The content of the Art and Research Collaboration (ARC) programme is very directly determined by each student’s project area, developed through ongoing experimentation and exchange, through small group tutorials, critiques, lectures and presentations. Teaching sessions take place at the LAB, on the main campus at IADT, and also in the studio facilities at IMMA.
You can download a sample programme schedule ARCProgramme_INDICATIVE_Schedule_2023-2024
Students complete 60 ECTS credits in year one (Thursdays, 10am-5pm, October-May) and 30 ECTS credits in year two (Fridays, 11am-2pm, mid-September to January). Below is a description of the module content, assessment and credit details.
Modules in Year One, Term One (October-January)
Art Research Methods (10 Credits) Introduction to critical, theoretical and ethical frameworks for art research, explored through case studies. Assessment is a 3000 word essay on a topic chosen by the student.
Professional Development (10 Credits) Practical skills in art research project development, management and documentation, networking, budgeting, fundraising and promotion. Assessment is a mock (test) application for an opportunity chosen by the student.
Project Plan (10 Credits) Weekly tutorials focused on planning and resourcing of each student’s self-directed art research project, with guidance on project objectives and strategies. Assessment is by presentation/PDF submission of documentation.
Modules in Year One, Term Two (January-May)
External Collaboration (10 Credits) Practical research developed in dialogue with the work of an external organisation, potentially supported by ERASMUS internship. Assessment is a proposal for a collaboration with an organisation chosen by the student.
Production (20 Credits) Implementation of project plan, supported by weekly tutorials, with input from visiting artist, curators, writers, academic specialists. Assessment is by presentation/PDF submission of documentation.
Modules in Year Two, Term One (Mid-September to January)
Major Project (30 Credits) Completion and presentation of self-directed Major Project. Assessment is by presentation/PDF submission of documentation.
Frequently Asked Questions
How long is the MA programme?
ARC is taught over 18 months. The first year of the programme runs from October to May and the second year runs from mid-September to January.
What is the timetable?
ARC Year One Classes are taught on Thursdays 10am-5pm, October to May.
ARC Year two Classes are taught on Fridays 11am-2pm, mid-September to January.
How is the programme structured?
ARC is a 90-credit full-time taught Masters programme consisting of six modules. Five modules are completed in Year One and the sixth module, Major Project, is completed in Year Two (scroll down for Module descriptions and titles).
Where is the programme taught?
Most classes are taught in the LAB, the Dublin City Council Arts Office, on Foley St, Dublin 1. We use the LAB meeting space for lectures, discussions and events. Students are also invited to exhibit in the LAB Gallery in a group show (December-January). ARC production spaces and technical facilities are located on the IADT campus, which is approx. 12 km south of Dublin city centre. ARC students have access to a shared MA studio space in addition to the Library and student services (canteen, health centre, learning supports etc).
Can I combine study with my existing work/care commitments?
ARC is a full-time programme but we recognise that many students have significant existing time commitments (paid work, care responsibilities etc), which they need to balance with study. Students are expected to attend scheduled classes on their assigned days and also need to set aside time for self-directed project work and assignments. We ensure that all assessment deadlines are communicated well in advance.
How big are the classes?
Classes sizes in each year group can vary between 7 and 14 students as it is based on project proposals. Peer-learning is an important part of the programme and students can collaborate on projects but they are assessed individually.
Remote and Hybrid Learning
Classes are generally taught in person, either at the LAB or on the IADT Campus, but are delivered remotely when necessary. Students may be able to attend lecture sessions and some tutorials remotely by arrangement, assuming they have a stable internet connection etc, but in-person attendance is expected for critiques and practical sessions.