Programme Specification for the 2023/4 academic year
MA Creative Arts in Education
1. Programme Details
| Programme name | MA Creative Arts in Education | Programme code | PTA1EDUEDU07 |
|---|---|---|---|
| Study mode(s) | Full Time |
Academic year | 2023/4 |
| Campus(es) | St Luke's (Exeter) |
NQF Level of the Final Award | 7 (Masters) |
2. Description of the Programme
The MA Creative Arts in Education provides you with the opportunity to understand how the arts develop creative and aesthetic understanding, offer personal and communal voice within different cultural contexts, contribute to effective educational futures and are linked to personal educational progression. Your learning is also contextualized within broader educational theories and practice.
This programme will help you to encourage creativity via the arts, understand the variety of roles the arts in education might take, and consider how arts teaching can benefit other areas of the curriculum and promote inclusion. Unique in integrating approaches to drama, music, dance and visual art, this MA includes visits to arts education settings such as schools and galleries, as well as interactions with key cultural organisations. You may also specialise in a particular art form.
The syllabus may include:
- Subject knowledge – focus on music, visual arts, drama or dance including the latest innovations and best practice
- Theory and practice - latest ideas and concepts in arts education and your particular specialism; inter-relationship between art forms; arts and the wider curriculum; creativity and dialogue - within the context of wider educational theory and practice
- Teaching and learning – teaching approaches including practical models and demonstration; working with artists and other partners; promoting inclusion; educational futures
- Creativity – theoretical and practical approaches; relationship between creativity and dialogue; techniques for encouraging creativity in your students; assessing creativity
You will learn and work in multi-modal ways including lectures, seminars, workshops, peer led activity and online activities. All modules are assessed through course work – there are no final examinations. Assessments are varied and include written assignments, practical presentations and portfolios.
3. Educational Aims of the Programme
1. To develop your knowledge and understanding of the nature of learning in and through the arts (Dance, Drama, Music, Visual Art and interdisciplinary approaches)
2. To provide insight into the importance of the arts in educational futures
3. To develop your knowledge and understanding of specific issues related to learning and teaching the arts in different educational and cultural contexts
4. To develop your understanding of the key concept of creativity and its value in arts education
5. To provide insight into important pedagogical issues for creativity in arts learning and teaching
6. To support your development as an autonomous learner and/or professional
7. To provide the knowledge, understanding and skills for you to analyse arts and general educational policy, theory and practice
8. To provide the organisational and transferable skills central to professional autonomy
9. To support your ability to define and evaluate complex arts educational issues drawing on national and international perspectives
10. To equip you with the methodological knowledge needed to select appropriate methods to conduct arts education research
11. To provide you with knowledge and skills needed to integrate arts and wider education theory and practice
4. Programme Structure
The MA Creative Arts in Education Programme is a 1-year programme of study at Regulated Qualifications Framework (RQF) level 7 (as confirmed against the FHEQ). This programme is 1 stage. A stage is normally equivalent to an academic year.
Interim / Exit Awards
The modular format of the Programme provides exit points in the form of Postgraduate Certificate (60 credits) and Diploma (120 credits) organised in line with the national framework established by the QAA. You may exit the programme with these qualifications provided you have obtained the requisite number of credits as shown below.
|
Postgraduate Certificate (60 credits) 2 x 30 credit modules OR 1 x 60 credit module |
Postgraduate Diploma (120 credits) 4 x 30 credit modules OR 2 x 30 credit modules plus 1 x 60 credit module |
5. Programme Modules
The following tables describe the programme and constituent modules. Constituent modules may be updated, deleted or replaced as a consequence of the annual programme review of this programme.
https://www.exeter.ac.uk/study/studyinformation/
Stage 1
150 credits of compulsory modules, 30 credits optional modules
Compulsory Modules
A - Students must take either EFPM308 Preparing for Educational Research and Dissertation OR EFPM331 Preparing for Education Inquiry Portfolio
| Code | Module | Credits | Non-condonable? |
|---|---|---|---|
| EFPM914 | Education Studies | 30 | No |
| EFPM906 | Arts Education Theory, Practice and Potential | 30 | No |
| EFPM907 | Creativity in Education: Valuing, Facilitating and Assessing It | 30 | No |
| EFPM200 | SoE Success for All | 0 | No |
| EFPM308 | Preparing for Educational Research and Dissertation [See note A above] | 60 | Yes |
| EFPM331 | Preparing for Educational Inquiry Portfolio [See note A above] | 60 | Yes |
Optional Modules
Students choose one of the following options:
| Code | Module | Credits | Non-condonable? |
|---|---|---|---|
| EFPM294 | Technology and Education Futures | 30 | No |
| EFPM913 | Debating the Big Questions in Education | 30 | No |
| EFPM375 | Education for diversity | 30 | No |
| EFPM910 | Education Policy | 30 | No |
| EFPM918 | Reflecting on Educational Practices | 30 | No |
| EFPM919 | Critical Perspectives on Inclusive Education | 30 | No |
6. Programme Outcomes Linked to Teaching, Learning and Assessment Methods
Intended Learning Outcomes
A: Specialised Subject Skills and Knowledge
| Intended Learning Outcomes (ILOs) On successfully completing this programme you will be able to: | Intended Learning Outcomes (ILOs) will be... | |
|---|---|---|
| ...accommodated and facilitated by the following learning and teaching activities (in/out of class): | ...and evidenced by the following assessment methods: | |
1. Demonstrate your knowledge and understanding of the nature of learning in and through the arts (Dance, Drama, Music, Visual Art and interdisciplinary approaches) | Whilst there may be some differences in terms of teaching and learning methods across modules, you can expect to engage with a range of learning activities. For example, in addition to lectures, you will also take part in seminar sessions where you will get the opportunity to develop your knowledge and understanding even further by contributing to group discussions, taking part in debates, critically engaging with academic literature and research, (guided and independently) and encouraged to work independently and collaboratively with others. | Whilst there will be differences in types of assessment across the programme, the compulsory modules as listed above will provide students will opportunities to demonstrate ILOs 1-5. All modules will have both formative and summative assessments. The programme provides students with the opportunity to undertake a variety of assignment types for example: essay; individual/group presentation; poster; vlog; portfolio; empirical study. The exact nature of the assignment will vary according to the module selected. |
Intended Learning Outcomes
B: Academic Discipline Core Skills and Knowledge
| Intended Learning Outcomes (ILOs) On successfully completing this programme you will be able to: | Intended Learning Outcomes (ILOs) will be... | |
|---|---|---|
| ...accommodated and facilitated by the following learning and teaching activities (in/out of class): | ...and evidenced by the following assessment methods: | |
6. Demonstrate your development as an autonomous learner and/or professional | Teaching and learning methods across modules will enable you to develop core skills and knowledge related to the discipline of Education. In addition to lectures and seminars, you will also take part in seminar sessions where you will get the opportunity to develop your knowledge and understanding even further by contributing to group discussions, taking part in debates, critically engaging with academic literature and research, (guided and independently) and encouraged to work independently and collaboratively with others. | Whilst there will be differences in types of assessment across the programme, the compulsory modules as listed above will provide students will opportunities to demonstrate ILOs 6-11. All modules will have both formative and summative assessments. |
Intended Learning Outcomes
C: Personal/Transferable/Employment Skills and Knowledge
| Intended Learning Outcomes (ILOs) On successfully completing this programme you will be able to: | Intended Learning Outcomes (ILOs) will be... | |
|---|---|---|
| ...accommodated and facilitated by the following learning and teaching activities (in/out of class): | ...and evidenced by the following assessment methods: | |
12. Demonstrate the ability to identify and critically discuss current issues in education | Whilst there may be some variation in learning and teaching activities across the programme (depending on optional module selection), you can expect to attend lectures and seminars, as well as take part in group discussions and debates, and critically engage with academic literature and research (guided and independently). Throughout the programme, you will be encouraged to work independently and collaboratively with others. | Whilst there will be differences in types of assessment across the programme, the compulsory modules as listed above will provide students will opportunities to demonstrate ILOs 12-16. All modules will have both formative and summative assessments. |
7. Programme Regulations
Classification
Full details of assessment regulations for all taught programmes can be found in the TQA Manual, specifically in the Credit and Qualifications Framework, and the Assessment, Progression and Awarding: Taught Programmes Handbook. Additional information, including Generic Marking Criteria, can be found in the Learning and Teaching Support Handbook.
8. College Support for Students and Students' Learning
Personal and Academic tutoring : It is University policy that all Faculties should have in place a system of academic and personal tutors. The role of academic tutors is to support you on individual modules; the role of personal tutors is to provide you with advice and support for the duration of the programme and extends to providing you with details of how to obtain support and guidance on personal difficulties such as accommodation, financial difficulties and sickness. You can also make an appointment to see individual teaching staff.
As an undergraduate or postgraduate taught student in the Faculty of Humanities, Arts, and Social Sciences (HASS),, you will be allocated a Personal Tutor at the commencement of your studies. In normal circumstances your Personal Tutor will remain your tutor throughout your study programme. Your Personal Tutor is normally available through scheduled office hours but should also see you as a matter of course three times a year. These meetings may typically commence soon after registration. These meetings will take place termly to discuss your progress and to perhaps consider Personal Development
You should feel that you are able to approach your personal tutor for advice, pastoral support or academic support in a wider sense.
Library, ELE and other resources provided to support this programme:
The Library offers you core services for learning and research. Whilst the various locations house a large collection of materials and services, many of our resources are available online through the library website for you to use at home, work or wherever you are located for your study. Each discipline has a subject librarian on hand to help you to find resources and we also work with tutors to digitise reading lists for inclusion in the Exeter Learning Environment (ELE). ELE is used throughout the University to make course materials available online. You will be able to access module information, presentations, handouts, reading materials as well as interacting with other students and your tutors. Many tutors use ELE to run assessments and set coursework assignments. In addition to the materials provided by your tutors, there are various other resources available on ELE to help you in your studies.
The University provides a range of IT services, including open and training clusters of PCs (available on a 24/7 basis). In the Faculty of Humanities, Arts, and Social Sciences this includes a 24/7 suite in Amory and a second one in the St Luke’s Campus Library. These suites are accessible by swiping your university card. The majority of the Faculty also has access to the university’s wireless network. Network access is available from the majority of rooms in University halls of residence through the ResNet system.
Helpdesks are maintained on all campuses but for students based on St Lukes campus, your main point for help will be Info St Lukes.
Student/Staff Liaison Committee enables students & staff to jointly participate in the management and review of the teaching and learning provision.
9. University Support for Students and Students' Learning
Please refer to the University Academic Policy and Standards guidelines regarding support for students and students' learning.
10. Admissions Criteria
Undergraduate applicants must satisfy the Undergraduate Admissions Policy of the University of Exeter.
Postgraduate applicants must satisfy the Postgraduate Admissions Policy of the University of Exeter.
Specific requirements required to enrol on this programme are available at the respective Undergraduate or Postgraduate Study Site webpages.
Applications can be made via the university postgraduate taught web pages
11. Regulation of Assessment and Academic Standards
Each academic programme in the University is subject to an agreed College assessment and marking strategy, underpinned by institution-wide assessment procedures.
The security of assessment and academic standards is further supported through the appointment of External Examiners for each programme. External Examiners have access to draft papers, course work and examination scripts. They are required to attend the Board of Examiners and to provide an annual report. Annual External Examiner reports are monitored at both College and University level. Their responsibilities are described in the University's code of practice. See the University's TQA Manual for details.
14. Awarding Institution
University of Exeter
15. Lead College / Teaching Institution
Faculty of Humanities, Arts and Social Sciences (HASS)
16. Partner College / Institution
Partner College(s)
Not applicable to this programme
Partner Institution
Not applicable to this programme.
17. Programme Accredited / Validated by
0
18. Final Award
MA Creative Arts in Education
19. UCAS Code
Not applicable to this programme.
20. NQF Level of Final Award
7 (Masters)
21. Credit
| CATS credits | 180 |
ECTS credits | 90 |
|---|
22. QAA Subject Benchmarking Group
23. Dates
| Origin Date | 25/04/2019 |
Date of last revision | 09/11/2023 |
|---|


