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Overview
MA Transformative Learning offers a distinctive approach to postgraduate study, drawing on the tradition of holistic science to reimagine ways of knowing and being through an integration of artistic practice, scientific observation and philosophical inquiry.
This course is delivered by Ruskin Mill Centre for Practice (RMCP) from Emerson College and the George Adams Centre, and validated by Arts University Bournemouth (AUB).
MA Transformative Learning course information
On the MA Transformative Learning course, you’ll experience transformation firsthand through an immersive exploration of diverse subjects, developing a deep understanding of how learning itself can become transformative.
In a rich curriculum that includes hands-on investigations of light, colour, projective geometry, plant morphology, animal ecology, poetic language and musical traditions, the course provides you with an opportunity to:
- Develop multiple ways of seeing – learning to observe and understand the world from multiple perspectives.
- Integrate artistic, scientific and philosophical approaches into a holistic understanding.
- Nurture an ecological awareness – developing deeper connections with the natural world.
- Explore the evolution of consciousness – how human experience has changed throughout history.
- Apply transformative approaches in diverse contexts – from educational settings to environmental organisations, healthcare, social enterprises, cultural institutions, and organisational change.
- Develop research skills that advance transformative practice – creating new knowledge through your own investigations.
The immersive dialogue between diverse ways of knowing will equip you with skills to challenge dominant narratives, prevailing worldviews and established frameworks of understanding, providing a basis to develop innovative approaches that respond to our changing world.
RMCP recognises students as individuals with distinct personal and career aspirations. We provide challenging opportunities for deep engagement with their chosen fields, encouraging critical assessment of practice within creative, economic, and cultural contexts.
We foster interdisciplinary collaboration, blending theory and practice and our ethos equips students with skills to navigate significant social, political, economic and ecological changes. We aim to produce graduates who not only pursue careers but help redefine employment in these transformative times.
The course moves through five integrated units over three years:
- Holistic Ways of Seeing establishes foundational approaches through direct engagement with natural phenomena.
- The Living World develops understanding through engagement with practice of making and careful observation of plant form.
- Organism and Environment explores co-evolutionary relationships between living organisms and their ecological contexts.
- Evolution of Consciousness examines the interplay between human consciousness and cultural development, providing a foundation for understanding learning’s transformative potential.
- Researching Transformative Learning supports the development and application of original contributions to the field of transformative learning.
As students, you'll learn through:
- Field-based investigation in natural settings
- Studio practice developing observational skills
- Research seminars exploring critical and philosophical thinking
- Craft workshops for developing interdisciplinary understanding and professional capabilities
- Individual projects applying learning to practice
How to apply
When you're ready to apply, you'll need to head to our online application form to apply directly to us.
We encourage you to apply early to secure your place.
We encourage applications from students with a broad range of qualifications and experiences. We'll take into consideration the knowledge and skills that have been developed inside and outside the classroom, as well as your previous qualifications. No portfolio is required for this course.
Please note: once you've applied to AUB, your application will be shared with RMCP, who'll continue the admissions process, including arranging interviews.
Discover more
Find out more about MA Transformative Learning on Ruskin Mill Centre for Practice's website