Course - Research and Development work at Art and Crafts Education - MGLU3218
Research and Development work at Art and Crafts Education
New from the academic year 2026/2027
Assessments and mandatory activities may be changed until September 20th.
About
About the course
Course content
The course provides advanced studies in Arts and Crafts, with emphasis on the roles of practitioner, teacher, and researcher. Students carry out a research and development (R&D) project in which they plan, execute, present, and critically evaluate an independent study within the field of Arts and Crafts. The work provides experience in developing and applying knowledge, skills, and competence as the foundation for the project.
The course also offers an introduction to the philosophy of science and research methods that promote students’ independence, analytical competence, and critical reflection. Theory and method are integrated into practice and form the basis for further development of arts and crafts education.
Learning outcome
Knowledge
The candidate shall
- have knowledge of various forms of profession-oriented research and development (R&D) that illuminate and further develop practice within the field of Arts and Crafts
- have knowledge of idea development and of how personal creative processes can serve as a basis for reflection and development work, as well as of relevant research methods and forms of presentation
- have fundamental knowledge of research methods and research ethics
- have knowledge of how creative processes can be explored through systematic work and documentation of one’s own practice
- have knowledge of the relationship between practical creative work, theoretical reflection, and research-based development
- have knowledge of the role of materials and techniques as sources of knowledge in arts and crafts didactics research and development
- have knowledge of how research questions can be developed based on practice and professional issues
Skills
The candidate shall
- be able to plan, carry out, and present a limited profession-oriented R&D project in Arts and Crafts, based on personal creative practice
- be able to provide constructive and academically reasoned feedback on others’ R&D projects, and critically reflect on their own work in light of professional feedback
- be able to apply appropriate research methods, documentation strategies, and principles of research ethics in both practical and theoretical work
- be able to critically reflect on the properties and qualities of materials and media, and use this insight in teaching and development work
- be able to integrate theoretical perspectives into practical investigations and illuminate the relationship between theory, method, and creative process
- be able to use digital tools in documentation, dissemination, and visual presentation
- be able to use relevant professional terminology, assess the quality of academic literature, textbooks, and learning resources, and stay updated on relevant research in the field
General competence
The candidate shall
- have an understanding of artistic development work and scientific research
- be able to design an Arts and Crafts-related R&D project in dialogue with relevant research traditions
- be able to discuss the significance of Arts and Crafts-related R&D for schools and society
- has knowledge of how research questions can be developed from practice and pedagogical issues
Learning methods and activities
Learning methods and activities
The course combines practical and theoretical approaches in varied learning environments and workshops. Teaching alternates between creative practice, subject didactics, and theoretical reflection.
Designing, carrying out, presenting, and critically evaluating Arts and Crafts-related research and development (R&D) projects are central activities in the course.
The learning methods include workshops, studio work, lectures, as well as individual and group assignments. Reflection on one’s own and others’ work is a central element.
The course emphasises independent work on the R&D project, supported by academic supervision.
Compulsory assignments
- Mandatory assingsments according to emnebeskrivelsen
Further on evaluation
Mandatory Activities
- Up to four written assignments related to the R&D (FoU) project
- One study group assignment related to the course curriculum
- Participation in workshops in accordance with the semester plan
- Providing critical and constructive feedback on a fellow student’s R&D project
- Presentation of own R&D project at the students’ R&D conference
- Introduction to and summary of the R&D project
- Participation in the students’ R&D conference
Attendance at introductory sessions, workshops, and presentations according to the semester plan is mandatory.
In case of absence from mandatory activities, compensatory assignments may be required.
Students may also be given assignments and attendance requirements related to shared academic topics.
Mandatory activities and coursework requirements are assessed as approved / not approved.
Assessment - R&D Project
The R&D project consists of two parts:
a) a written component
b) a practical component presented in a joint exhibition, where all students participate with their own work related to the R&D project.
Together, these parts constitute the student’s R&D project.
The R&D project is assessed as pass / fail.
If the R&D project is not approved, the student may submit a revised version once for reassessment (counted as the second examination attempt). A third attempt requires submission of an entirely new project.
Use of Artificial Intelligence
Generative Artificial Intelligence (AI) may be used as a support tool, for example for idea development and structuring. However, any use of AI must be clearly described in the submission.
Text, images, or other content generated by AI must not be used directly in the final submission, but may inform and support the student’s own independent work in a critical and reflective manner.
Specific conditions
Admission to a programme of study is required:
Primary and Lower Secondary Teacher Education for Years 1-7 (MGLU1-7) - some programmes
Primary and Lower Secondary Teacher Education for Years 5-10 (MGLU5-10)
Recommended previous knowledge
Crafts 1 (1-7) course 1 and arts and crafts 1 (1-7) subject 2. (A total of 30 credits) or equivalent.
Course materials
The final syllabus will be published on Canvas before the start of the program.
Credit reductions
| Course code | Reduction | From |
|---|---|---|
| MGLU3118 | 15 sp | Autumn 2026 |
| MGLU3518 | 15 sp | Autumn 2026 |
Subject areas
- Teacher Education