Fine Art

First Year

The first year is project based and focuses on the genres of figure painting, still life, transcription, urban landscape and rural landscape. Students are encouraged to develop an understanding of both the historic and contemporary issues surrounding these genres.

Drawing is essential to the project base and it is encouraged as the main form of exploration throughout the course. Alongside this, students experience a broad range of painting skills acquiring the technical knowledge necessary to develop the individuality that is encouraged within the department

During the first and second year, students attend Art Historical and Theoretical Studies for one day a week, leaving four days for Studio Practice.

Second Year

The establishment of skills and the strengthening of identity which is a large part of the first year experience prepares students for a more independently motivated second year where they work alongside both the third year and postgraduate peer group. In the recent past this combination has produced a highly energised atmosphere and work of considerable individual distinction.

Third Year

From this point on, and into the third year, students mainly determine their own area of "research" in consultation with a team of tutors, who are all practicing artists and whose own interests and expertise represent the diversity of contemporary art-practice. Within the crosscurrents of debate, students are challenged and encouraged to see their own positions critically within the contemporary fine art arena. A series of Professional Practice Seminars from artists, critics, gallerists and other art world professionals helps to construct a framework for professional practice beyond the educational establishment.

Educational Field Trips

Biannually, the whole Fine Art department visits Cologne in Germany. This trip takes in the major contemporary museums and galleries in Cologne, Düsseldorf, Duisburg and Bonn.

Annually, the first year BA students travel to Cornwall for two weeks as part of the Urban/Rural Landscape Project, specialising mainly in drawing.

Requirements

Applicants for the degree course should normally hold the following qualifications:

Five GCSEs at grade A, B or C and should normally have completed a Foundation course in art and design

Three GCSEs at grade A, B or C plus one A Level and should normally have completed a Foundation course in art and design

While ideally an applicant should have completed a foundation course, if instead of this they have suitable prior experience this may be sufficient.

Applicants who are interviewed are required to bring a porfolio of work which can include drawings, photographs, sketchbooks and other relevant material.

Mode of Attendance : Part-time