Programme Description
The Master of Education programme explicitly connects theory and practice, focusing on contemporary issues, which span different practices and discourses (education, pedagogy, politics, art, design, cultural theory, digital didactics, philosophy, museum education and ‘community arts’). Students are encouraged to reflect upon their position and teaching methodologies within social, cultural and political contexts, and are offered a close insight in the newest developments in art education, contemporary art and design. Through an intensive study process, they strengthen their professional and personal position in the field. Although the general focus is interdisciplinary, the programme specializes in art and design education.
How can educators help to define the role of art and design in society? Which pedagogical methodologies are appropriate for specific audiences and contexts? How do developments such as ‘the educational turn in art’ influence gallery education? Can art education help children grow up to become self-confident and emancipated adults? How does art and design education adapt itself to a changing society and educational environment, or how does it respond to a neoliberal economy and increasing assessment culture? These are but a few of the questions that are at the core of the Piet Zwart Institute’s Master of Education programme.
The course is mainly based on intensive seminars and workshops led by a dedicated group of educators, artists, designers and theorists. Through a uniquely tailored curriculum combining collective learning with individual tutorials, practice-based research and theoretical enquiry, our programme is built around the concept of the critically reflective practitioner. Every student graduates with an extensive research and project presented publicly at the end of the second year.
The curriculum is designed for teachers (secondary and higher education, university) who operate within an institutional framework, or with an educational practice within the cultural sector, but the programme also opens up to cultural workers, artists and designers interested in education, pedagogy and/or the public dimension of their work. Depending on a student’s particular background, interests and educational qualifications, the programme prepares graduates to engage with formal educational structures as well as informal learning environments, such as skill-sharing workshops and community-based projects. Pedagogical methodologies range from active fieldwork to theoretical research, interpretive methods, and the exploration of new and emerging forms of digital didactics.
In order to attract and accommodate working professionals seeking to upgrade or enhance their professional practice, the programme is structured as a 60-credit part-time course spread over two years. Classes are held every two weeks on Friday and Saturday (in the case of core modules the Thursday evening is added to that to facilitate lectures, et cetera). All modules are taught in English.
Upon fulfilling credit requirements, students graduate with a Master of Education.
The Master of Education degree does not qualify you to teach in grade schools (basisschool) or high schools (voortgezet onderwijs). This certification varies according to country and region, and your educational background or previously required degrees.
Please visit Piet Zwart Institute site for more information.
Practical Information for this course
Cover project: Some Troubles with Making by Shailoh Phillips.
