Participatory Arts - MA

Course overview

On-campus MA exploring how artists work with communities and social settings, including community arts, socially engaged practice, arts in health and education, and applied creative practice.

Course details

Degree level

Master's

Subject

Arts / Community Practice

Duration

18 months full-time with January start

Intake

January 2027

Tuition fee

£18,455 / yearUniversity fee information (opens in a new tab)

Initial deposit

6000 GBP for interview and full year fee for CAS issuance

City

Musselburgh

Country

Scotland

Campus

Queen Margaret University campus, Musselburgh

Official course page

https://www.qmu.ac.uk/study-here/postgraduate-study/2026/ma-participatory-arts

Last checked

11 October 2026

About this information

Last checked against the university's official information on 11 October 2026. Fees, intakes and requirements can change, so always confirm them on the official course page before you apply.

Open the official course page (opens in a new tab)

English Language Requirements

Main English Requirements

Alternative English Requirements

Only the tests listed here are shown as accepted for this course.

Entry requirements

For applicants from Pakistan

• QMU Pakistan guide: a Master's degree following a 2- or 3-year Bachelor's is accepted. Published grading scale: Division I 60%+, Division II 45–59%, Division III 33–44%. Where the course requires UK 2:2 equivalency, QMU states 60%/Division I or above; where it requires 2:1, 70%/Division I or above. Course-specific eligibility still applies. Source: https://www.qmu.ac.uk/study-here/international-students/information-for-your-country/pakistan/

General entry requirements

Course suits creative practitioners, graduates of fine/contemporary/performing arts and applicants with relevant workplace experience. Confirm the exact qualification/portfolio route with the official course page and Admissions.

Scholarships & discounts

QMU International Scholarship – Master’s Requirement · Official information Scholarship amount · £3,000 Eligible study level · Postgraduate taught Master’s Eligible students · New international students paying international tuition fees Tuition fee condition · Annual course fee must be more than £12,500 Funding type · Deducted from first-year tuition fees Self-funded students · Eligible January 2027 intake deadline · 31 October 2026 September 2027 intake deadline · 31 March 2027 Source: Official QMU International Scholarship page (https://www.qmu.ac.uk/study-here/international-students/qmu-international-scholarship)

Pre-CAS interview

Required

Yes — a Pre-CAS / credibility interview is part of the process

Stage

After the initial deposit is paid

Format

Credibility interview

Course modules

• Practice Research; Applied Arts: Theories and Histories of Participatory Arts; Principles of Participatory Practice; Fundraising, Finance and Development; additional modules and dissertation as listed on the official page.