Module: Arts Education Practice Research Thesis

Module Specifications

Academic Year 2026 - 2027

Module Title	Arts Education Practice Research Thesis
Module Code	EDU1203
Faculty	DCU Institute of Education	School	Arts Education & Movement
NFQ level	9	Credit Rating	30

Description

The Thesis Module in Arts Education Practice provides students with the opportunity to undertake an independent, original research project in the field of arts education. The module supports the development of critical, theoretical, and methodological skills needed to design, execute, and communicate a rigorous research study. Students can choose between multiple modes of research, including arts-based education research (ABER), traditional qualitative or quantitative approaches, or mixed-methods research. This flexibility allows students to align their research with their creative practice and professional interests. Participants will each develop a research project that is grounded by their own creative practice and pedagogy, to address a distinct research question emanating from their experience and expertise in the field of education.

Learning Outcomes

1. Demonstrate advanced research skills by formulating and addressing a complex research question relevant to arts education practice, integrating traditional and/or arts-based methodologies.
2. Critically analyze and synthesize diverse theoretical frameworks and literature to establish a foundation for their research.
3. Design and implement a research methodology that reflects competence, creativity, and ethical responsibility, tailored to the chosen mode of inquiry (e.g., ABER, qualitative, quantitative, or mixed methods).
4. Exhibit deep insight into the interplay between artistic processes and educational contexts, articulating the implications of their research for theory, practice, and policy.
5. Reflect critically on their role as researcher-practitioners, evaluating the impact of their positionality, practice, and decisions within the broader field of arts education.
6. Demonstrate breadth and versatility in their approach, connecting their research to interdisciplinary and cross-cultural dimensions of arts education.
7. Communicate their findings effectively through written/visual/performative outputs, contributing to the advancement of arts education as a field.

*Type*	*Hours*	*Description*
Workload	Full time hours per semester
Assessment Feedback	3	Lecture
Assignment Completion	25	Report
Class Presentation	3	Presentation of research proposal
Online activity	15	Ethics
Tutorial	10	Supervisor contact
Independent learning	694	Research and development of thesis
Total Workload: 750

Section Breakdown
CRN	12335	Part of Term	Semester 1, 2 & 3
Coursework	100%	Examination Weight	0%
Grade Scale	40PASS	Pass Both Elements	N
Resit Category	RC2	Best Mark	N
Module Co-ordinator	Una McCabe	Module Teacher

Type	Description	% of total	Assessment Date
Assessment Breakdown
Extended Essay / Dissertation	20,000 words or equivalent. Assessment Choices: Written Thesis, using qualitative or quantitative approaches, or mixed-methods research. (100%) Arts-based education research (ABER), which includes a written component and an artefact. (i) Artefact The format of ‘artefact’ is broadly interpreted, and examples may include creative works, media productions or art (e.g., music compositions, film, digital media, music technology/software, photographs, arts based works, theatre practice etc.) (60%) (ii) Documentation of 7,500 - 10,000 words. A research thesis that integrates the artefact with traditional research components. presenting the rationale, research question(s), literature review, the methodology (ABER), findings, implications and conclusions on the research study conducted. (40%)	100%	As required

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

Introduction to Thesis
Introduction to Thesis: Framing research questions and hypotheses in arts education contexts; Identifying gaps in current knowledge and establishing research objectives; Using tools for planning and managing independent research projects.

Theoretical Frameworks
Critical theories in arts education; Theoretical perspectives on creativity, cultural identity, and artistic processes in education; Approaches that connect arts education to broader educational issues.

Research Methodologies
Use of qualitative, quantitative, and mixed-methods approaches and Arts-Based Education Research (ABER).

Ethical Considerations
Ethical considerations in arts education research, particularly in creative and participatory methodologies.

Data Collection and Analysis
Strategies for collecting qualitative and quantitative data, including interviews, surveys, and observations and techniques for analyzing creative outputs and connecting artistic work to research findings.

Insight and Reflexivity
Developing reflective practices to evaluate one’s role as a researcher-practitioner. Understanding positionality and bias in arts education research. Exploring the broader implications of research on policy and practice in arts education.

Creative and Academic Communication
Dissemination. Writing for interdisciplinary and arts-based audiences. Preparing creative components for dissemination, such as exhibitions, performances, or multimedia projects. Exploring global challenges in arts education and their implications for practice.

Indicative Reading List

Books:
None

Articles:
None

Other Resources

None