| Program start date | Application deadline |
| 2024-09-01 | - |
| 2025-01-01 | - |
Program Overview
This flexible postgraduate program prepares students to work as creative practitioners in community settings. It develops practical and enterprise skills for a sustainable career in socially engaged art, with a focus on ethical engagement and fundraising. Students benefit from industry-based learning, small class sizes, and support for career development.
Program Outline
Degree Overview:
Focus:
This program prepares students to work as creative practitioners within community settings, outside of traditional cultural spaces like galleries or museums.
Objectives:
- Understand how artists apply their skills in social contexts.
- Develop practical and enterprise skills for a sustainable career.
- Broaden understanding of professional practice for those already working in socially engaged art or those who want to.
- Gain a formal qualification in a flexible manner.
Target Audience:
- Individuals with significant workplace experience seeking a formal qualification.
- Recent graduates of fine, contemporary, or performing arts courses wanting to apply their skills to community projects.
Delivery:
Flexible study options are available to accommodate those already working or wishing to.
Benefits:
- Gain qualifications for management positions within cultural organizations and festivals.
- Benefit from small class sizes for interaction and support.
- Develop as a reflective practitioner aware of both theory and practice in festivals and cultural management.
- Continue employment while studying.
- Learn from experts in diverse areas of applied and socially engaged art practices.
- Benefit from the program's location near the Edinburgh Festival.
- Be part of an international student cohort.
- Engage in industry-based learning with real-world assignments.
- Gain insights from key cultural organizations.
Outline:
Structure:
Complete three 20-credit modules for a PgCert (60 credits).
Modules:
- Core Modules:
- Social Practice: Working With People (20 credits): Develops practical skills for engaging with people, including dialogue, interpersonal skills, and group facilitation.
Exit Awards:
- PgCert in Applied Arts and Social Practice (60 credits)
- Can be used as credit towards the MA Applied Arts and Social Practice.
Progression:
After completing the PgCert, you can complete the MA on a part-time basis by taking three additional modules and a dissertation.
Single Module Option:
You can also register as an associate student to complete a single module for CPD.
Assessment:
Assessment Methods:
- Essays
- Reports
- Exams
- Presentations
Assessment Criteria:
Described as "the most practical of the modules" where students can engage with groups and communities to expand their skillsets and experience in working with people.
Teaching:
Teaching Methods:
- Lectures
- Seminars
- Tutorials
- Case Studies
- Projects
Industry-based learning:
Students are required to undertake industry-based learning opportunities to put theory into practice. The program supports students in finding opportunities, but you are responsible for securing your own arrangements aligned with your interests.
Class Sizes:
Normally, there are around 10-15 students enrolled in the course each year.
Teaching Staff:
Information about the teaching staff is available on the program's webpage and includes details of their expertise and experience.
Careers:
Career Opportunities:
This course aims to help students develop freelance careers and meet the growing needs of organizations with community-based outreach departments.
Career Support:
The program provides support for students to develop their careers, including:
- Career advice and guidance
- Help with CV writing and interview skills
- Networking opportunities with industry professionals
Career Outcomes:
- Freelance artist
- Community arts worker
- Arts administrator
- Cultural manager
- Arts educator
Other:
Funded Places:
A number of funded places are available for students starting in September 2024.
Queen Margaret University
Overview:
Queen Margaret University (QMU) is a public university located in Edinburgh, Scotland. It is known for its person-centered and career-focused approach to education and teaching, with a commitment to shaping a better world. QMU boasts widely recognized expertise in various fields, including business, creative industries, education, health and rehabilitation, and social sciences.
Services Offered:
QMU offers a wide range of services to its students, including:
Learning Facilities:
Library, IT services, remote access, Canvas, QMU Portal, ePortfolioStudent Support:
Careers and Employability, Students' Union, QMU Sports Centre, Clinics, Accommodation, Finance OfficeCampus Life:
Eat and Drink on Campus, QMU Online Shop, Blogs, Ask a Student a QuestionStudent Life and Campus Experience:
QMU provides a vibrant and supportive campus environment. Students can expect:
Community Feel:
An airy and bright campus with a strong sense of community.Student Services:
Ready access to student services, food outlets, accommodation, sports facilities, and social spaces.Beautiful Grounds:
A beautiful campus with plenty of outdoor spaces for relaxation and socializing.Key Reasons to Study There:
Person-Centered Approach:
QMU focuses on individual student needs and career development.Career-Focused Education:
The university emphasizes practical skills and real-world experience.Renowned Expertise:
QMU has a strong reputation for research and innovation in various fields.Supportive Campus Environment:
Students are provided with a welcoming and supportive community.Academic Programs:
QMU offers a diverse range of academic programs, including:
Undergraduate Study:
Various undergraduate degrees across different disciplines.Postgraduate Study:
Master's degrees and postgraduate research opportunities.Continuing Professional Development (CPD):
Short courses and online programs for professional development.Online Learning:
100% online master's courses for flexible learning.Other:
- QMU is committed to social justice and nurturing individuals while promoting collective support.
- The university actively engages with the community through outreach programs and events.
- QMU has a strong international presence with a diverse student body and partnerships with institutions worldwide.
- The university is undergoing a transformation of its teaching and learning spaces to enhance the student experience.
Entry Requirements:
The PgCert Applied Arts requires an undergraduate degree with honors (UK) or equivalent.
Additionally, significant work experience within cultural organizations or festivals can be considered.
International students must provide evidence of English language proficiency at IELTS 6.5 or higher, with no individual component score below 6.0.
Language Proficiency Requirements:
International students must demonstrate English language proficiency at IELTS 6.5 or higher, with no individual component score below 6.0.
This ensures students can actively participate in lectures, discussions, and coursework delivered in English.
Additional Notes:
- The entry requirements listed are current as of October 2023, but are subject to change.
- Individuals with disabilities are encouraged to contact the university's disability service for information about available support and accommodations.
