Socially Engaged Arts Practice

Overview

This MA in Socially Engaged Arts Practice is designed for students who want to develop their personal practice in a community setting. The course focuses on the understanding of and the application of a range of practice-based research methods, and supports students in developing new ideas through research and practice.

Course Details

• Attendance: Full-time, Part-time
• Duration: One year (full-time), Two years (part-time)
• Next Enrolment: September 2025

Introduction

This course seeks to empower communities through the power of art, through collaboration and participation with people, and co-authored and co-produced activities. Students will be supported to consider pressing social issues such as inclusion, mental health, homelessness, regeneration, and sustainability.

What You Will Learn

• Learn the skills needed to forge a professional career in the world of social and community art through engagement within dedicated communities
• Develop co-authorship and co-curation skills in managing and producing community-inspired and facilitated projects
• Collaborate with other art and design students from different courses, strengthening your ability to work across multiple disciplines
• Develop essential transferable skills such as research, presenting, and self-reflection, as well as refine your artistic and creative abilities
• Graduate with a strong portfolio of work

Placement Options

• Placement options are available
• International students are accepted

Modules

• Creative Research Methods: This module focuses on the understanding of and the application of a range of practice-based research methods.
• Exploring Theory and Practice: This module deals with the theoretical and practical issues faced by practitioners in the context of art and the creative and cultural industries.
• Real World Context: Through this module, you will undertake a placement in a relevant workplace to gain new experiences and test out developing ideas and activities.
• Applied Practice: Within this module, you will examine how your design work can be applied to external contexts such as live projects, commissions, and external sites.
• Definitive Practice: The aims of the major project are to offer you the opportunity to critically engage in a major project in which the emphasis will be on defining and analyzing through action research.

Teaching and Learning

• Teaching: Your timetable will include a breakdown of your scheduled lessons with timeslots for you to explore your independent research interests.
• Learning Activities: Exercises such as team and peer-based learning, studio practice, and critical seminar-events, site visits, visiting professionals, work placements, online activities, and critical debates.

Assessment

• Assessment: You will be assessed throughout the course on a combination of your coursework, as well as the contextual research that has influenced it.
• Submissions: All submissions are comprised of a body of practice plus a contextual and critical research portfolio, and reflective logs/journals and case studies.

Employment and Stats

• Employment: Upon graduating from this socially engaged art master's programme, you may choose to pursue a variety of career paths, such as freelance artist, teacher, or researcher.
• Further Study: Graduates showing strong academic and research skills can pursue a further academic research path through our doctoral (PhD) programmes.

Requirements

• Applicant Profile: To gain a place on this MA Socially Engaged Arts Practice course, you will have to submit a personal statement and meet our entry requirements when you apply.
• Standard Entry Requirements: To join this MA, you should have a second-class honours degree, 2:2 or above.
• International Students: If you are an international student and not from a majority English-speaking country, you will need IELTS 6.0 with no element below 5.5.

Fees

• Type of Study: Full-time home, Full-time international
• Year: 2025/26
• Fees: £9,100 per year (full-time home), £17,000 per year (full-time international)

Additional Costs

• Additional Costs: You should also consider further costs which may include books, stationery, printing, binding, and general subsistence on trips and visits.

Scholarships for International Students

• Scholarships: If you are a high-achieving international student, you may be eligible for one of our scholarships. Explore our international scholarships.

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Degree Overview

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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.

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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.

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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.

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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

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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.

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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.

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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.

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Teaching

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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.

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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.

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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.

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Other

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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.

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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.

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Alumni Network:

Graduates become part of a thriving alumni network, offering professional and personal support after graduation.

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| 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 |

University of Salford: A Summary

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Overview:

The University of Salford is a public university located in Salford, Greater Manchester, England. It is known for its strong focus on practical learning and its close ties to industry. The university offers a wide range of undergraduate and postgraduate programs across various disciplines.

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Student Life and Campus Experience:

The university provides a vibrant campus experience with a range of facilities and activities for students. These include:

Accommodation:

The university offers a variety of accommodation options, including on-campus residences and private apartments.

Sports Centre:

Students can stay active and healthy by joining the university's sports centre, which offers a wide range of activities.

Clubs and Societies:

Students can join a variety of clubs and societies to meet new people and pursue their interests.

Library:

The university library provides students with access to a wide range of resources, including books, journals, and online databases.

Cafe and Dining:

The campus has several cafes and dining options for students to enjoy.

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Key Reasons to Study There:

Practical Learning:

The university emphasizes practical learning, with many programs incorporating hands-on experience and industry placements.

Industry Connections:

The university has strong ties to industry, providing students with opportunities for internships, placements, and networking.

Location:

The university is located in Salford, a vibrant city with easy access to Manchester city centre.

Modern Facilities:

The university has invested in modern facilities, including a state-of-the-art sports centre and a new library.

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Other:

The university offers a variety of student support services, including academic advising, career counseling, and mental health support. It also has a strong commitment to research, with a focus on areas such as energy, healthcare, and technology.