Learning and Teaching in the Arts (Taught)

The application deadline for this programme is 31st May 2026

This part-time 180-credit programme provides a unique opportunity for arts educators to upgrade their teaching qualifications and obtain a Masters, which has been specifically designed to develop teaching skills for the arts. It is delivered on a part-time basis with a mix of face-to-face and online sessions, one-to-one tutorials and independent study. Students further afield have the option to study the programme fully online, accessing the face-to-face sessions through a video conferencing platform.

The programme is designed to allow you to integrate your studies within your professional teaching contexts. The process of professional enquiry that underpins all modules requires students to engage in a sustained critical analysis of their teaching and arts practice in order to identify and address their own developmental priorities at each stage. The programme culminates in a self-designed, self-generated, project that is intended to help students make a significant contribution to their professional practices and their learners. As such, we are looking for individuals who are ready to engage their creativity in developing and evolving innovative approaches to their practice as arts educators.

The programme is designed to appeal to individuals who have a role as an arts educator within a formal education context such as a:

GTCS registered primary teacher*
GTCS registered secondary teacher*
Further Education lecturer/tutor*
Higher Education lecturer/tutor*
Visiting Guest Tutor in a school
Instrumental Music Instructor
Teacher in an International School
Lecturer/tutor in an International Higher Education context**
Early Years educator

Or within a UK or International informal context, such as a:

Community Arts Tutor
Participatory Arts Tutor
Private Tutor
Dance Tutor/Teacher
Tutor in a pre-HE organisation
Freelance Teaching Artist

Professional Recognition
*GTCS registered teachers who have a remit for an arts subject within their school teaching context can use this programme to build evidence of their commitment to their professional learning as an arts educator. We include the following within our definition of an ‘arts subject’: music, dance, drama and art and design. The programme is accredited by the GTCS, and upon completion of the programme, students can apply to gain Professional Recognition with the GTCS (pending award). The programme can also be used to build credit towards an application for 2nd Subject Registration in dance, drama, music or art and design.

AdvanceHE and HEA Fellowship
For lecturers/tutors working in a further or higher education context with learners at SCQF Level 7 or above (or equivalent), this programme leads to Fellowship of the Higher Education Academy (FHEA).

Curriculum Review
We are currently in the review cycle for our postgraduate programmes starting in 2026, these courses are currently designated 'subject to validation'. This is standard practice during curriculum review periods. The outcome of this process, may mean there are some changes to how your programme is delivered.