At Italia Conti, we combine tradition and innovation in our teaching to enhance engagement, retention, and success. Pursuing a Master of Arts in Creative Arts Education (MA / PgDip) is more than an academic endeavour – it’s a transformative experience that reshapes how you approach teaching, enriches classroom dynamics, and bridges the gap between theory and practice.

Enhancing Teaching Methods

Our MA in Creative Arts Education programme, led by Jenny Coyle, will equip you with cutting-edge pedagogical strategies. Our curriculum is designed to help you harness innovative teaching techniques, develop comprehensive curricula, and seamlessly integrate technology into your teaching. This ensures that you can craft lessons that are not only engaging but also tailored to meet the diverse needs of your students.

Enriching Classroom Dynamics

The knowledge and skills you acquire through our MA programme will significantly enhance your ability to create dynamic and interactive classroom environments. The programme is delivered online, offering flexibility and both full-time (15 months) and part-time (30 months) study options.

You will learn to inspire your students by incorporating various artistic mediums and fostering a culture of creative expression. This approach makes learning more enjoyable and supports your students’ holistic development, preparing them for a future in the creative arts.

Bridging Theory and Practice

One of the standout features of the Masters programme at Italia Conti is its emphasis on translating theoretical concepts into practical, studio-based learning experiences. You will gain the skills and knowledge to design projects that teach artistic skills while integrating other academic subjects, fostering a multidisciplinary approach to education.

• Creative Approaches to Education: You will self-reflect on your teaching practice, identifying areas for improvement using learning theories. You will assess these theories in a written essay, relate them to your teaching style, and present an overview of your artistic practice. This analysis will help you predict personal, professional, and artistic growth opportunities.
• The Creative Educator: You will explore current industry topics in performing arts education, enhance your skills, and create a professional development blueprint. This includes examining issues like diversity, AI, and social justice in a written essay. You will conduct practice research and provide a visual commentary on its impact. Finally, you will design a Continuous Professional Development programme to advance your teaching practice.
• The Teaching Artist: You will explore the role of a Teaching Artist, blending artistic talent with teaching expertise. You will create reflective case studies and engaging short-form video content to refine your craft and highlight the interplay between artistry and teaching. This module focuses on assessing the impact of being a Teaching Artist on your students.
• The Innovative Professional: You will create a professional strategy aligned with your career aspirations, design and execute an innovation project, and develop a Professional Charter that defines your work ethic and leadership values. This Charter will guide your future decisions and professional identity. The final task is an assessed tutorial discussing your progress and achievements. Join us to explore your creativity, enhance your teaching, and shape the future of performing arts education.

Career Prospects

Graduates of the MA in Creative Arts Education programme at Italia Conti can look forward to diverse career opportunities:

• Educator/Facilitator and Leadership/Management: Inspire future artists by conducting workshops and leading community outreach or performing arts initiatives. Note that a PGCE may be required in addition to your MA.
• Operations Coordinator/Arts Admin and Curriculum Coordinator: Manage theatre operations and budgets while developing arts-focused curricula, shaping the educational journey of performing arts students.
• Grants and Learning Officer: Secure funding for learning organisations and young artists, organise educational outreach events, and facilitate qualifications.
• Business Owner/Entrepreneur and Freelancer/Self-employed: Launch projects in performing arts education and create a flexible career in arts administration, career development, consultancy, and project management.

Industry Links

Italia Conti provides extensive industry links to support your career development:

• Visiting Lecturers: Engage with industry professionals, creatives, specialist performing arts educators, and industry leaders who share their insights, experiences, and expertise.
• Professional Mentors and 1-1 Tutorials: Connect with industry professionals for mentorship, tutorials, and guidance.
• Digital Networking Events: Attend digital networking events, workshops, or seminars to meet industry professionals, fellow students, and alumnx and create valuable connections.
• Alumnx Networks: Engage with alumnx networks for mentorship, job referrals, or collaborative opportunities.
• Career Services: Access guidance, job postings, funding opportunities, and industry insights tailored to your field.
• Industry Panels and Discussions: Engage with, organise, and facilitate panel discussions, forums, and conferences where industry professionals discuss challenges, barriers, trends, and innovations.

Conclusion

Earning a Master of Arts in Creative Arts Education at Italia Conti is a life-changing journey that will equip you with the practical skills and knowledge to revolutionise your teaching methods.

This advanced degree empowers you to create a more engaging, interdisciplinary, and practical learning experience by enhancing pedagogical strategies, enriching classroom dynamics, and effectively translating theory into practice. The impact of such an education extends far beyond the classroom, preparing your students to thrive in an increasingly complex and creative world.

Additionally, the programme is validated by the University of Chichester, ensuring a high standard of academic excellence. Full government funding is available through Postgraduate funding for home students, making this transformative education accessible.

Italia Conti is committed to nurturing the next generation of educators who inspire and lead with creativity and innovation. Join us and become part of a tradition of excellence that continues to shape the future of creative arts education.