Creative Expressive Arts and Health Practice MArts (Hons)

Overview

This innovative course teaches you how to use the arts as a tool to work with others in a positive and therapeutic way. You'll develop your skills in the applied arts as an Arts & Health Practitioner, and gain exciting practical experience through work-based learning and placements with our partner organisations in the community.

Study Options

• Full-time: 4 years
• Part-time: 7 years

Fees

• UK fee: £9,535 per year (2025/26)
• International fee: £16,900 per year (2025/26)

UCAS Points

• 112-120 (September 2024 entry)

UCAS Code

• W193

Start Date

• September

Location

• Kedleston Road and Britannia Mill, Derby Campus

Course Description

This course will give you the opportunity to develop a range of specific and transferable skills that are applicable in a wide range of settings where you will work with people using the arts; or in contexts where engaging with people is a focus; whether this is in employment or further study. You will learn with and from tutors who are experienced practitioners and researchers in the field; as well as our community partners, who will offer a real-world experience, helping you to develop your employability.

What You Will Study

You'll study modules such as:

Stage One

• The Healthy Practitioner
• Human Development and Play
• Working Creatively with Groups
• Arts, Culture and Wellbeing
• The Creative Self

Stage Two

• The Developing Practitioner
• Concept of Self
• Arts for Health
• Arts for Health Research Methods
• Group Work with Diverse Population

Stage Three

• Groupwork in Community Placement
• The Emerging Practitioner
• The Professional Self
• Creative Mentoring and Reflective Practice
• Researching, Monitoring and Evaluating Practice

Stage Four

• Advanced Arts and Health Practice
• The Professional Practitioner
• Arts and Health Independent Scholarship

How You Will Learn

The course balances classroom-based theory with practical sessions involving studio, performance and exhibition work. The focus is on developing your transferable skills so that you can adapt to varied and changing circumstances.

How You Are Assessed

You'll be assessed in many ways to help you develop a compelling variety of skills. These include essays, exhibitions, performances, reflective journals and diaries, videos and production projects.

Who You Will Meet

You'll learn from highly experienced teachers who are committed to your success. All specialists in their field, they include active researchers, authors and industry practitioners with outstanding professional networks.

Careers

You'll develop transferable skills which enable you to work creatively with people in a range of different settings, drawing on your knowledge of art, dance, drama or music.

Entry Requirements

2024 Entry

• UCAS points: 112-120
• A Level: BBB-BBC (No subject specific requirements at A-level or equivalent, however applicants need to demonstrate proficiency in the arts)
• T Level: Merit
• BTEC: DMM
• GCSE: At least five GCSEs (or equivalent) including English at grade 4/C or above
• Access to HE: Pass Access to HE Diploma with 60 credits: 45 at Level 3 with a minimum of Distinction: 15, Merit: 24, Pass: 6
• English language requirements: IELTS: 6.0 (with at least 5.5 in each skills area)

Additional Entry Requirements

• Portfolio: Recommended
• An Enhanced Disclosure & Barring Service certificate cleared by the University is required for this course.

Fees and Funding

2025/26

• UK: £9,535 per year (full-time), £1,190 per 20 credit module (part-time)
• International: £16,900 per year (full-time), N/A (part-time)

Additional Costs and Optional Extras

• Essential equipment for all practical workshops (e.g art materials and tools, musical instruments and drama props)
• DBS check
• The programme uses Adobe Creative Suite which is installed on all Macs in MS102 and MS012 at Markeaton Street and students are provided with an individual Adobe Creative Cloud subscription for home use
• To support their professional and skills development, students are provided with a subscription to LinkedIn Learning which offers over 13,000 courses and tutorials, including professional accreditations, in a wide range of creative, business & technology disciplines
• Mandatory costs not included in your fees:
  • Students may purchase additional resources for placement activities, dependent on the nature of what they choose to deliver
  • Students will need their own waterproofs, wellies etc for the environmental sculpture event
  • Students may wish to purchase specific props and/or outfits for performances
  • Art materials beyond those supplied for specialist teaching e.g. large volumes of clay, large canvases and specialist paint/brushes, textiles/fabrics - especially for final year work
  • Students are expected to fund-raise to finance the production of the booklet supporting their final exhibition or performance, and refreshments for the opening evening
  • Students with specialist musical instruments beyond those available in the University
• Optional costs not included in your fees:
  • Students may opt to engage in international trips and activities that are not fully funded, though bursaries may be available
  • Optional outings and trips will also require self-funding

The program focuses on developing students into Arts & Health Practitioners, equipping them with professional and personal skills for fulfilling careers in various settings, including arts, health, social care, and education.

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Objectives:

• Develop skills in applied arts as an Arts & Health Practitioner.
• Enhance professional and personal skills for diverse career paths.
• Gain practical experience through work-based learning and placements with community partners.
• Develop transferable skills applicable in various settings where arts are used to engage with people.
• Learn from experienced practitioners and researchers in the field, as well as community partners.
• Progress towards autonomous working as a professional through individual scholarship and community projects.
• Develop research skills and apply them in arts and health practice contexts.
• Enhance skills in creative coaching, mentoring, and facilitating reflective practice.

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Outline:

The program is structured as a four-year full-time or seven-year part-time integrated masters course. It is divided into four stages, each with specific modules:

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Stage One:

• The Healthy Practitioner
• Effective Communication
• Human Development and Play
• Working Creatively with Groups
• Arts, Culture and Wellbeing
• The Creative Self

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Stage Two:

• The Developing Practitioner
• Concept of Self
• Working Creatively with People 2
• Interpersonal Development
• Wellbeing and Society

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Stage Three:

• Groupwork in Community Placement
• The Emerging Practitioner
• The Professional Self
• Creative Mentoring and Reflective Practice
• Researching, Monitoring and Evaluating Practice

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Stage Four:

• Advanced Arts and Health Practice
• The Professional Practitioner
• Arts and Health Independent Scholarship

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Assessment:

Assessment methods are diverse and designed to reflect real-world practice, ensuring students develop the necessary skills to be safe and effective practitioners. Methods include:

• Essays
• Exhibitions
• Performances
• Reflective journals and diaries
• Videos
• Production projects
• Two extended pieces of critical writing
• Reflective writing or professional discussion
• Critical report
• Research proposal

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Teaching:

The program balances classroom-based theory with practical sessions involving studio, performance, and exhibition work. Teaching and learning strategies are designed to support student development in understanding the potential of arts and creativity in promoting human development, health, and wellbeing.

• Diverse range of teaching and learning strategies
• Emphasis on self-awareness and reflection
• Opportunities for self-directed learning
• Practical application of skills in community settings
• Guidance and advice from personal tutors
• Specialists in their field, including active researchers, authors, and industry practitioners
• Supportive and engaging learning environment
• Programme Leader: David Home, senior lecturer with experience as an acupuncturist and oriental health practitioner
• Keziah Smith, qualified Art Psychotherapist, lectures on MA Art Therapy and BA (Hons) Creative Expressive Arts, Health and Wellbeing programs

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Careers:

Graduates from this program are equipped to work creatively with people in various settings, drawing on their knowledge of art, dance, drama, or music. Potential career paths include:

• Community arts
• Voluntary organizations
• Health
• Education
• Corporate sector
• Self-employment

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Other:

• The program utilizes Adobe Creative Suite, with students provided with individual Adobe Creative Cloud subscriptions for home use.
• Students receive a subscription to LinkedIn Learning, offering over 13,000 courses and tutorials.
• Students are encouraged to participate in collaborative projects in the wider community.
• The program offers guest lectures by leading professionals in the field.
• Students participate in environmental, site-specific arts workshops as part of the "Big Wood" project.
• The program culminates in an Independent study, allowing students to explore areas of their choosing within the applied arts & health subject area.
• Students are expected to fundraise to finance the production of a booklet supporting their final exhibition or performance, and refreshments for the opening evening.
• Students with specialist musical instruments beyond those available in the University may need to fund their own instruments.

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UK fee: £9,250 per year (2024/25) International fee: £14,900 per year (2024/25)

University of Derby Summary

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Overview:

The University of Derby is a public university located in Derby, England. It offers a wide range of undergraduate and postgraduate programs, as well as short courses and research degrees. The university is known for its commitment to teaching excellence and its focus on applied research.

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Services Offered:

The University of Derby provides a comprehensive range of services to its students, including:

Academic Support:

Student support services, including academic advising, career counseling, and study skills workshops.

Campus and Facilities:

Modern facilities, including libraries, computer labs, and sports facilities.

Fees and Finance:

Information on tuition fees, scholarships, and financial aid options.

International Students:

Dedicated support for international students, including visa guidance and cultural integration programs.

Employability:

Career development services, including job search assistance, internship opportunities, and employer networking events.

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Student Life and Campus Experience:

The University of Derby offers a vibrant and diverse campus experience, with a range of opportunities for students to engage in extracurricular activities, including:

Accommodation:

On-campus and off-campus housing options for students.

Clubs and Societies:

A wide variety of clubs and societies catering to diverse interests.

Sport at Derby:

Opportunities to participate in a range of sports, both competitive and recreational.

Union of Students:

A student-led organization that represents student interests and provides support services.

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Key Reasons to Study There:

Teaching Excellence:

The university has been awarded Gold in the Teaching Excellence Framework (TEF), recognizing its commitment to high-quality teaching and learning.

Applied Research:

The university is known for its applied research, which has a real-world impact on society and industry.

Student Satisfaction:

The university consistently ranks highly in student satisfaction surveys.

Vibrant Campus Life:

The university offers a vibrant and diverse campus experience, with a range of opportunities for students to engage in extracurricular activities.

Strong Employability:

The university has a strong track record of helping students find employment after graduation.

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Academic Programs:

The University of Derby offers a wide range of academic programs, including:

Undergraduate Programs:

BA, BSc, FdA, FdSc degrees in various disciplines.

Postgraduate Programs:

MA, MSc, PhD degrees in various disciplines.

Short Courses:

A range of short courses for professional development and personal enrichment.

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Other:

The university is committed to its civic mission and plays an active role in the local community. It has a strong focus on sustainability and social responsibility.

Campus and Facilities:

While the context mentions facilities, it does not provide a detailed description.

Fees and Finance:

The context mentions fees and finance but does not provide specific details.