MA/Postgraduate Diploma (Arts Policy and Practice)

Course details

This programme aims to build an understanding of the performing, visual, and literary arts, film and new media and their associated contexts of culture, education and heritage. This programme is designed to enhance students organisational skills and also to develop policies for the Arts. The part-time option has been designed to support students unable to enlist in a full-time programme.

Students may only apply for the M.A. Those who do not meet the minimum entry requirements may be admitted with relevant professional experience via a qualifying exam, or be admitted to the PDip.

NUI Galway graduates of the Higher Diploma in Arts Policy and Practice (formerly Arts Administration) are eligible to apply for the M.A. Dissertation Only programme. Further information is available on request.

Key facts

Entry requirements

NQAI Level 8 degree or equivalent H2.2. GPA 3.0 or international qualification. IELTS score of 6.5 or equivalent if applicable. Students who do not meet the honours degree requirement but have a level 7 degree (Merit 2) may be admitted to the PDip course with the possibility of progressing to the MA if they receive a minimum of 60% in their coursework during the year.

Course outline

The programme provides a range of modules balanced between practical training in specific relevant skills and an analysis of policy formation in the arts. It is designed to enhance students administration skills and also to develop policy knowledge in relation to the Arts. Students come from diverse backgrounds either within the sector, be they artists, administrators or managers and also those wishing to enter the sector.

The MA is a full-time programme taken over a twelve month period (September to August). The year is diverse into two teaching semesters (September to December and January to April). The summer period will be used to complete a six week placement and a minor dissertation.

The part-time programme is taken over a 24- month period. Both academic years are diverse into two teaching semesters each year (September to December and January to April). In Year one, students are required to take 30 ECTS while in Year 2, 60 ECTS must be undertaken including the MA thesis (30 ECTS) for those taking the MA stream.

A 4 - 6 week placement is also a requirement of the programme.

This valuable placement opportunity is within an organisation of your choosing. Module work includes the production of live campus events and also participation at the TG4 Gradam Ceoil awards. Individual guest sessions are tailored to MA/PDip students.

Requirements and assessment

Students will be assessed on the various modules by a combination of essays, presentations and a combined project. Students will also be required to complete a 16,000 - 18,000 word minor dissertation as their final assessment, to be submitted in early August.