Art Education BA/BEd
Explore how art supports learning, creativity and personal development. Study both artistic practice and educational theory to prepare for careers in teaching, community arts or creative education roles.
Is this for you?
This degree could suit you if you:
Enjoy art and creativity
Want to teach or work in education
Like working with people
Are interested in learning and development
Want a meaningful, people-focused career
Popular Career Fields
Education
Arts & Culture
Charity & NGO Sector
Government & Public Sector
Your Personality Might Be:
Creative educator
Arts & Culture
Inspiring communicator
Artistically skilled
What is it?
What Is an Art Education Degree?
Art Education focuses on how people learn through art. You will study artistic methods, educational theory and practical teaching approaches. The course explores how art can inspire creativity, support wellbeing and promote cultural understanding in schools and community settings.
Why Study Art Education?
This degree suits students who enjoy working creatively and want to help others learn. It combines studio practice with psychology, pedagogy and practical experience. It prepares you for roles in education, community arts or work with young people, as well as a route into further teacher training.
Course Summary
Explore how art supports learning, creativity and personal development. Study both artistic practice and educational theory to prepare for careers in teaching, community arts or creative education roles.
What you'll study
Most Art Education degrees cover:
Studio practice across drawing, painting, digital media and mixed media
Child and adolescent development
Learning theory and creative pedagogy
Curriculum design for art and design
Inclusive and accessible teaching
Creative technologies in education
Visual culture, art history and contemporary practice
Observation, lesson planning and reflective practice
Later in the course you can often specialise, for example in community arts, digital education, gallery education, arts for wellbeing or inclusive education.
Skills You'll Gain
An Art Education degree helps you build creative, academic and professional skills, including:
Creative Teaching Methods – designing engaging, hands-on art lessons for diverse learners.
Artistic Technique Development – building practical skills in drawing, painting, sculpture, or digital media.
Curriculum Planning – structuring art units that support learning objectives and progression.
Classroom Management – guiding groups effectively while fostering a positive creative environment.
Art Critique & Communication – helping students analyse, reflect on, and discuss visual artworks confidently.
Explore Uni Open Days
Pathways, Placements and Work Experience
CAREERS
Career Pathways
Art Education graduates work in a wide range of creative and educational roles, including:
Schools, colleges and alternative education settings
Museums, galleries and cultural organisations
Community arts and youth projects
Creative wellbeing and therapeutic arts environments
Educational outreach and arts coordination
Work Experiences & Placements
Many universities offer:
Placements in schools, youth centres, museums or galleries
Opportunities to design and deliver workshops
Collaboration with local arts organisations
Guest lectures and mentoring from educators and practitioners
These experiences help you explore different educational environments and gain confidence working with learners of various ages.
Salary Profile
Coming soon
Qualifications, Personal Satement, What to do Next?
AM I ELIGIBLE?
Entry Requirements
A-levels or equivalent ideally including Art or Design, often alongside a second subject relevant to education or humanities.
Personal Statement Tips
Include a range of art and design work
Show your creative process through sketchbooks and project development
Demonstrate interest in learning, teaching or working with young people
Reflect on artists, educators or creative movements that influence you
What to do Next
Compare courses to find ones that match your artistic interests and career goals
Attend open days, portfolio workshops or education taster sessions
Volunteer with youth groups, museums or community arts programmes
Visit galleries and observe how they engage different audiences
Wider Reading
Teaching Art and Design 3–11 — Janet Evans & Antonia Smith
Practical methods and activities for teaching art to children, blending theory with classroom practice.Art & Design Education: The Essential Guide — Lesley Rigg & Graham Winstone
UK-focused overview of art teaching principles, pedagogy, and curriculum development.The Arts in Children’s Lives — Michele James & Sally Barnes (eds.)
Explores how visual arts contribute to children’s learning, creativity, and wellbeing.Creative Teaching for All Ages — Phil Beadle
Inspires engaging, student-centred approaches to creativity and art across age groups.Understanding Art Education — Judith Dillon
Introduces key theories and debates shaping contemporary art education.