Postgraduate Studies

Post Graduate Diplomas, Master of Arts, Doctor of Phliosophy

The National College of Art and Design has a major commitment to postgraduate studies and our policy is to achieve a substantial growth in our postgraduate courses and numbers.We offer a range of specialisms and welcome applications from graduates capable of high quality achievement.

The Faculty of Education welcomes enquiries and applications from interested and appropriately qualified graduates wishing to undertake research leading to the award of an MA or PhD degree in art and design education.

Suitably qualified applicants are likely to have ideas for the identification of an appropriate research topic based on their own practice in the field of education. Research is undertaken on an individual basis under the guidance of a supervisor. Postgraduate research topics may relate to any aspect of educational theory and practice with special reference to art, craft and design education. The research is presented in the form of a written thesis and is supported by relevant visual documentation where appropriate. School-based or other empirical research normally forms part of such study.

Curriculum development, comparative studies, developmental and other aspects of the visual arts in education are some areas of potential research interest to applicants wishing to undertake postgraduate study in the field of art and design education.

Final research topics of successful applicants are agreed in consultation with the Head of Faculty and individual supervisors.

MA in Visual Arts Education

The Faculty of Education is pleased to announce the MA in Visual Arts Education an innovative new MA programme commencing in Autumn 2009.

Educators from all sectors – Primary and Post-primary Education, Further and Higher Education, Community and Adult Education, the cultural sector and beyond – are invited to apply for this new programme.

Commencing in Autumn 2009 the MA in Visual Arts Education is a 90-credit, 2-year taught Masters programme. Closing date for applications is the 15th May.

Click here for more information and application procedures

Post Graduate Diploma in Art and Design Education

The course is an intensive one-year training programme for intending art, craft and design teachers. It is open to graduates in art and design disciplines holding a recognised diploma or degree.

Course Description

The course deals with the theory and practice of art, craft and design education at post-primary level. It develops the student teacher's understanding of the ways in which art, craft and design experiences can be used to promote the aesthetic, intellectual, personal and social development of young people. The course is an integrated one with all components perceived as related to one another. There are three main subject areas:

1.Classroom Practice

Students teach art, craft and design classes in post-primary schools throughout the year. They are prepared for teaching through teaching workshops, preparing lesson plans, making visual aids and planning art, craft and design lesson schemes. Classroom teaching is supported in a preparatory way through peer-teaching, micro-teaching and tutorials. Students will be expected to complete a minimum of 100 hours actual classroom practice during the course. Classroom Practice will normally be arranged by the College.

2. Education Studies

Education Studies comprise History and Philosophy of Education, Behavioural Sciences and Curriculum Studies. Students submit written work and/or take an examination in these areas as well as completing a dissertation dealing with an aspect of art, craft and design education.

3. Art, Craft and Design Studies (Visual Arts for Classroom Practice)

Under this heading are included a broad range of 2D and 3D studies including Painting & Drawing, Graphic Design and Technology etc., relevant to post-primary curricular content.

Career Prospects

Graduates of this course may take up careers as teachers of Art, Craft and Design at post-primary level or work in related areas.

Post Graduate Diploma in Community Arts Education

This one-year course is for graduates with a diploma or degree or equivalent in the visual arts or related areas, who are interested in deepening their knowledge and understanding of contextual art practice. It is desirable that applicants have experience of or a strong interest in working with groups or communities in various contexts.

Course Description

This course aims to provide participants with a range of skills and knowledge that will enable them to work effectively, creatively and professionally in a collaborative arts context. The course is for participants who are interested in exploring and developing an arts practice through collaboration with a variety of community groups and in a diverse range of settings. The course combines theory and practice. Students will undertake research, project based work and a work placement as well as attending lectures, seminars and tutorials. Teaching and learning formats will include lectures, tutorials, seminars, studio practice and practical sessions.

Course Structure

There are four interrelated modules:

Community Arts Context
Adult Education and Strategies for Learning
Arts Practice and Collaboration
Community Arts: Practice and Placement

Students attend for six hours per week for a 30-week period. This involves two evenings per week. Also, there will be two full-time weeks during the course of the year. Total contact hours amount to 240 with an additional 100 placement hours which students will undertake in a community setting.

Assessment

Students will be assessed on a continuous basis. Certification will be awarded on the basis of performance in two assignments (written and creative), one project and one practice demonstration.

Further information on Postgraduate Study options at the NCAD is available in the Research Section of this website.

Click here for Entry Requirements and Application Procedures

Download: Postgraduate Diploma in Art and Design Education - Course Leaflet 2009 (PDF1.87MB)
Download: Application for admission to NUI Post Graduate Diploma in Art & Design Education (PDF 56k)
Download: Post Graduate Diploma in Community Arts Education 2009 (PDF 1.7MB)
Download: Education - MA, PHD (PDF 400k)
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