MA Creative Practice

Program Overview

The MA Creative Practice at Leeds Arts University offers a dynamic and individually tailored postgraduate experience for artists and creative practitioners seeking to develop their personal practice within a supportive and intellectually stimulating environment. This program encourages students from a diverse range of artistic backgrounds to critically examine their existing work, explore new methodologies, and push the boundaries of their creative expression. It provides a framework for rigorous inquiry, experimentation, and reflection, enabling students to deepen their conceptual understanding and refine their practical skills. The MA Creative Practice emphasizes the development of independent learning, critical analysis, and effective communication, preparing graduates to navigate the complexities of the contemporary art world and to establish sustainable and meaningful creative careers. Students benefit from individual supervision, peer interaction, and engagement with practicing artists and academics, fostering a vibrant and challenging creative community.

Curriculum: The curriculum of the MA Creative Practice is intentionally flexible, allowing students to shape their learning journey according to their individual artistic goals and research interests. Typically, it includes core modules that focus on research methodologies relevant to creative practice, critical theory, and professional development within the arts. Students will be encouraged to define and develop their own research questions and to explore these through their creative work. Assessment is often based on the development of a substantial body of work, accompanied by written documentation that articulates the conceptual framework, processes, and critical reflections underpinning the practice. The program may also include opportunities for collaborative projects, exhibitions, and engagement with public audiences. The emphasis is on fostering a deep and critical understanding of the historical and contemporary contexts of creative practice, alongside the development of innovative and conceptually rigorous artistic outcomes.

Research Focus: The MA Creative Practice at Leeds Arts University is inherently research-led, with the student's individual creative practice forming the central focus of inquiry. Research in this context is often practice-based, where the making of art itself constitutes a form of investigation and knowledge generation. Students are supported in developing rigorous research methodologies appropriate to their chosen medium and conceptual concerns. This may involve exploring new materials and techniques, engaging with specific theoretical frameworks, or investigating the social and cultural contexts of their work. The program encourages students to articulate their research processes and findings through written work, presentations, and exhibitions. Faculty members, who are often practicing artists and researchers themselves, provide guidance and mentorship to support students in developing their individual research trajectories and contributing to the broader field of creative practice.

Industry Engagement: Industry engagement is an integral aspect of the MA Creative Practice at Leeds Arts University, providing students with valuable connections to the professional art world. The university has strong links with galleries, museums, arts organizations, and creative industries in Leeds and the surrounding region. Students may have opportunities to participate in exhibitions, workshops, and talks led by visiting artists and curators. The program often includes professional development components that focus on practical skills such as grant writing, marketing, and self-promotion, preparing students for the practical realities of sustaining a creative career. Networking opportunities with industry professionals can provide valuable insights and potential pathways for future employment or collaboration.

Global Perspective: The MA Creative Practice at Leeds Arts University fosters a global perspective by encouraging students to engage with a diverse range of international artistic practices, theories, and cultural contexts. The curriculum may incorporate discussions on global art histories, contemporary art from around the world, and the impact of globalization on artistic production and reception. Students from diverse cultural backgrounds are welcomed, enriching the learning environment and fostering cross-cultural exchange. The program may also encourage students to consider the international dimensions of their own work and to explore opportunities for exhibiting or engaging with audiences beyond the local context. This global awareness prepares graduates to participate in an increasingly interconnected and international art world.