of contemporary art practices in London.
• Partnerships with international galleries including Goldsmiths CCA, the Whitechapel Gallery and Gasworks.
• Student community provides a diverse learning environment and opportunities for collaboration.
• Full-time students receive a dedicated studio space at Goldsmiths.
• Extensive program of guest lectures, presentations and projects.
• The MAAL can be a pathway before or after the completion of a UK QTS (Qualified Teacher Status) program, such as the PGCE (Secondary): Art & Design.

Annual tuition fees These are the fees for students starting their programme in the 2024/2025 academic year. Home - full-time: £10350 Home - part-time: £1870 International - full-time: £25270 Please note, the part-time fee listed above is per 30 credit module. Additional costs There may also be specific additional costs associated with your programme. Funding opportunities Funding may be available from schools’ CPD budgets.