Hanze University of Applied Sciences & NHL University of Applied Sciences
Developments in the field of art education are complex, challenging and sometimes contradictory. For the professional in this area, therefore, it is becoming ever more important to develop a clear vision and to examine her or his own artistic-educational actions. The setting in which art education takes place can be very diverse: in schools, art centres, amateur- or professional art institutions, in formal or informal learning situations, aimed at young people or at the elderly, within organisations or outside of organisations such as in community arts. The importance of the arts and of art education for the development of a cultural identity, for gaining insight into cultural diversity and for the development of creativity and talent is acknowledged all over the world. And it not only concerns experiencing and developing an artisan’s skills or learning to understand artistic expressions. It also concerns the integrated appeal made to multiple intelligences, of physical, intellectual, social and creative competences. Or, put in a different way, “the appeal made to creativity is the foundation of a rich imagination, emotional intelligence and a moral compass. It teaches you the skills of critical reflection and the awareness of autonomy…” (Unesco 2006). In order to continue to contribute to this, to find new challenges, to appeal to sources or to enter into successful partnerships, this master programme can offer the necessary inspiration, a more comprehensive level and contacts. The Hanze University of Applied Sciences, Groningen, and the NHL Hogeschool together offer the master programme Art Education.

Intensify your knowledge
Quite a few developments require a more comprehensive level, research and underpinning. They also require a revision of existing curricula and methods, as well as the development of innovative action. Think for example of the national innovation of the exam course Art / General Art, the changing role of art centres, the increase in community arts projects, international developments with ‘Arts in and Arts for Education’, the development of media in the arts and the interest for talent development. All these developments offer new perspectives on the domain of art education, either mono- or multi disciplinary, interdisciplinary or cross-over.

With a close team of colleagues from various (arts) disciplines this programme offers master students the opportunity to intensify their knowledge of art criticism, to underpin their vision on art education, to enhance their professional ambition and to strengthen their educational, innovative and research competences.  

Professional perspectives
We see that the position of graduated master students has improved. This often happens in the work situation of the graduate, where he or she manages to acquire innovative and challenging assignments. Also Masters are popular candidates for new jobs. By paying attention to the various roles, the Master student obtains a better negotiation position for herself or himself and is a more interesting partner, for example in interdisciplinary collaborations. This often results in the Master presenting herself or himself in a better way as well.