The Master Education in Arts is a research master reflecting the expansion of the field of art/design education by preparing practitioners for careers is the arts, educational institutions, museums, galleries, academies, cultural centres, community-based organizations and informal learning sites. The programme focuses on contemporary cultural production, socially engaged art and design practices, curriculum design, audience advocacy and museum education.

How can educators help to define the role of art and design in society? Which pedagogical methodologies are appropriate for specific audiences and contexts? How do developments such as “the educational turn in art” influence gallery education? Can art education help children grow up to become self-confident and emancipated adults? How does art and design education adapt itself to a changing society and educational environment? These are but a few of the questions that are at the core of the Piet Zwart Institute's Master of Education in Arts. The course is mainly based on a modular structure of seminars led by a dedicated group of art educators, artists, designers and theorists. Through a uniquely tailored curriculum combining collective learning with individual tutorials, practice-based research and theoretical enquiry, the course is built around the concept of the critically reflective practitioner. Every student graduates with a research and education project, presented publicly at the end of the second year.

The curriculum is designed for practitioners who operate within an institutional framework (secondary or higher education, university), but also opens up to creative practitioners with a profound interested in education, pedagogy. Depending on a student's interest and educational qualifications, the programme prepares graduates to engage with formal educational structures as well as informal learning environments.