B.A. Fine Art

Students learn primarily through the direct experiences of making art and of critical reflection within a studio environment. Studios, workshops and technical support are close by to best cultivate productive studio practice.

The course is broadly organised as a series of Studio Practice and History and Theory modules.

Year 1: Students are introduced to the studio and philosophic culture of Fine Art. From the start students are encouraged to think for themselves and develop their ideas; to organise their working spaces and time; to be self sufficient; to become aware of art, artists and ideas connected to their work and to be inventive, imaginative and experimental. Making art, looking at art and discussing art and related ideas are central to the Fine Art ethos. Students are also introduced to techniques, histories, theories, academic methods, skills and critical approaches which inform studio and written work.

Year 2: Students develop confidence and a sense of identity as artists. Students are encouraged to take increased responsibility for their practice; to explore more ambitious art projects; to become more self critical; and to research and consider relevant art, artists and ideas in greater depth. Students learn to thoughtfully articulate (in their practice, speech and writing) the questions, issues and debates relevant to their artworks and those of others; and they continue to test and extend their ideas, methods of making and aesthetic imagination. In second year students also develop professional skills and knowledge via experiences such as exhibition, placement, application or commission processes.

After successful completion of Year 2 a student can opt to undertake a placement year, leading to the award of a Diploma in Professional Practice or Diploma in International Academic Studies. The DPP is generally European-based and workshop orientated. The DIAS allows for further study at an institution in either Europe or in the USA, under the Erasmus scheme, the Study USA scheme or the Year abroad scheme. You will obtain the appropriate award in addition to your degree's classification on successful completion of your Final Year. Many students avail of this exciting and valuable opportunity, and see a great benefit when they return to study in their Final year.

Year 3: Students make and exhibit art works in the professional, public context of the degree show, and submit a dissertation. In third year students further develop their practical, conceptual and aesthetic skills and the critical means to integrate them in the making of art works. They articulate their practices and positions as artists in artist’s talks and statements and they demonstrate their intellectual curiosity and enquiry through their practice and the subject matter of their dissertation. In this final year students consolidate the skills and knowledge necessary to sustain an independent art practice, or to work as practitioners and employees in wider cultural fields.