| Program start date | Application deadline |
| 2024-09-01 | - |
| 2025-09-01 | - |
Program Overview
This MA program empowers students to use art as a tool for social change. Through collaboration and participation, students develop artistic processes that address pressing social issues, fostering conversations and debates. Graduates are equipped with the skills and knowledge to pursue careers as socially engaged artists, educators, or researchers.
Program Outline
Degree Overview
Objective:
This MA program aims to empower communities through the power of art. It encourages students to use collaboration and participation with people to co-author and co-produce activities that help define an environment, attitude, or experience. The program focuses on using artistic processes to develop conversations and debates around pressing social issues such as inclusion, mental health, homelessness, regeneration, and sustainability.
Description:
This Master's degree program is designed for students who want to be part of the next generation of socially engaged artists. Through full-time or part-time study, students will gain an arts education relating to social issues and learn to use research and reflection to guide their creative process. The program also welcomes individuals interested in curatorial or producing roles and artist delivery roles within social practice. Students will work with communities or projects that have a story to share, from youth clubs and local organizations to cultural groups and institutions. This program is part of the University of Salford's suite of MA Art and Design programs. Students get the opportunity to work collaboratively on a few modules with students from Socially Engaged Photography, Contemporary Fine Art, Visual Communications, and Creative Technology. This fosters a cross-disciplinary approach, echoing the way professionals work within the creative industries today. Students will engage with various projects and communities, gaining practical experience while honing their creativity and artistic abilities.
Structure:
The program consists of three semesters for full-time students and six semesters for part-time students. Each semester involves a combination of lectures, seminars, workshops, independent research, and work placements.
Course Schedule:
The program offers a variety of modules covering different aspects of socially engaged art practice. Some of the key modules include:
- Full-time Semester 1:
- Creative Research Methods
- Exploring Theory and Practice
- Full-time Semester 2:
- Real World Context
- Applied Practice
- Full-time Semester 3:
- Definitive Practice
- Part-time Year 1:
- Creative Research Methods
- Applied Practice
- Real World Context
- Part-time Year 2:
- Exploring Theory and Practice
- Definitive Practice
Module Descriptions:
- Creative Research Methods: This module introduces students to various research methods used in socially engaged art practice. Students will develop an individual line of inquiry and explore it through practical research activities.
- Exploring Theory and Practice: This module delves into the theoretical and practical issues faced by artists working in the context of social engagement. Students will develop new ideas through research and practice, focusing on contemporary debates around creativity and international perspectives.
- Real World Context: Through this module, students undertake a placement in a relevant workplace, gaining practical experience and applying their developing ideas and skills.
- Applied Practice: This module focuses on applying students' design work to external contexts such as live projects, commissions, and external sites. Students will refine their practice and demonstrate their research focus through a critical and practical framework.
- Definitive Practice: The major project allows students to critically engage in a self-directed project. They will define and analyze through action research, develop a constructive practical response to a research question, and formulate conclusions from their work. The culmination is an exhibition or public exposition.
Work Placements:
The program allows students to undertake work placements in various settings, including art galleries, prisons, youth centers, hospitals, schools, and communities. These placements provide valuable real-world experience and allow students to apply their artistic skills to benefit specific projects or organizations.
Assessment
Assessment in this program is diverse and includes a combination of coursework, contextual research, and reflective journals. Students will showcase their practical work alongside its theoretical underpinnings and critical analysis. The program encourages diverse formats for submissions, allowing students to tailor their presentations to their chosen practices and contemporary professional norms.
Teaching
Teaching Methods:
The program employs a variety of teaching methods, including lectures, seminars, workshops, tutorials, independent learning, and site visits. Students can also benefit from guest lectures by visiting professionals and participation in online activities and critical debates.
Faculty:
The program is delivered by experienced tutors and demonstrators with expertise in art, design, and social engagement. Students will receive guidance and mentorship throughout their course, ensuring they receive the support they need to succeed.
Careers
Upon graduation, students will be equipped with the necessary skills and knowledge to pursue various career paths. They might become freelance artists, work in teaching roles, or continue their research through MPhil/Phd programs. The program also equips students with valuable transferable skills like research, presentation, and critical thinking, making them attractive candidates for various employers.
Other
Facilities:
The program is based at the University of Salford's New Adelphi building, which houses dedicated studios, a MakerSpace workshop, photography studios, various workshops, and Mac suites equipped with industry-standard software.
Community Links:
The program has strong working relationships with key cultural organizations in the North-west, providing students with opportunities for residencies, internships, live projects, external mentoring, and professional talks.
Alumni Network:
Graduates become part of a thriving alumni network, offering professional and personal support after graduation.
| Type of study | Year | Fees | |---|---|---| | Full-time home | 2024/25 | £8,820.00 per year | | Full-time international | 2024/25 | £16,380.00 per year | | Part-time | 2024/25 | Part time costs will be calculated on a pro rata basis | | Full-time home | 2025/26 | £9,100.00 per year | | Full-time international | 2025/26 | £17,000.00 per year |
