COURSE CURRICULUM

In the first year of the MA in Audiences, Engagement, Participation, students complete a set of compulsory modules designed to build a strong foundation in research, audience engagement, and cultural participation. The Independent Research Project allows students to carry out a substantial, original investigation, developing critical research and analytical skills. The Audience Engagement module examines strategies for involving diverse publics in cultural activities, while Culture and Participation explores how participation shapes contemporary cultural life and informs professional practice. Participatory Culture and Digital Engagement focuses on the role of digital media in fostering inclusive participation and designing meaningful cultural experiences. In addition to these core modules, students can choose from a range of optional modules to tailor their learning to specific interests. These options include Engaging the Modern City: The Civic Researcher, Arts Management and Cultural Leadership, Critical Debates in Culture and Place, Arts and Activism, Cultural Policy and the Politics of Culture, Sustainable Development in Arts and Culture, and Arts-Based Practices in Health and Wellbeing. Together, the compulsory and optional modules provide a comprehensive understanding of the theoretical, practical, and digital dimensions of cultural participation, equipping students with the knowledge, skills, and professional insights needed for careers in arts management, cultural policy, community engagement, or participatory practice.