Introduction

The study programme for the Master’s degree in Art and Design Education is a continuation and further development of the national curriculum for hovedfag (subject at second degree level) in Arts and Crafts of 1976 and the former Telemark University College curriculum for hovedfag in Arts and Crafts. The Master’s degree programme in Art and Design Education leads to a Master’s degree in the subject.

Target Group and Admission Requirements

Admission requirements: Admission is based on completion of a Bachelor’s degree, Cand. mag. degree or teacher education qualification (pre-school - general education - or subject-teacher education) with:

• A minimum of 60 ECTS credits in specialised art/design subjects, arts and handicrafts with grade C or better.
• Applicants without approved teacher-training must have completed the PPU programme (practical teacher education)

For admission, emphasis will be placed on education, experience with creative/artistic work and teaching experience.

Aim of the Programme

The Master’s degree programme in Art & Design Education prepares candidates for teaching and supervisory positions in art and design education in a society which is characterized by diversity and change.

A successful candidate with a Master’s degree in Art & Design Education will be able to provide communicable and qualified contributions to the public debate in the field, and be able to justify and further develop appropriate pedagogical tasks in the field.

Successful candidates will be qualified to carry out R & D work in the field. The Master’s degree provides a foundation for PhD studies.

The Master’s degree also provides a foundation for creative / artistic activities.

Overall, this means that the study programme helps to expand and develop the knowledge that promotes professional competence in design, arts and crafts, and in the larger context of the “Making Professions”, the international designation for the material-based professions in a research context.

Learning outcome

After successfully completing the study programme, the candidate will have achieved the following learning outcomes defined in terms of knowledge, skills and general competence.

Knowledge

The candidate has:

• Advanced professional understanding of design, art and crafts through creative and artistic work and knowledge of art theory
• Knowledge of pedagogical and didactic problems, and is able to view the subject in cultural and social contexts
• Gained insight into science theory and research methodology
  

Skills:
The candidate:

• Can use the opportunities offered by the mutual exchange between creative work and theory

• Has experience with methods to question, analyse and systematize experiences
• Can demonstrate knowledge in writing, through the design processes and products, and reflect critically on their own and others' research.
  

General competence

The candidate can:

• Critically evaluate and communicate the subject area’s social relevance and importance to others

Curriculum and structure

The study programme is taught at the Notodden campus. The content of the programme is organised into a General Component (the first year of study) and a Master’s Thesis (the second year of study), which are of equal weighting.

The study programme is research-based in that both the syllabus literature and the teaching is based on new, relevant research, and by the fact that those who teach the programme are active researchers or practitioners of artistic development activities.

COURSE: GENERAL COMPONENT (60 ECTS)

The General Component, taught in the first and second semesters, consists of three modules:

• Module 1: Aesthetics and Creativity (30 ECTS)
• Module 2: Pedagogy and Didactics (12 ECTS)
• Module 3: Scientific Theory and Methodology (18 ECTS)

In the course descriptions, each of these is treated independently, so they may be studied separately; however, they are also organised in such a way that they may be considered in relation to each other and/or integrated. The General Component is both preparation and a prerequisite for continuing with the Master’s Thesis.

COURSE: MASTER’S THESIS (60 ECTS)

The Master’s Thesis will be completed during the third and fourth semesters. It is an individual, independent effort which will provide the student with knowledge and understanding, and which is characterised by a research process that takes place through aesthetic creative work, reference to art theory and pedagogy/didactics, and in which the work process is governed by the chosen problem-solving approach. The thesis will constitute a whole in which the aesthetic and creative work and reflection complement each other. The Master’s thesis process involves theoretical research and development, and must include a didactic component. The problem approach will determine whether the main emphasis of the thesis is theoretical or creative/artistic. This dual character makes the Master’s programme more obviously a study both in and about art, design and handicrafts.

Internationalization

Work on the Master’s thesis may be carried out during a period of study abroad in the third and fourth semesters. This should preferably be done at institutions that Telemark University College is linked to through the Nordflo network; however, other institutions abroad may also be considered. Students must have their Master’s thesis project approved before embarking on a period of study abroad.

Teaching and Learning Methods

The specific goals and learning outcomes of the Master’s programme will be achieved through aesthetic, creative, systematic and research-based activities.

The Master’s programme is based on individual study, study in groups, lectures, seminars and study trips. Both theoretical and practical study methods are emphasised. The emphasis is on both theoretical and practical approaches. The study programme presupposes an independent and systematic approach and active participation in common activities. Obligatory courses and assignments are included as programme requirements. It is expected that students will take considerable responsibility for the planning and completion of their studies. The college provides teaching for the central parts of the study programme.

Theory and Practical Training

The Master’s programme is characterized by the mutual enrichment that is possible between theory and artistic and creative work.

Assessment Methods

Continuous assessment:

In the course, theGeneral Component, assignments will be completed during the first year of study. These must be assessed as passed by the subject teacher(s) before the candidate may take the final examination. For more information please refer to the course: General Component.

Final assessment:

In the course, General Component, assignments will be completed and awarded a graded mark as part of the final examination. The final examinations should be completed before the student starts work on his/her Master’s Thesis. For more information please refer to the course, General Component.

The course, Master’s Thesis, involves the completion of the Master’s thesis as a final examination in the fourth semester. For more information please refer to the course, Master’s Thesis.

Minor adjustments may occur during the academic year, subject to the decision of the Dean