PgCert Applied Arts

Queen Margaret University Edinburgh

There is a growing interest in how artists can work in health, education, social welfare or other sectors, and this PgCert in Applied Arts and Social Practice will allow students to graduate with a better understanding of how artists apply their skills in social contexts. At the same time, it will explore the practical and enterprise skills to develop a sustainable career in their chosen field.

You may find the course particularly suitable if you have already – or with – to work within social practice context and want to broaden your understanding of your professional social practice. It also works well for people with significant workplace experience who want to gain a formal qualification in a flexible manner. The course is also suitable for recent graduates of fine, contemporary or performing arts courses especially those who have developed a set of artistic skills and want to learn how to apply them to projects in a social context.

The course offers flexible study options.

Why QMU?

Flexible study options that are particularly suitable if you are already working in the sector or wish to do so when studying: Available full-time, part-time or by single module study, you will be able to develop your skills and knowledge whilst in employment.
A course that will assist you in your current role or create a route to a new career: You will be qualified for a broad range of management positions within a wide spectrum of cultural organisations and festivals.
Our small class sizes are perfect for sharing experiences and fostering new ideas: Enjoy the support of staff and encouragement of fellow students. While lecturers are experts in their fields, we believe it is vitally important to have a strong community of learners around you as these will no doubt be more important to your learning and development, but also as future colleagues and support networks.
Unique course content designed to prepare you for this broad sector: Our focus on the relationship between theory and practice aims to ensure that you become a reflective practitioner that is not only aware of the insights of festivals and cultural management, but that you are aware of the contextual realities of this practice.
Flexible study options allow you to continue in employment whilst a student: The course is available both full and part-time and offers both a September or January start each year. It’s also possible to study single modules.
Teaching team with wide ranging expertise: Our staff are significantly experienced in both the theory and practice of cultural management, and all come from a very different perspectives, giving out students a broad overview of the subject. The lecturers have collectively been involved in such activities as writing national policies; guiding international research; leading cultural projects and businesses; and advising government on cultural policy. Our team’s research has also been published widely - including several books on the subject - and we have written reports for national bodies on a wide variety of subjects. As such, we hold significant and broad knowledge about the sector to share with students.