MA Arts, Health and Performance

Canterbury

 

INTAKE: September

Program Overview

The MA Arts, Health and Performance program at Canterbury Christ Church University (CCCU), United Kingdom, is a pioneering multidisciplinary Master's degree that investigates the profound potential of participatory arts, performance science, and artistic practice to significantly enhance health, wellbeing, education, training, and performance across diverse populations. Rooted in a blend of theories and research from psychology, sociology, physiology, and pedagogy, the course examines the role of arts in both inclusive community settings and elite performance contexts. It aims to equip students with advanced knowledge and highly employable skills to critically understand and navigate these interconnected fields, preparing them for professional roles that leverage the transformative power of the arts.

Curriculum: The curriculum for the MA Arts, Health and Performance program is designed for depth and practical application. Core modules typically include "Collaborative Practice," which explores project and collaboration management methodologies relevant to the creative and cultural industries; "Creativity, Culture, and Community," examining key concepts and research traditions; "Performance Science," investigating the "healthy performer" through current scientific research and educational practice; and "Performance, Health and Wellbeing," exploring the power of arts and interdisciplinary theories related to arts on prescription and community practices. The program culminates in a flexible "Final Project" (60 credits) that allows students to apply their learning to a substantive subject-specific project, which can take various forms, including written research, performance-based work, or lab-based studies, demonstrating postgraduate aptitude in research, planning, and realization.

Research Focus: Canterbury Christ Church University, particularly through its renowned Sidney De Haan Research Centre for Arts and Health, maintains a strong and active research focus that directly underpins the MA Arts, Health and Performance program. The Centre has made significant contributions to the development of the arts and health field in the UK and internationally, focusing on co-production, participatory research, practice-based research, social prescribing, and knowledge exchange. Researchers examine social, artistic, health, and wellbeing outcomes using arts-based and participatory methods across different population groups, exploring access and participation in creative and performing arts activities such as dance, music, applied theatre, storytelling, and digital arts. The program encourages students to engage with this vibrant research environment and develop their own research projects, contributing to the growing evidence base for the impact of arts on health and wellbeing.

Industry Engagement: The MA Arts, Health and Performance program at CCCU fosters significant industry engagement, preparing students for practical roles within the field. While specific placements are not explicitly detailed as mandatory modules in all course descriptions, the program's "Collaborative Practice" module encourages students to work on projects, often sourced from industry, applying project and collaboration management methodologies relevant to the creative and cultural industries. The curriculum is informed by the expertise of artists, practitioners, and academics, ensuring that the content is relevant to contemporary practices in participatory arts, arts for health, and performance science. Graduates are equipped with the knowledge and skills valuable to arts companies, health organizations, educational bodies, and both for-profit and non-profit organizations seeking to strategically develop or manage projects in arts and health.

Global Perspective: The MA Arts, Health and Performance program inherently incorporates a global perspective by recognizing the universal impact of arts on health and wellbeing across diverse cultures. Canterbury Christ Church University, through its research initiatives like the "Art for Global Health" exhibition spotlighting projects such as ECLIPSE (exploring art to address cutaneous leishmaniasis in Brazil, Ethiopia, and Sri Lanka), demonstrates a clear commitment to understanding and contributing to global health initiatives through artistic and community-focused approaches. While the program welcomes a diverse international student body, enriching classroom discussions with varied cultural insights, its core content also examines the philosophical, sociological, and pedagogical aspects of artistic practice in relation to global contexts. This prepares graduates to engage with international debates and practices in the expanding global field of arts and health.

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Location

Canterbury

Pollster Education

Score

IELTS 6.5

Pollster Education

Tuition Fee

£ 15500

Postgraduate Entry Requirements

Academic Qualifications: Applicants should have successfully completed a bachelor's degree or its equivalent from a recognized institution with a minimum overall score of 60% or equivalent.

English language proficiency:

  • IELTS: A minimum overall score of 6.5 or 7.0 with no individual component below 6.0.
  • TOEFL: A minimum overall score of 60.
  • PTE Academic: A minimum overall score of 59.
  • Some postgraduate programs may have specific subject prerequisites or additional requirements.

Canterbury Christ Church University (CCCU) offers various scholarships and financial aid options to support international students in their academic journey. These scholarships are designed to help reduce the financial burden of tuition fees and living expenses, enabling students to focus on their studies and make the most of their university experience.

International Merit Scholarship: This scholarship is awarded to international students based on their academic performance and achievements. It provides a significant discount on tuition fees, making it more affordable for high-achieving students from abroad to study at CCCU.

Global Students Scholarship: This scholarship is aimed at supporting international students who demonstrate excellent potential and their studies. It offers a percentage reduction in tuition fees for undergraduate and postgraduate international students.

Postgraduate International Scholarship: For postgraduate students, CCCU offers specific scholarships that provide financial assistance for those pursuing a master’s or doctoral program. These scholarships recognize academic excellence and provide an opportunity for international students to study in the UK at a reduced cost.

Graduates of the MA Arts, Health and Performance program from Canterbury Christ Church University are uniquely positioned to pursue diverse and impactful careers at the intersection of the arts, health, and wellbeing sectors. This innovative Master's degree provides a deep understanding of how creative practices, participatory arts, and performance science can enhance individual and community well-being, drawing on research from psychology, sociology, and physiology. The program equips students with the skills to critically analyze and apply arts-based interventions, project management methodologies, and evaluative techniques within health, social, and educational contexts. 

Arts and Health Coordinator/Manager: Working within NHS trusts, local authorities, charities, or arts organizations to develop, commission, and manage arts-based programs designed to improve health outcomes and well-being in various communities.

Community Arts Worker: Facilitating participatory arts projects in diverse community settings (e.g., care homes, schools, prisons, mental health services) to promote social inclusion, improve quality of life, and address specific community needs through creative engagement.

Performance Science Consultant: Applying scientific principles and research methodologies to optimize performance and well-being in various high-stakes or demanding environments, such as elite sports, performing arts, or professional training.

Project Manager (Creative/Cultural Industries): Leading and delivering arts-based projects with a focus on health and social impact, managing budgets, timelines, and collaborations between artists, participants, and partner organizations.

Arts Development Officer: Working for local councils, arts councils, or cultural organizations to support and advocate for the development of arts programs that contribute to public health, community development, and social cohesion.

Health and Wellbeing Practitioner (Arts-based): Directly delivering arts interventions or workshops in clinical or community settings, focusing on mental health support, rehabilitation, or therapeutic engagement, often under professional supervision.

Research Assistant/Associate (Arts and Health): Contributing to academic or applied research projects at universities or research centers, collecting data, analyzing findings, and helping to build the evidence base for the impact of arts on health and well-being.

Education and Outreach Officer (Arts Organizations): Designing and delivering educational programs and workshops that connect arts organizations with schools, healthcare providers, and community groups, often with a focus on well-being.

Charity or NGO Program Officer: Working for non-governmental organizations or charities focused on health, mental health, or social welfare, to design, implement, and evaluate programs that utilize arts and creative approaches.

Freelance Arts Practitioner/Facilitator: Developing and delivering independent arts-based workshops or interventions for individuals, groups, or organizations, specializing in areas such as therapeutic art, music for health, or drama for communication.


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