The TUS MA in Art, Psyche and the Creative Imagination is a blended mode MA programme envisioned to offer a transformative learning environment that aims to enrich personal, social and cultural life contexts by exploring the interface between art and psyche and by cultivating a practice of the creative imagination. This is an interdisciplinary programme with an emphasis on depth psychology, informed by the arts and underpinned by the processes of creative imagination.
Bonnie applied for the MA in Art, Psyche & the Creative Imagination, but did not have the required minimum entry requirements using formal learning alone. The programme information page indicates that RPL can be used as an entry route. Bonnie discussed this route with the programme team.
Bonnie’s application was successful and her insights below show how RPL has helped her on her academic journey.
How did you use RPL?
“After completing the Jungian Psychology with Art Therapy level 8 flexible learning course, I was eager to continue my studies in this area. I realised I did not have the formal criteria to be accepted into the MA. Lucky the director of the MA suggested that RPL could be the route in helping me gain access.”
Tell us your Recognition of Prior Learning story?
“For over twenty years I have performed, worked and trained in a theatrical manner. Facilitating and directing in Youth Theatre and educational institutes has been a wonderful experience. My training and creative expression has always leaned towards the mysteries of the psyche. When I discovered the courses that TUS were running in LSAD, I was very excited as they seemed to draw on my prior experience while elevating my knowledge to master’s level.
The director of my course advised me of RPL as an entry route into the program.”
Why was RPL the right fit for you?
“RPL has given me the confidence to understand and utilize all the skills I brought with me into my studies.”
How has RPL and higher education impacted you?
“This has been the most wonderful experience. Studying with such diverse and curious groups has made this adventure unique. It has enriched and deepened my prior skills and knowledge, while opening a whole new area of expertise to me.”
How would you describe your experience of the RPL application process?
“The application process was very encouraging. I was quite nervous but felt very empowered that my skills and knowledge were valued and beneficial to the program. There was a great sense of support.”
What advice would you offer someone looking into RPL in higher education?
“Every student comes with their own special talents and individual understanding of their area of interest. This is no different for students who enter through RPL. My advice to anyone looking into RPL is that they might be nicely surprised when they reflect on their life experiences and the skills they have. By acknowledging the value of all the different elements that encapsulated my craft and knowledge, I realised the potential opportunity that RPL has to offer.”