An MA programme for creative practitioners working with/in community contexts with focus on ethics, finances/budgeting, as well as practice-based learning. One year Full-time or two year Part-time.

This MA programme will allow students to graduate with a better understanding of how artists (visual artists, musicians, theatre practitioners or any other other creatives) can apply their work with/in community contexts, or engage with domains such as education, healthcare, social welfare, education or criminal justice.

This course focuses on both the conceptual but also the practical and financial skills to develop a sustainable career. The combination of modules on this MA makes it unique in Scotland, and the focus on ethics, theory, practice, finance and industry-based learning makes it a holistic and well-rounded study.

Sept 2026 or January 2027 starts available. The flexible study options and diverse curriculum make it particularly suitable if you are already working in the sector or wish to do so while studying.

The unique focus of this course is on the *practice* of working with communities in social contexts, and thus aims to ensure students gain knowledge in real time contexts alongside communities and organisations alongside theoretical considerations. Industry-based learning opportunities (ie placements) are available and the final dissertation of the MA would be a community-based project either in partnership with their local or national partners, or with a community of your choosing.

Taught (face-to-face) classes will take place only on Thu and Fri during term time. When you are not in class, you will spend time on independent learning/course work, including – where applicable – placement activity.

There is also a part-time route which is more flexible, requiring approximately one day per week per semester of taught activity, and this pathway is stretched over two years.

Modules include practical and theoretical elements, and focus on: Fundraising, Development and Finance / Theories and Histories / Principles of Participatory Art, including planning and evaluation / Ethics and Engagement (“The Only Way is Ethics”) / Practice as Research / Dissertation. Individual modules can also be taken as part of a CPD programme

Funding may be available via SAAS: please contact them directly: https://www.saas.gov.uk/index.htm
Hear stories about their graduates: https://www.qmu.ac.uk/study-here/student-stories/guendalina-rota-pgcert-applied-arts-and-social-practice and https://www.qmu.ac.uk/study-here/student-stories/ryoko-kanazawa-ma-participatory-arts

For further information, please contact Aschrag@qmu.ac.uk or visit https://www.qmu.ac.uk/study-here/postgraduate-study/2026/ma-participatory-arts.