MA / postgraduate diploma in Arts (Arts Policy and Practice)

Huston school of film & digital media

Programme description

The PDip (Arts Policy and Practice), established a decade ago in the National University of Ireland, Galway, has been an integral part of the programme of the Huston School of Film & Digital Media since 2004. The programme provides a programme of courses balanced between practical training in specific relevant skills and an analysis of policy formation in the arts.

It 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. The School seeks to make a virtue of the West of Ireland’s special position as a potential ’contact zone’ between the disparate artistic traditions of Ireland and continental Europe, America, and other parts of the world, and its activities are intended to foster a critical awareness of both mainstream and alternative artistic traditions.

The course is a full-time degree taken over a twelve-month period (September 2009 to August 2010). The year is divided into two teaching semesters (September to December and January to April).

ECTS weighting

MA—90 ECTS
PDip—60 ECTS

Programme fee, academic year 2009–10

E.U. students: contact Fees Office. 
Non-E.U. students: €12,500*

*Subject to ratification

Please note: fees are correct at the time of online publication, but are subject to change (E&EO); non-E.U. fees must be paid in full prior to registration.

Application

Applications to this programme are made online via The Postgraduate Applications Centre (PAC). Relevant PAC application code above right.

Minimum entry requirements

The number of places is limited. You should have an honours primary degree (at least Second Class Honours in one subject, or a U.S. GPA 3.2). We also welcome applicants with substantial
and relevant professional experience to apply. Such cases may be considered for exemption from the honours degree requirement, subject to appropriate arrangements such as a qualifying examination. These students will be required to register initially for a Postgradate Diploma.

We are also interested in practising artists, writers or musicians who wish to work professionally in arts organisation alongside the realisation of their own creative ambitions. 

Selection criteria

The three main criteria in assessing applications are:

1. Previous academic performance.
2. Indication of involvement in the arts (short term and voluntary
   work, for example).
3. Indication of how the course could work to advance your plans for future work.

Above all, applicants should be driven by a passion to work in the arts. Potential participants may also be invited to attend for interview.

Examination arrangements

The course is assessed by a combination of exam, essay, and project work.

Career opportunities

Work in the management, marketing and administration of the arts in Ireland and abroad.

Visitors and guest seminars

The Huston School hosts an extensive range of special events and guest seminars during the year, which students are expected to attend. Arts visitors since 2005 have included: Helen Carey, Patricia Quinn, Lelia Doolan, Jane Doolan, Fergal McGrath.

Programme content (subject to change)

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