Teaching + Learning for the Creative Arts

This course is currently offered in collaboration with Creative Futures Academy (CFA). CFA is a ground-breaking partnership between: The National College of Art and Design, University College Dublin, and the Institute of Art, Design + Technology. Our tailored programmes and micro courses offer access to expertise and networks across the three leading creative institutions and our industry partners. Learn with us as we experiment, innovate and respond to change.



What is this course about?

This first of its kind course has been designed for practice-based educators teaching the creative arts in higher education.



Suitable for both novice and experienced educators, this certificate gives participants an opportunity to engage with the scholarship of teaching and learning through their own teaching practice within the creative arts.



With a focus on the signature pedagogies of the creative arts, the course is broken into four themes:

• Histories + Debates of practice-based education in the arts

• Signature Practices + Pedagogies

• Researching Creative Arts Education

• The Contemporary Landscape



You will be assessed based on a collection of work comprising:

• A research notebook

• A sensory mapping exercise

• A presentation of either an artefact or written critical reflection

Indicative content:

• Introduction to the history of creative arts education

• The studio as a pedagogic space

• Practitioner-educators and emergent-practitioners

• Embodied learning and sensory research

• Practice-led practical teaching

• Presentation of critical reflexive work

• Signature pedagogies

• The risk of standardisation

• Co-teaching/sensory observation as a means of researching creative arts learning environments.

Minimum Entry Requirements

• An undergraduate qualification of 2nd Class Honours or higher at Honours Degree Level.



• Those without this qualification may be considered provided they can demonstrate Honours Degree equivalence, which can be verified through the RPL (recognition of prior learning) process.



• Additionally, applicants must be actively teaching on a higher education programme that broadly fits the following criteria:

- Practice/studio based.

- Programme validated to the QQI’s Art and Design standards.

- Actively teaching in the academic year in which the certificate runs

- Prior learning in T&L (formal or informal).



Applicants must provide:

1. A limited portfolio of work showcasing the type of work you teach (4-5 images that could include images of your studio, workshops, student work, tutorial content, etc.)



2. A cover letter to include a brief (300 words) statement of suitability and intent.



3. A CV



Applicants may be invited for a short online interview with the selection panel if any additional information is required.

Application: Apply via IADT.



Register your interest for the 2026 intake by emailing microcreds@iadt.ie

The course will be delivered on a blended format with classes online and on campus.

Next intake: October 2026.