MA Learning and Teaching in the Creative Industries

Program Overview

The MA Learning and Teaching in the Creative Industries at BIMM University is a highly flexible and specialised postgraduate program designed for both aspiring and experienced educators within the creative arts. Offered across various BIMM campuses in the UK (Brighton, Bristol) and available both full-time (one year) and part-time (two years), this MA focuses on enhancing educational and research literacy, fostering teacher agency, and refining pedagogical practices specific to creative subjects. The program takes a person-centred approach, blending expert tuition, experiential workshops, and guided independent study. It is particularly suited for individuals looking to enter teaching in the creative industries for the first time (Early Career pathway) or for seasoned educators seeking to deepen their theoretical and pedagogic knowledge and explore new practices in innovation, curriculum-making, and leadership within Further Education and Higher Education contexts (Experienced Educator pathway). Ultimately, the MA aims to cultivate highly creative, thoughtful, and collaborative educators equipped to lead and inspire change in the dynamic field of creative arts education.

Curriculum: The curriculum for the MA Learning and Teaching in the Creative Industries is thoughtfully structured to provide a comprehensive understanding of modern pedagogy within creative disciplines. Core modules common to both pathways include "Teaching, Learning and Assessment," which focuses on practical and reflective skills in the classroom, and "Investigating Learning and Teaching," which involves developing educational and practitioner-led research skills. The "Early Career" pathway, suitable for those with no prior teaching experience, includes an introductory module and a practicum of teaching and placement opportunities to fulfil professional formation requirements. The "Experienced Educator" pathway allows those with over three years of teaching experience to expand upon their existing knowledge, exploring advanced practices in "Leading Educational Change" and "Creative Educational Practice." Optional modules, available for both pathways, may include "Education, Ideology and Society," "Curriculum and Instructional Design," and "Coaching and Mentoring." The program culminates in either a "Research Dissertation" that explores an area of academic interest or professional practice, or an "Action-Research Project" aimed at improving a specific area of the student's professional practice.

Research Focus: The MA Learning and Teaching in the Creative Industries at BIMM University places a significant emphasis on practice-informed research and scholarly inquiry directly relevant to educational challenges and innovations within the creative industries. The program encourages students to critically examine and challenge existing beliefs and attitudes in education, enabling them to develop their own voice as educators. Academic staff teaching on the program are often active researchers themselves, bringing contemporary insights into areas such as creative and experiential approaches to learning, critical pedagogy, educational and practitioner-led research, and curriculum design. The program integrates research methods throughout its modules, culminating in a major research project or dissertation. This strong focus on research empowers students to critically appraise educational theories, conduct original primary research, and apply evidence-based strategies to enhance their teaching practice and contribute to the evolving discourse on creative arts education.

Industry Engagement: Industry engagement is integral to the MA Learning and Teaching in the Creative Industries, particularly for those on the 'Early Career' pathway, ensuring practical application and professional development. While the "industry" here refers primarily to the education sector within the creative arts (e.g., music colleges, film schools, art academies), BIMM leverages its extensive connections within the broader creative industries. Students who are not currently teaching are offered placement opportunities to gain invaluable real-world experience in educational settings. The university actively supports students in securing these placements and provides mentorship, enabling them to apply pedagogical theories in practice and develop their teaching skills under supervision. Furthermore, the program’s focus on leadership and innovation in education prepares graduates for roles where they will actively shape curriculum and learning experiences within the creative industries, maintaining a close link to evolving industry needs and standards.

Global Perspective: The MA Learning and Teaching in the Creative Industries at BIMM University inherently fosters a global perspective, recognising the international landscape of creative education and the diverse teaching and learning contexts worldwide. The curriculum explores various learning theories and pedagogies that are applicable across different cultural settings and educational systems. By examining "Education, Ideology and Society" and other modules, students develop an understanding of how educational practices are shaped by social, cultural, and economic factors globally. The program attracts a diverse student body, which enriches the learning environment through shared experiences and perspectives from different parts of the world. Graduates are equipped to critically engage with international trends in creative arts education and are prepared for roles that may involve teaching or leading educational initiatives in diverse international settings within the global creative industries.