Module: Arts Based Education Research Methods

Module Specifications

Academic Year 2026 - 2027

Module Title	Arts Based Education Research Methods
Module Code	EDU1202
Faculty	DCU Institute of Education	School	Arts Education & Movement
NFQ level	9	Credit Rating	10

Description

This module provides an in-depth exploration of the theoretical foundations underpinning arts-based education research (ABER). Students will deepen their understanding of the philosophical, theoretical, and methodological frameworks that guide the integration of the arts into educational research. The module critically examines the evolution of ABER, its epistemological underpinnings, and its implications for educational practice and policy. Students will engage with key texts, theoretical debates, and case studies that illustrate the transformative potential of arts-based approaches in education. Students will be guided through the fundamentals of arts-based research, weaving together both theory and practice, to develop a deep understanding of the unique capabilities and contribution of arts-based research to the field of education.

Learning Outcomes

1. LO1 Develop a deep understanding of the theoretical principles and frameworks underpinning arts-based research and acquire knowledge of the key theorists in this field, and their contributions to knowledge.
2. LO2 Evaluate the contributions and limitations of various arts-based research methodologies within educational contexts.
3. LO3 Deepen knowledge and critical awareness of a range of contemporary social justice issues to which arts-based research may positively contribute.
4. LO4 Explore the ethical and epistemological challenges unique to arts-based research in education.
5. LO5 Apply theoretical concepts to critically assess arts-based education research studies.
6. LO6 Analyse and present information using arts based methods.

*Type*	*Hours*	*Description*
Workload	Full time hours per semester
Seminars	15	Participate in creative, reflective arts-based research workshops and lectures
Independent Study	80	Reading, researching, writing
Assessment Feedback	20	Seminar presentations
Independent Study	20	Seminar presentations
Online activity	15	Participate in online module content delivery
Class Presentation	20	Presenting Arts-based research output feedback
Independent Study	80	Individual creative and scholarly outputs in response to specific briefs
Total Workload: 250

Section Breakdown
CRN	12334	Part of Term	Semester 1
Coursework	100%	Examination Weight	0%
Grade Scale	40PASS	Pass Both Elements	N
Resit Category	RC1	Best Mark	N
Module Co-ordinator	Lucy Hill	Module Teacher

Type	Description	% of total	Assessment Date
Assessment Breakdown
Reflective journal	ABER module assessment will include an artistically oriented reflective journal of the students' learning journey, and a public project presentation of their arts-based research practice developed during the module, in a mode of the students choosing critically appropriate to their research practice area of interest (for example participation in a group exhibition/performance/readings of visual/sound/text-based/performative works). Students will justify their chosen assessment mode in their journals. Students are expected to draw on multiple sources to support their ABER practice, including key theorists, and demonstrate a deep understanding of the theoretical underpinnings of ABER.	100%	n/a

Reassessment Requirement Type
Resit arrangements are explained by the following categories; RC1: A resit is available for both^* components of the module. RC2: No resit is available for a 100% coursework module. RC3: No resit is available for the coursework component where there is a coursework and summative examination element. ^* ‘Both’ is used in the context of the module having a coursework/summative examination split; where the module is 100% coursework, there will also be a resit of the assessment

Pre-requisite	None
Co-requisite	None
Compatibles	None
Incompatibles	None

All module information is indicative and subject to change. For further information,students are advised to refer to the University's Marks and Standards and Programme Specific Regulations at: http://www.dcu.ie/registry/examinations/index.shtml

Indicative Content and Learning Activities

Participate in interactive lectures to increase knowledge and understanding of arts-based research practices.

Participate in interactive lectures to increase knowledge and understanding of arts-based research practices.

Participate in collaborative research reading support groups with peers.

Develop creative arts-based approaches to reading texts and to study.

Develop arts-based research practice through deepening understanding of the broad range of possible approaches to arts

Analyse the possibilities and limitations of arts-based research.

Develop an appreciation of the potential for arts

Indicative Reading List

Books:

Bickel, B., Irwin, R., and Siegesmund, R., (eds): 2023, Arts-based Educational Research Trajectories: Career Reflections by authors of outstanding Dissertations, Springer, Singapore,

Articles:
None

Other Resources

None