Qualification | MA / PgDip
Programme Leader | Jenny Coyle
Validated by | University of Chichester
Location | Online
Programme Length | 15 months, Full-Time / 30 months, Part-time
Start Date | September 2024
Contact | jenny.coyle@italiaconti.co.uk
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Italia Conti’s MA Creative Arts Education programme is designed to nurture and develop innovative and individual teachers and practitioners, who embody and apply specialist skills and techniques supported by grounded knowledge of industry practices, contexts, and the emerging requirements that empower graduates for a sustainable career in various educational contexts including further education, higher education and conservatoire-style drama schools.
The programme is validated by the University of Chichester. Full government funding is available through Postgraduate funding for Home students.
The Masters in Creative Arts Education is a rewarding journey designed to empower you as a teaching artist and professional within the realm of performing arts education. Whether you’re an educator, facilitator, manager, or aspiring leader, this programme will equip you with the tools to excel in your role and shape the future of performing arts education.
The MA in Creative Arts Education consists of four modules that explore your work in teaching and education alongside your artistic practice.
In Module 1, you will embark on a self-reflective exploration of your teaching/education practice, uncover areas for development and refinement, underpinned by learning theories, frameworks, and approaches. You will critically assess the efficacy of these theories and connect them to your unique teaching style in the form of a written essay. You will then present an overview of your artistic practice, exploring and analysing your experiences so far, assessing and challenging your own preconceptions, and predicting what opportunities might arise that can impact your personal, professional, and artistic growth.
You will have the opportunity to delve into the performing arts education industry with Module 2, investigating current industry topics, refining your educational skills and knowledge, and crafting a blueprint for your professional development. You will take an intensive look into relevant and contemporary topics in education, presenting your findings through a written essay, exploring subjects such as diversity and inclusion, use of AI, social justice. Following this, you will undertake practice research, building this knowledge into your practice and providing a commentary on the impact of this research via visual presentation. To finish this module, you will create a tailored Continuous Professional Development programme, detailing your plan on how to develop your teaching practice and skills.
In Module 3, we explore the role of a Teaching Artist – sometimes called a Dual Professional – and how we can work to seamlessly blend your artistic talent with your teaching expertise. Through creating reflective case studies alongside engaging short-form video content, you’ll not only hone your craft, but illuminate the interplay between artistry and teaching and assess the impact being a Teaching Artist/Dual Professional can have upon your students.
Module 4 is your canvas for creating a professional strategy that aligns with your career aspirations, allowing you to innovate, strategise, and envision your path forward. You will design and execute an innovation project through practice research, allowing continuous development as you undertake the work and progress through the module. The second task of the module is the creation of a Professional Charter; detailing your personal and professional approaches to work, creating a values-led approach to leadership and development, and gaining a high level of understanding regarding your own work ethic.
The Professional Charter can be taken into your work moving forward, allowing you to make firm and more confident decisions, create or understand personal policies and processes, and gain a high level of professional identity.
Your final task of the MA programme is an assessed tutorial, where your progress, research and future practice will be discussed with a panel, celebrating/championing your academic and practical achievements over the time on the programme.
Join us on this exciting journey of self-discovery and professional growth. Explore your creativity and artistry alongside your teaching and empower yourself to shape the future of performing arts education.
UK Tuition Fees | £9000 (full-time), £4,900 per year (part-time)
International Students | £13,449 (full time), £7,150 per year (part-time)
Deposit | £150 (The deposit is refundable within 14 calendar days of the payment being received by Italia Conti but will not be refunded thereafter for non-enrolment. It will be held by the School and will be refundable on completion of the programme, without interest, less any outstanding sums owed by the student to Italia Conti.)
The MA programme offers the following funding options:
International applicants to the MA Creative Arts Education are welcomed, as this is an online distance learning programme that does not require residency or physical attendance in the UK.
Terms and conditions apply upon acceptance to Italia Conti.
Italia Conti welcomes applications for deposit fee waivers for those who are eligible.
“The influx of inspiring people flowing through the building creates an atmosphere for greatness and I am honoured to be a part of that.”
It’s fantastic. Showcases, shows, summer shows, carol concerts. It’s very full on but I don’t wake up regretting coming here. It is the best thing ever!
“The building and staff inside welcome you with open arms, guide you through your training and proudly push you, prepped with the best tools for the job.”
Applicants who have already completed up to 90 credits at Masters Level may use these credits to apply for Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL) towards the total of 180 credits to gain the MA Creative Arts Education. Please note that RPL may affect your eligibility for any Postgraduate loan. For details go to gov.uk/masters-loan/eligibility.
To apply for the MA in Creative Arts Education, or to find out more information, please contact the Course Leader, Jenny Coyle. Email: jenny.coyle@italiaconti.co.uk
Upon receipt of the Italia Conti application form, applicants will be invited to an interview with the Programme Leader to assess suitability for the programme. Please be prepared to discuss your:
Applicants can also use the interview as an opportunity to ask for more specific information about the programme.
Educator/Facilitator – inspire the next generation of artists by conducting workshops for theatre companies, educational institutions, and conservatoires. Note that some schools and colleges may require a PGCE qualification in addition to your MA in Creative Arts Education.
Leadership/Management – lead on community outreach programmes or take on leadership roles in performing arts programmes, shaping the direction of creative education initiatives.
Operations Coordinator/Arts Admin – manage the behind-the-scenes operations of theatre companies, offering organisational support, budget management, and oversee operational management.
Curriculum Coordinator – drive the development and implementation of arts-focused curriculum in educational institutions, shaping the educational journey of performing arts students and their future careers.
Participation Manager / Community Arts Facilitator – engage with local communities, facilitate arts programmes, promoting cultural enrichment, and championing accessibility and inclusion.
Marketing and Communications – organise and deliver marketing and digital communications support for performing arts educational programmes, increasing audience reach, engagement and interaction.
Grants and Learning Officer – play a pivotal role in securing funding for learning organisations and young artists, organise educational outreach events, and open doors to qualifications.
Business Owner / Entrepreneur – launch and deliver your own project in performing arts education, i.e., a stage school, dance school, a product or a service.
Freelancer/Self-employed – create a dynamic, flexible career across various domains, from arts administration and career development to performing arts education consultancy and project or operations management.
Visiting Lecturers – opportunities to engage with industry professionals, creatives, specialist performing arts educators and leaders in their fields. External practitioners will be able to share their insights, experiences, and expertise, providing students with current knowledge and exposure to current trends and practices in the field.
Professional mentors and 1-1 tutorials – opportunities to connect with an industry professional for mentorship, tutorials and guidance.
Digital Networking Events – opportunities to engage with digital networking events, workshops or seminars where you can meet industry professionals, engage with fellow students as well as alumni, creating valuable connections with the potential to lead to future collaborations or job opportunities.
Alumni Networks – opportunities to engage with alumni networks of your institution, receiving mentorship, job referrals, or collaborative opportunities.
Career Services – providing guidance, job postings, funding opportunities, and industry insights tailored to your field, helping you to identify and pursue job opportunities within the performing arts and creative industries.
Industry Panels and Discussions – opportunities to engage with, organise and facilitate panel discussions, forums, conferences, where industry professionals and experts can discuss challenges, barriers, trends, and innovations.