Master of Aesthetic Practices in Society - part time Programme description

Master of Aesthetic Practices in Society (part time)

The Master’s Degree Programme in Aesthetic Practices in Society, Part-time (MESTD) with specializations is a master’s degree programme of 120 credits in accordance with Section 3 of the Regulations relating to requirements for a master’s degree laid down by the Norwegian Ministry of Education and Research. The programme is authorised under the Act relating to Universities and University Colleges and the Regulations relating to Studies and Examinations at OsloMet – Oslo Metropolitan University. 

The Master’s programme in Master of Aesthetic Practices in Society, Part-time emphasizes a community-oriented and interdisciplinary approach to the aesthetic field and creative practice. There is focus on research, critical reflection, innovation, application of theory and development of creative practice. 

Currently, the Master’s Programme of Aesthetic Practices in Society, Full-time comprises four specializations with different admission requirements. The Master’s Programme of Aesthetic Practices in Society, Part-time comprises two specializations: Art- and Design Didactics, and Art Therapy. Art- and Design Didactics is offered both full-time and part-time, while Art Therapy is only offered on a part-time basis. The specialization in Art Therapy is normally taught entirely in English. The specializations cover different subject areas associated with aesthetic subjects as a common denominator. Among other things, students will learn about the importance of innovation and creativity in creating new solutions, and how art and design affect the individual and society. In the programme, ethical challenges related to research and development work will also be highlighted and discussed. 

The specialization in Art Therapy will help respond to the growing regional and national mental health needs of people from all age groups and with different cultural backgrounds. This is achieved by integrating art, creative development, research and clinical skills into treatment and therapeutic processes. Art Therapy includes specific research-based knowledge of interdisciplinary practice to promote good mental health, and develop social and emotional regulation skills, positive self-image and identity. Art Therapy has proved to be important and accessible as a preventive psychosocial intervention. The focus of the programme will help respond to future needs, innovation and development in a field in which there are no comparable national programmes.  

Applicants must choose their specialisation when applying for admission to the Master’s Programme of Aesthetic Practices in Society,, Part-time by applying directly for the required specialisation. There are different admission requirements for the specializations; see more information under admission requirements.  

Students who pass the part-time programme will qualify for the degree of Master’s Programme of Aesthetic Practices in Society, with one of the following specializations: 

Art- and Design Didactics 

Art Therapy 

In addition to Master’s Programme of Aesthetic Practices in Society, as the degree name, the name of the specialization will appear on the student’s diploma. 

Specialisation in Art and Design Didactics 

The specialization has a professional perspective on teaching and research in design, art and craft. The specialization focuses on subject didactic issues related to the subject area. Renewal, critical reflection, application of theory and development of professional knowledge are in focus. Emphasis is placed on a multidisciplinary, contemporary and community-oriented approach to the professional field in education and practice at all levels. 

Specialisation in Art Therapy 

The specialization in Art Therapy integrates knowledge of the use of creative expression with psychological theories, therapeutic methods and research. The specialization focuses on how art therapy is used in different contexts within mental healthcare, somatics, social work, or in educational or cultural contexts. Students will learn how to develop interventions and methods to work with prevention, treatment, rehabilitation or recovery, based on different clients’ needs. The specialization also introduces how different methods can be used as part of art therapeutic interventions, in user experience evaluation and in research. Throughout their studies, students will reflect on personal experiences in relation to art therapy methods, professional practice and research-based knowledge. The specialization includes practical training under professional supervision. Students are expected to become creative and innovative actors who can influence the current practice of prevention and rehabilitation of health-related challenges. 

Relevance for working life 

The Master’s degree in Visual and Performing Arts qualifies students for artistic and/or design work within and outside the field of art. The Master’s programme in Visual and Performing Arts puts particular emphasis on education, as well as institutional and organisational perspectives. 

The programme generally qualifies students to apply for a PhD programme, such as Innovation for Sustainability at TKD. 

The Art and Design Didactics programme option provides the basis for the title of lecturer and qualifies for teaching in primary and upper secondary education and vocational colleges. 

With an emphasis on didactic, dissemination and public relations based on art and design expertise, the master’s degree also provides the opportunity to work with cultural and social issues in various fields. 

The Art Therapy specialization provides various opportunities for a career in the public or private sector. After completing the programme, relevant fields of work and career paths might be practical art therapeutic work in social, health professional, educational or cultural contexts. The master’s degree also provides the opportunity to work with service and professional development, research and teaching. 

Sustainability 

The UN’s Agenda 2030 contains the World Action Plan for Sustainable Development and is specified as 17 global Sustainable Development Goals. Through global partnerships, the world will work to eradicate poverty and hunger, ensure good health and education for all, and reduce climate change and inequality in the world. The master’s specialization in Art Therapy focuses in particular on promoting Good Health and Well-Being (3), Quality Education (4), Reduced Inequalities (10) and Partnership for the Goals (17). 

The 17 Sustainable Development Goals form a whole, whereby all the goals must be viewed in context. The purpose of the programme is to educate candidates who are active global citizens with knowledge of how aesthetic subjects contribute to sustainable health services and teaching at different levels of education, and to good health and an inclusive society for all, regardless of age, gender, ethnicity, education, sexuality and functional ability. 

Key target groups are students with a bachelor’s degree from relevant subject areas. There is emphasis on recruiting students with varied educational and professional backgrounds in order to stimulate professional development across disciplinary and professional boundaries. See the admission requirements for more information. 

Admission takes place directly to the required field of study. Admission to the Master’s Programme in Visual and Performing Arts requires a bachelor’s degree or equivalent, with an average grade of at least C. If there are more qualified applicants than the number of study places, the qualified applicants will be ranked according to the current ranking rules. 

Reference is made to the Regulations relating to admission to master’s degree programmes at OsloMet http://www.lovdata.no/cgi-wift/ldles?doc=/sf/sf/sf-20111208-1215.html  

Admission requirements for the specialization in Art and Design Didactics: 

• Bachelor’s degree, teacher education in design, arts and crafts, three-year teacher education in design, arts and crafts or three-year teacher education in forming and shaping or equivalent. 

• Teacher education and, as part of or in addition to this, craft education with a scope of 60 credits or equivalent. 

• Bachelor’s degree in visual arts and/or design, and in addition practical pedagogical training with a scope of 60 credits or equivalent.  

Admission requirements for the specialization in Art Therapy:  

• Bachelor's degree or equivalent in social and/or healthcare, teacher education, psychology, pedagogy or theology. Students with a bachelor’s degree in visual arts/ and/or design may apply, but must also have 60 credits in health and/or social care, psychology or pedagogy. 

• Motivation letters according to given criteria must be submitted, but do not form part of the ranking basis for admission. 

• At least grade 4 in English from Norwegian upper secondary school or equivalent, see Requirements relating to English proficiency for international master’s programmes (information in English)  

• This programme requires police certificate. The police cretificate must be provided at the start of studies.

• Art Therapy also offers admission to EU/EEA applicants and teaching will normally be given in English. See the separate requirements for English proficiency for this programme option. 

The programme’s overall learning outcomes for the Master’s Programme in Visual and Performing Arts, Part-time correspond to the description for the master’s level (level 7) in the national qualifications framework. 

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

The candidate acquires advanced competence in planning, implementing and evaluating research and development tasks (R&D tasks) and further develops professional activities and critical reflection. 

During the programme, the candidate develops specialised knowledge, skills and competences in art and design didactics, and art therapy. 

After completing the master’s degree, the candidate’s knowledge, skills and general competence are described as follows: 

Knowledge 

A candidate who has completed the education programme will have: 

• Advanced knowledge of research and practice in their own field within various interdisciplinary and professional contexts 
• In-depth knowledge of discourses and issues within their own field of study 
• In-depth knowledge of relevant scientific theories and methods and of the distinctive nature of their own specialisation as a research area 
• In-depth knowledge of ethical issues and key sustainability perspectives in their own field 
• Advanced knowledge of aesthetic practices applied in their own professional context and in society  

Skills 

A candidate who has completed the education programme will be able to: 

• Analyse and evaluate theories, methods and interpretations that are relevant for their own field of study 
• Use relevant methods for research and/or artistic development work 
• Apply knowledge from their own field in a creative and critical manner and evaluate and contextualise aesthetic practices in a societal perspective 
• Map, analyse and ethically reflect on the professional role and relationships, and create good collaborative alliances 
• Creatively develop and critically evaluate new interventions and map, evaluate and research the field’s practice  

General competence 

A candidate who has completed the education programme: 

• Can use acquired knowledge and skills in innovative work and projects within their own field of study 
• Is qualified to work in a research context 
• Understands their own field’s role in society within different, complex situations 
• Has the expertise to create knowledge-based, ethical and creative solutions for current and future challenges 

The part-time Master's Programme of Aesthetic Practices in Society lasts for three years, with a scope of 120 credits. The programme is organised as general courses and courses related to the specialization. In the third year of study, an independent master’s thesis (30 credits) is written.  

The master’s programme must be holistic in that academic content and pedagogical methods are linked, so that there is a clear connection between learning outcome descriptions, learning activities and forms of assessment. The courses in the study programme are built partly on each other and provide academic progression with increasing competence and understanding requirements within each specialization.  

The specialization in Art Therapy comprises three compulsory general courses and six compulsory specialization courses. The master’s thesis accounts for 30 credits. 

The specialization in Art and Design Didactics comprises three compulsory general courses and three compulsory specialization courses. The master’s thesis accounts for 30 credits. 

The academic year is 40 weeks, and for a full-time student, a normal workload of 40 hours per week is expected. This includes scheduled activities, the student’s own activity and exams. The course descriptions provide a more detailed description of learning outcomes, work methods, coursework requirements and examinations. 

See the figure below, showing the standard course of study for the specializations. 

Content of compulsory general courses 

Three courses are compulsory for all students on the programme and will be taught for all the programme options: MESTD4312 Theory of Science and Research Methods 1, and MESTD4320 Project in Practice, Project Development and Research Design, in addition to MESTD5930, the master’s thesis of 30 credits.  

The Master’s Programme of Aesthetic Practices in Society, Part-time has a master’s thesis of 30 credits. The project description is primarily prepared during the MESTD4800 Project Development and Research Design course (4th semester), with support from the supervisor, who quality assures the project in terms of scope and difficulty. Regardless of the length of the thesis, the basis is formed by the same frameworks for scientific work and research craftsmanship. 

Students choose the topic for their master’s thesis on the basis of their academic background and interests. Students can initiate a master’s project themselves. The master’s thesis can be written individually or in groups of two. 

Study progression 

The following progression requirements apply to the programme: 

All courses in the programme must be passed before submitting the master’s thesis for grading 

Some courses may have special progression requirements. See the individual course descriptions. 

The master’s programme is based on individual studies, with attendance of lectures, workshops, seminars and skills training, as well as group work. The programme uses varied, student-active forms of learning. Good learning outcomes depend first and foremost on the students’ own efforts. The number of hours of facilitated teaching by the university will be at a relatively low level. Own effort entails benefiting from teaching and supervision, and following up with independent work in the form of art and design processes, theoretical studies and possibly skills training. Normal study progression makes high demands of self-activity. The most important work and teaching methods used in the programme are described below. The course descriptions specify which methods are used in each course. Requirements for compulsory participation in teaching are stated in the course descriptions. 

  Web-based teaching and learning methods 

The programme uses several types of digital learning resources, such as online textbooks, online lectures, film clips, podcasts, tests and assignments. These resources can be used in preparation for teaching, during seminars organised as flipped classrooms and as part of self-study. This type of teaching requires students to be prepared for organised teaching. Interaction may also take place on online platforms, such as web-based meetings, webinars, workshops or similar. 

Self-study and student cooperation/group work  Learning requires a high degree of self-activity and self-study that involves both individual work and cooperation with fellow students. Through the exchange of ideas, presentations, discussions, assignments and problem-based assignments, students will be stimulated to learn by communicating professional knowledge and experience, expressing their own opinions and reflecting together on their own attitudes, actions and professional understanding. Students are encouraged to take the initiative to participate actively in study groups, to promote learning. 

The R&D seminars related to the master’s thesis are compulsory, as they are a key working method whereby the students’ individual assignments are presented and discussed.   

There are 5-6 campus sessions each semester. These are for between 12-18 lesson hours. The third year consists of 2-3 sessions, and individual supervision, either on-campus or online. For information about supervision, see the course description for the course’s master’s thesis. The part-time study is based on individual and group-based work and supervision via the Internet by using asynchronous and synchronous communication. The number of hours of supervision between sessions will vary between the different courses in the programme. This will be clarified in the curriculum. 

Part-time students have access to various digital resources to ensure continuity between sessions. Some lectures will be in English. Both practical and theoretical study methods are emphasised. 

Teaching plans and timetable 

Detailed teaching plans are prepared for all projects and lecture series based on course descriptions. The teaching plans provide more detailed information about the content of the teaching and relevant literature related to this. The plans will be available on the Canvas learning platform at the start of the course.  

Lectures  Lectures are mainly used to introduce new subject matter, provide an overview and highlight main elements, and to highlight connections within the topic, while also communicating relevant research-based issues and literature.  

Practical workshops 

With emphasis on artistic processes, interventions, skills training and reflexive discussion of theoretical and ethical issues. 

Seminars 

The seminars emphasise dialogue and discussion between the teacher(s) and students, to stimulate the students’ academic development. Oral student presentations and discussions are emphasised. 

In connection with the master’s thesis, R&D seminars are held at which the master’s theses are presented and discussed. Students receive feedback from fellow students and teachers. Arrangements are made for students to learn from each other. Research-related issues, methods and supervision are topics at the seminars. It may be appropriate to conduct seminars using online collaboration platforms.  

Projects, tasks and supervision 

Through project work, case studies, written assignments and the master’s thesis, students will prepare research questions for assignments on which they work over time, either individually or in collaboration with others. Students will learn theory and develop skills in using sources, analysis, discussion and written and oral scientific communication. The main purpose is to further develop their ability for critical reflection, to see elements of the subject in context and to develop a deeper understanding of a topic. 

Training in academic writing skills is central to all parts of the programme. 

Supervision constitutes an essential aspect of the work on the master’s thesis. The guidance is intended to ensure that the project complies with research ethics frameworks and contributes to the formulation of research questions and the quality of data collection and data analysis. 

The specialisation in Art Therapy includes 160 hours of practice. Practical training will be supervised and evaluated as part of the course of study. The practical training is spread over one and a half academic years and is integrated into three courses. Practical training helps to promote the students’ ability to reflect on and develop their own professional practice. In art therapy, the practical training can take place individually and/or in groups, in a physical context and online. Practice can take place in a clinical, social, educational or cultural context; in special schools, municipal health services, hospitals, patient organisations, rehabilitation clinics, housing units and institutions. 

Participation in practical training is compulsory and requires 90% attendance. Any absence exceeding two working days must be made up for by agreement with the practical training establishment, for the practical training to be approved. The student, in cooperation with the faculty, is responsible for finding the practice venue. Students who work at a professionally relevant workplace can complete the practical training period at their own workplace. The practical training venue must be approved by the Faculty of Technology, Art and Design, OsloMet. See the course description for the specialisation in Art Therapy for more information. 

The programme is internationally oriented and makes use of international research and professional literature. Some of the syllabus literature is in English. Some of the teaching may also be in English. It may be relevant to have guest lecturers from foreign institutions. 

The increasing globalisation of the labour market and rapid changes in society mean that international professional experience, and professional, language and cultural knowledge are becoming increasingly important. Internationalisation strengthens the academic community and promotes the quality of study through international research cooperation, and the mobility of students and staff, as well as by shedding light on international perspectives and challenges in teaching. 

Art therapy has admissions from the EU/EEA and the teaching will normally be given in English. This means that general courses for Art Therapy and Art and Design Didactics are normally also taught in English and have teaching materials and syllabus literature in English, and are suitable for incoming exchange students. Students gain access to specialist terminology in English through the use of the English curriculum, in the form of textbooks and international research literature. The programme will employ lecturers and guest lecturers with international experience. The exam can be taken in a Scandinavian language or in English.  

Employees’ professional networks, research collaboration and cooperation with colleagues in other countries contribute to internationalisation. The programme is represented in international networks. 

Courses adapted for incoming exchange students. The following courses are adapted for incoming exchange students:    

MAART4300 Art Therapy in Prevention, Treatment and Rehabilitation 

The course can be combined with courses from other master’s programmes at OsloMet that are adapted for incoming students. 

Students  Students who wish to take courses at educational institutions abroad as part of their master’s degree normally go on an exchange visit in their third semester. Students are responsible for finding relevant courses at the partner institution and must apply for prior approval of these. The international coordinator can provide guidance on course selection.  

Reference is also made to the criteria for student exchange visits and information about stays abroad. 

A coursework requirement is compulsory work, compulsory activity or compulsory attendance that must be approved by the stipulated deadline, in order for the student to take the exam. Coursework requirements may be written submission and presentation, or presentation at seminars. Coursework requirements can be fulfilled individually or in groups. Students who in overall terms have more than 20% absence from teaching and supervision situations for which attendance is required will not have the opportunity to take the exam. Attendance at campus gatherings is mandatory. 

Coursework requirements are set to promote students’ progression and professional development, and to facilitate academic interaction and communication by ensuring participation where necessary. Coursework requirements can also be set to ensure that the student achieves a learning outcome that cannot be tested in the exam. 

Coursework requirements are assessed as approved/not approved. Reference is made to the course descriptions for more information about the coursework requirements that apply to each course. 

The programme mainly has coursework requirements in the form of compulsory attendance, and completion of various compulsory activities and written work. 

Unapproved coursework requirements 

Valid absence documented by, for example, a medical certificate, does not give exemption from fulfilling work requirements. Students who, due to illness or another documented valid cause, do not fulfil the coursework requirements within the deadline, should, as far as possible, be able to try again before the registration deadline for the exam. This must be agreed on a case-by-case basis with the relevant teacher. If it is not possible to make another attempt due to the nature of the course/coursework, the student must expect to have to fulfil the coursework requirement at the next available opportunity. This may result in delays in study progression. 

Provisions relating to examinations are laid down in the Act relating to Universities and University Colleges and the Regulations relating to Studies and Examinations at OsloMet, see oslomet.no 

The different forms of assessment used in the programme are adapted to the learning outcomes for the various courses. The forms of assessment are intended to support learning and document the students’ level of competence based on expected learning outcomes. 

The forms of assessment used in the courses are described in each course description. All completed courses will appear on the diploma, as well as the title of the student’s master’s thesis. 

In this study, the following forms of assessment are mainly used: 

Home exam  Lasts for a limited period at the end of the course, normally with a stated research question/assignment set, unless otherwise stated in the course description.  

Project exam  Covers all or large parts of the course, normally with a customised research question, unless otherwise specified in the course description.  

Oral exam  Conducted individually or in groups. May be independent assessment or adjustment to another exam.  

Supervised written exam  Conducted in the university’s examination rooms over a given number of hours.  

Combined exam/assessment  Examination form that combines written work and oral presentation, where both elements count towards the exam result.  

The assessments are carried out in accordance with the Act relating to Universities and University Colleges, the Regulations relating to Studies and Examinations at OsloMet and the Guidelines for Appointment and Use of Examiners at OsloMet. 

Assessment and grading The assessment is based on the learning outcomes for the course, and the extent to which the student has achieved the stipulated learning outcomes is assessed. The assessment terms used are Pass-Fail or grades A-F, where A is the best grade, E is the lowest passing grade, and F is Fail. For group exams, all members of the group receive the same grade.  

New and postponed exam 

For postponed/new exams, special registration deadlines apply. The student must register for such an exam. Resits/rescheduled exams are normally held early in the following semester. A new exam is held for students who have taken the exam and have not passed it. A resit exam is held for students who did not sit the ordinary exam. Further information about registration for and the time of new/postponed exams can be found at student.oslomet.no. For some courses, postponed exams may take place in a different form than the ordinary exam, and information about this can be seen under the individual course description. 

Examiners 

Exams that are only graded internally must regularly be selected for external grading. 

Oral and practical exams must have two examiners, as these types of exam cannot be appealed. Formal errors may nevertheless be appealed. Other types of exam can be appealed. 

For the grading of the master’s thesis, MESTD5930, there are two examiners: one internal and one external. In the event of any disagreement, the external examiner decides the grade. 

Appeal against a grade  The grade awarded for the written exam can be appealed. It is not possible to appeal the grade awarded by oral exam. In the case of a group exam, the result of the appeal will only have consequences for the person or persons who appealed. Other students in the group will retain their original grade.  

The grade for the written part of the master’s thesis can be appealed. If the grade changes as a result of a new assessment, the student must present themselves for a new oral examination. 

Supervisory examiner scheme 

The supervisory examiner scheme is part of the quality assurance of the individual study programme. A supervisory examiner is not an examiner, but a person who supervises the quality of the studies. All studies at OsloMet must be supervised by a supervisory examiner, but there is scope to practice the scheme in different ways. See the guidelines for the appointment and use of examiners at OsloMet here: https://student.oslomet.no/retningslinjer-sensorer 

Suitability assessment 

The master programme option is subject to a suitability assessment, see the Regulations relating to suitability assessment in higher education. Suitability assessment is an ongoing overall assessment that takes place throughout the programme. Diplomas for completion of the programme assume suitability for the profession. If a student shows signs of posing a potential danger to the physical and mental health, rights and safety of patients and/or colleagues, doubts must be raised as to whether the person is suitable for the profession. University staff members, the practice field and fellow students can report their doubt. In such case, the student will receive guidance and advice from the institution responsible for suitability, improvement and further implementation. 

The purpose is to assess whether students have the professional qualifications and personal competences to work as an art therapist. More detailed provisions on the assessment of suitability are set out in the Regulations relating to suitability assessment in higher education (2006). For more information, see: https://student.oslomet.no/skikkethetsvurdering