Psychology of the Arts, Neuroaesthetics and Creativity (Taught)

This Masters is the first postgraduate programme in the world for the scientific study of aesthetics and creativity.

• The programme sits at the intersection of the arts and the sciences. It will introduce you to the psychology and the cognitive neuroscience of how humans generate new ideas, how we appreciate beauty, and how we form preferences.

• With a strong interdisciplinary focus at the intersection of the arts and the sciences, the programme provides an in-depth introduction to the scientific and psychological study of aesthetic experiences, art engagement, and creativity.

• Aesthetic and creative decisions are relevant in the visual and the performing arts, and in many applied and commercial contexts – ranging from clinical interventions to curating exhibitions, and from dance choreography to marketing and advertising.

• Based in Psychology and Neuroscience, in collaboration with Computing, Media, Communications and Cultural Studies and Creative Management, the course builds critical knowledge, research and communication skills across the arts and the sciences, centred around two key topics: the psychological and brain mechanisms of making (creativity) and appreciating (neuroaesthetics) art.

• You'll be able to follow one of of two options: the Interdisciplinary Pathway or the Creative Coding Pathway.

• The Interdisciplinary Pathway will help prepare you for a career in psychology, marketing, media studies or the creative industries, while the Creative Computing Pathway is well-suited for those interested in a research career in experimental psychology or computational arts.

• You'll gain in-depth knowledge of experimental design, statistics and neuroscientific methods, providing you with the necessary research skills for an empirical investigation of these topics in a dissertation research project and beyond.