A typical range of subjects from which topics can be chosen may include: history, English literature, philosophy, sociology, politics, anthropology, modern languages, archaeology, criminology, music, film studies, marketing, theology and religion, art history, education, economics, Arabic/Islamic studies. Some courses also offer study of modules from subjects such as natural sciences, maths, computer science, ancient languages, business etc. Arts degree courses usually provide a global perspective, inspiring students to consider what it means to be human and to think about how we are shaped by past and present social, cultural, economic, and political conditions.
Building your own degree course
One of the most distinguishing features of an arts course is the flexibility it gives students. Each year of a three-year Bachelor’s degree course and one year Master’s degree course in the UK is made up of modules worth differing amounts of credits, to total 120-180 credits per year. While other degree courses may offer a limited choice over modules, an arts course will usually have a wide variety to choose from. Most universities require students to take one or two compulsory modules each year and choose a major in your first year. Your major is then studied to a greater depth as you progress through the course.
Focus on self-development
One of the main reasons for pursuing a master’s degree, in arts, is to continue your own growth journey. University provides a framework for learning and a safe place where students can experiment with their coursework, while also exploring their own personalities and inner passions. If you’ve enjoyed the self-reflection and self-growth of your undergraduate degree, a master’s gives you more time to explore this further. Perhaps you feel like you’ve just come out of your shell. Or maybe you’ve just started to find your purpose.
Diversify your skills
The courses are designed to help students develop their skills in the direction they want. While many students are able to go into a meaningful line of work with an undergraduate or postgraduate arts degree, others may want to find a different way to apply their creativity. Besides course can be taken with your chosen specialism, but it also allows you to develop a range of new skills. The students get chance to connect the power of arts and culture with creating positive change in communities, such as using art for social regeneration and to improve health and wellbeing. With these degrees in arts, you even get the opportunity to earn additional qualifications such as safeguarding, health and safety in the workplace, and first aid. That means you’ll get to build a strong professional profile in preparation for employment.
Attract more employers
Arts degree holders usually possess a variety of skills so they can attract employers from different sectors, having a specialization is good but students who graduate from arts related courses can showcase professional and interpersonal skills, more employers want to hire employees who can contribute these skills to the organization.
Prepare for a role in management and make connections
For managerial positions the graduates need to be more diverse and well-rounded when it comes to their skill set. Also UK courses are designed to be more career oriented and practical so it would be a great opportunity for students to prepare their managerial knowledge, skills for their professional life. MA and BA courses are structured with the modules needed to carryout managerial tasks. If you want to turn your creativity into a career in arts management or business, art and design postgraduate courses will help you develop the necessary skills and knowledge. Students from all over the world come to the UK to study and you can build a network consisting of your peers and this will be beneficial to you in the long run.
Improve problem-solving and decision-making
Through arts courses, you can find ways to problem-solve. You can nurture creative thinking and conceptualization. And you can develop your confidence while also improving your critical thinking skills, leading to better decision-making in everyday life. There are many uses for the arts in modern society. From education and community arts services to lucrative events or even in therapy. Art has a place in everything, so it can open many doors in terms of careers. But you don’t have to work in the arts sector to gain value from an art master’s, because all the skills are life-changing and highly transferable.
Gain experience before entering the workplace
UK universities have industry-engaged staff who are experienced in developing and leading arts and cultural projects, so they can bring their own personal experiences into the classroom. For example, MA Arts Management course, we’ll also help you with navigating freelance jobs or entrepreneurship. We can teach you about tax self-assessment, invoicing, intellectual property and risk assessments, and can offer business start-up sessions to prepare you for the real world.
Prepare for further study or research
A master’s degree in art is the traditional route for anyone looking to study for a doctorate. Professionally, a doctorate opens doors more doors, particularly in academia and even in the world of business. While it’s possible to get a PhD in art without a master’s degree, having a second degree can enhance your application. By studying a master’s, you will also have better preparation for doctoral study, adding to your academic journey and giving you the tools you need to hit the ground running in any research project.
