Do I need to be a practising artist to enrol?

Some arts practice is expected, but it does not have to be full-time professional work. Hobbyist practitioners, performers and craft-based makers are all welcomed, provided they can demonstrate ongoing engagement with their discipline.

Does the Diploma of Arts in Education let me teach in state schools?

Teaching as a qualified classroom teacher in UK state schools requires QTS, which this diploma does not provide. It is, however, a strong route into TA, HLTA, cover supervisor and visiting artist roles, and a useful prelude to a PGCE.

Can I focus on a single arts discipline?

Yes. Many students specialise in one area — drama, music, visual art or dance — while engaging with shared pedagogy modules. The practice portfolio is where your specialism becomes visible.

Is the diploma suitable for museum or gallery educators?

Yes. The course explicitly addresses learning in cultural institutions, including session planning for visiting school groups and family audiences.

How long does it take to complete?

Around 9 to 12 months full-time, with part-time and online routes extending the timeline. Practice components affect duration too, so this is confirmed at enrolment.

Is the qualification internationally recognised?

It is a UK-issued qualification and is generally portable to international cultural sector employers, though country-specific teaching licences will require local accreditation.

Diploma of Arts in Education | HICL London | Harold International College of London

Diploma of Arts in Education at HICL

The Diploma of Arts in Education is for people who teach, want to teach, or already deliver learning experiences through arts practice — visual art, drama, music, dance or a mix of disciplines. It is not a pure fine art qualification and it is not a generalist teaching qualification; it sits deliberately between the two, where so much real classroom and community work happens.

If you have ever sat in a school workshop, a museum education session, an after-school drama club or a community arts project and thought "I want to do this professionally", the Diploma of Arts in Education gives you a structured way to build that practice.

Why Arts in Education Matters

Curriculum pressure has squeezed arts subjects in many state schools, which has actually pushed creative learning into a wider range of settings — museums, theatres, charities, libraries, alternative provision and youth services. Practitioners who can plan a session, run it safely, evidence learning outcomes and report back to funders are in real demand. This diploma is shaped around that reality, not around a romantic idea of "the artist as teacher".

Who This Diploma Is For

Practising artists, performers and musicians moving into education work and freelance teaching.
Primary teachers and TAs wanting to strengthen creative subject delivery.
Museum, gallery and theatre education staff seeking a formal qualification.
Community youth workers using arts as an engagement tool with hard-to-reach groups.

Career Pathways

Graduates of the Diploma of Arts in Education typically progress into freelance workshop leader roles, learning officer posts in cultural institutions, creative arts subject teaching support, and arts-based youth work. Some use it as a stepping stone into a PGCE in a creative subject, or into a community arts master's. Outcomes depend heavily on the strength of your own arts practice as well as the diploma.

How the Programme Is Delivered

The Diploma of Arts in Education is delivered on-campus, online and via distance learning, with practical components built around live or recorded teaching sessions. Module structure and the practice portfolio brief are confirmed at enrolment.

Entry Requirements

Completed secondary education or recognised equivalent.
IELTS 5.5 (or equivalent) for non-native English speakers.
Minimum age 18 at the point of enrolment.
A short portfolio or statement showing your arts practice.

Apply for the Diploma of Arts in Education

If you are committed to using the arts as a way to teach and reach people, this is a sound place to formalise that work. Click Enroll Now and HICL admissions will be in touch within one working day.