BA (Hons) Fine Art

Level One

Studio 1A

This module provides an introduction to Fine Art practice, envisioned as a research based activity that incorporates both the practical, theoretical and the critical. Students will be introduced to a range of two and three dimensional media areas and will be encouraged to adopt an experimental and investigative approach to the use of media. Emphasis will be placed upon the development of ideas and the relationship between research and ideas generation.

Studio 1B

This module provides the opportunity for individuals to begin to take substantial responsibility for their own creative work, so individual students in consultation with the unit leader or group tutor determine their media area, subject and content.

A consideration of subject matter, processes, critical awareness and working methods are all fundamental to the learning experience of this module.

This activity is supported by lectures and seminars introducing key issues in the history and theory of art.

Art Practice 1A

This module will introduce to students practical methods that can contribute towards an individual visual language. Methods and skills refers to both tangible proficiencies that can be developed using Fine Art resources such as Print and Plaster workshops but also to personal and study skill and methods which help to develop independent learning and creativity. These skills and methods will be used in various contexts to research and present projects professionally, in visual, written and verbal form. Skills are developed through a programme of seminars that are discussion and workshop based.

Art Practice 1B

This module introduces students to key issues and skills and provides further opportunity for individuals to demonstrate an understanding of professional practice through the production, discussion and documentation of their work.

Level Two

Studio 2A

This studio and theory based module is an opportunity for second year undergraduates to consolidate and extend their fine art practice. The emphasis is on identifying appropriate subject matter for studio interests and strategies to explore and develop an individual direction . There is also the opportunity to study their subject in relation to the broader cultural, theoretical and social fields. Students will be able to reflect critically upon their own practice through understanding recent developments in art criticism, philosophy and social theory.

Studio 2b

This module builds upon research issues arising in Studio 2a and confirms strategy for independant, fine art practice. The emphasis is on extending and consolidating indentified material for studio interests through into more substaintial resolution

Art Practice 2a

Art Practice 2A will focus on extending and applying studio practice skills that relate to wider professional practice issues. Students are required to realize opportunities for themselves and increase their awareness of what constitutes professional level of practice.

Art Practice 2B

Students are required to engage in group learning to realize a curated exhibition with supporting documentation. Taught sessions will support the development of understanding of the group curation and will increase awareness of what constitutes a professional level of practice.

Level Three

Art Practice 3a

This module aims to provide the learner with the necessary critical and reflective framework for progression through level three. Through negotiation with staff, a self-directed body of practical work is to be generated with appropriate supporting research.

To allow optimum opportunities for research, conceptual and practical skills to develop, learners are advised to progress ideas through an appropriate media area. Students will be encouraged to explore application deadlines, reflect upon their areas of strength/development and make final decisions regarding progressing on from BA study.

Art Practice 3b

This module will give opportunity for reflection, analysis and honing of professional skills. This will support development for the module Studio 3 (Exhibition). The emphasis of teaching and learning is on the development of the Artist’s Statement.

Dissertation

Dissertation offers the student an opportunity to explore in some depth a topic of their own choice, via self-directed study and research. The module aims to broaden the scope of the student’s degree programme by allowing them to identify and pursue an academic interest relevant to their studio practice.

Studio 3 (Exhibition)

Students will prepare and present a consolidated body of work in the degree show. The work should demonstrate mature critical reflection, clarity of focus and economy of means through an appropriate synthesis of ideas and processes in a chosen fine art media area. The student is encouraged to contextualise his/her individual practice in relation to contemporary international cultural and visual debates

Level One

Painting, sculpture, printmaking, drawing, photography, video and digital media are all available from level one. The level encourages experimentation with media and the identification of key subject areas. Students will work in all of these areas or choose to focus on two or three media. Students are also introduced to aspects of professional practice that will be important upon graduation. Professional skills are taught throughout the programme as students will be encouraged to exhibit their work throughout as a means to prepare for career progression.

Level Two

Level two addresses issues of representation and subject, examining the language of fine art practice, ideas and content, and how to sustain and develop visual interests. A number of assignments and the opportunities to work as part of a group profile various considerations, such as the relationship between art work, audience and site. It is at this stage that students will specialise in their studio work and their chosen media area.

Level Three

Throughout level three, students structure their studio practice according to their chosen interests. Students should assume a responsibility for all their creative output, and the programme supports and encourages these aspirations. Studio and professional practice modules come together to provide a holistic support for individual development and for critical, reflective practice. The level culminates in the Final Year Degree Show, offering the opportunity to present a complete body of work to an external audience.

The programme enables students to acquire the skills, knowledge and ability necessary to continue their practice upon graduation. Students can also choose to continue with their studies through postgraduate programmes in fine art and other arts-related subject areas. Students can negotiate placements through the programme, which supports career progression. These may relate to arts administration, art therapy, teaching, conservation and restoration, theatre design and other design industries.

International and UK visits are encouraged, providing opportunities for students to infuse their studio practice with new ideas

Visiting artists programme - Every year a range of artists or other people involved in the arts are invited to give a lecture and undertake tutorials with students. Past speakers have included David Mollin (painter, curator, critic), Andrew Pepper (holographic and light installation artist), Chloe Brown (sculptor and sound artist) and Natasha Kidd (painter)

All staff are practising artists

All students are allocated a studio space and can have access to a wide range of workshops and facilities to support their studies. There are a number of resources available within the sculpture provision, which allow for work with wood, metal and plaster, as well as more contemporary materials such as plastics and resin.

Printmaking offers a range of processes, including acrylic resist etching and the technology to work with digital imagery, alongside traditional methods.

The lens media options of photography, video and animation are accessed through traditional as well as digital technology, and the latter is also available in computer suites located throughout the School.

All workshops are staffed by skilled technicians, who are also available to help students make stretchers and other supports for painting. They can also provide advice on paint applications and appropriate grounds.

The Greestone Gallery is an exhibition centre available for touring events such as the National Drawing Network and in-house shows, which are both staff and student initiated. The Gallery is a focus for fine art practice within the School, and an opportunity for students to exhibit their work in a public space.

Applicants will require one of the following:

• 280 UCAS points, with a minimum of 100 points (grade B or above at A Level) in a relevant art/design subject
• Foundation Art and Design (Pass)
• Equivalent Scottish, Irish or Overseas qualifications
• An equivalent qualification to those listed above i.e. Access to Higher Education Certificate.

All applicants will be required to have at least five GCSEs, including a pass in GCSE English Language and evidence of an art/design subject. Mature students with relevant experience and/or portfolio of work are selected on individual merit.

Applicants will be invited for interview, where they will have opportunity to go through their portfolio with a member of the academic team.

At interview, we welcome a broad range of art and design practice. We are keen to see how applicants have responded to their current course or the type of work they have been involved with. Evidence of fine art work is important because it will confirm applicants’ choice of study at degree level.

For further information and funding your study please see our Fees & Funding pages.

Fees and Funding