BA (Hons) in 3D Design and Craft

3D Design and CraftCourse ModulesWhat our Graduates doEntry Requirements
This course is about hands-on making and involves the realisation of ideas into objects

This programme encourages motivated and independent minded students to evolve and develop individual approaches to the area. Students undertake a broad investigation of ideas and concepts through critical engagement both orally and visually, complimented with hands-on making using the wood, metal, ceramics, glass and plastic workshops. Students work towards the development of a unique personal language and the realisation of intelligent’ objects resulting from focused study and critical and contextual awareness of their field.

This programme is delivered through a combination of lectures, seminars, demonstrations, theoretical and practical investigation, studio and workshop practice, exhibitions and field trips, and self directed study, complemented by weekly one to one tutorials.

The course has allowed me to feed my personality into my work in a very positive way and this will enable me to approach future opportunities with confidence.


BA (Hons) 3D Design and Craft Modules offered:

Year One Compulsory Modules

Introduction to 3D Design and Craft Processes

This module will allow students to explore their creative potential by engaging in a broad range of visual research exercises. The course will initially be 2D and drawing based but will subsequently move into the 3D workshops for practical hands-on inductions and exercises.

Introduction to Personal Planning

Lectures, seminars andtutorials will familiarise students with the higher education learning environment. Students will develop skills central to their programme and they will be encouraged to reflect on their l earning.

Investigation of 3D Design and Craft Practice

This module will allow students to build upon their 3D skills through more in-depth workshop inductions. Using practical exercises, the module will promote increased awareness of the area and critical analysis, and facilitate the delivery of more focused work.

Critical and Contextual Research

This module will explore contexts that have a bearing onart and design and will develop the student’sability to write reports and essays. It will develop their communication, research and analysis skills, as well as increase their skills and confidence to present their ideas to an audience.

Year One Optional Support Modules

Two modules are chosen from the following:

Photography for Advertising

Of particular interest to both photography and graphic design students, this module will introduce learners to a range of photographic materials, techniques and terminology and go on to explore the medium in relation to its use in advertising. Prior experience is not a requirement, as individuals will receive a thorough introduction to the photography darkrooms and studios, practising both analogue and digital photography. This will be followed by a series of short projects, where students will explore the use of photography in relation to advertising briefs or concepts.

Fine Art Print Autographic Expression

Through a series of practical workshops based around a set theme or brief, this module will introduce students to the materials, techniques and terminology of a range of printmaking processes, including Relief Printing, Monoprint, Linocut, Drypoint, Etching, Screenprint and Letterpress. This all takes place in our well-equipped Printmaking Studio, and is suitable for art or design students that enjoy working with process-based approaches to developing 2D visual language and imagery.

Illustration with Printmaking

Based in our Printmaking workshop, this is a practical module aimed at developing students’ technical and creative skills in printmaking with particular reference to illustration. Working from a set brief, learnerswill explore their illustration ideas and designs in relation to the specific qualities of printmaking techniques such as Linocut, Drypoint, Etching and Screenprint. This will give individuals the opportunity to see how theirideas develop and communicate when processed through different media.

Introduction to 3D Construction

This module introduces students to a range of basic skills and creative and technical processes in the use and manipulation of wood, metal and plastics. Based in our 3D workshops, through demonstrations, lectures and practical work students will produce a series of material and process samples, as well as learning about the safe working practice and health and safety that underpins all such activity. The study of historical and contemporary examples of work by other artists and designers will also inform the use and understanding of materials in relation to the making and design process.

Introduction to 3D Visual Communication and Design

This studio based module introduces learners to the communication and development of three-dimensional design through the use of visual language. This includes drawing, photography, rendering and visual presentation techniques as well producing models and maquettes for concepts and prototypes. Design thinking and development techniques are also examined and will help students build a sound design methodology as well as an understanding of basic design principles. IT facilities will also be used in later sessions to reinforce and develop previous learning on the module.

Introduction to Digital Imaging and Manipulation

This module provides a structured introduction to digital photography and image manipulation. Based in the Mac suite, students will learn photographic and digital ‘post production’ techniques, developing high quality images through manipulation and enhancement to open up a range of creative possibilities in creating ‘hyper-real’, ‘painterly’ or artificially enhanced images. It is not a requirement to take this module, but for those with previous experience of it, there will also be opportunity to apply any previous knowledge of analogue photography to digital processes.

Introduction to Fashion Construction

This module introduces learners to the materials and techniques associated with garment construction. It is a practical, workshop-based module, where students will be introduced to the skills, techniques, equipment and materials associated with flat pattern cutting and modeling on the stand, as well as learning how to produce seams, pockets, fastenings and collars. Students will produce a finished pattern from a block that they will then use to make a toile, or test garment. At the end of the workshops individuals will then have the chance to incorporate their learning into the design of a garment.

Introduction to Textile Applications

Based in our Knit and Print workshop this module provides an opportunity to engage with a range of creative and technical textiles processes. Through workshops and demonstrations, students will experiment with traditional and new textile methods and techniques and carry out investigation and exploration through sampling and experimentation with the creative application of colour resist, knit and embellishment, culminating in the production of a collection of textile design samples.

Introduction to Drawing Processes

Delivered in our dedicated drawing studio, this module is designed to introduce students to materials, techniques and processes in relation to the act and language of drawing. Working from a range of sources, including the life model, it is intended to extend and strengthen skills and general knowledge of the subject, as well as develop an inventive approach to how individuals can apply drawing to their particular discipline. Students will also study the language of drawing through examination of historical and contemporary examples of work by other artists and designers.

Print Media

Of particular interest to photographers and graphic designers, this studio and IT based module will introduce students to the knowledge, skills and visual language of commercial print media. Students will investigate the use of print technologies in packaging, signage, corporate identity, advertising, mailing, point of sale and aspects of publishing. Through studio work individuals will practice the design of grids for documents or posters; work with typography as both text and image; explore the potential of photography and word interpretation and use narrative strategies in the organization of information. The module will culminate in the use of computer software to construct a paper-based document in relation to a set brief.

Fine Art Sculptural Processes

This is a workshop-based module open to all students who have an interest in developing their 3D process and making skills. It will introduce students to the visual language of sculpture and a basic range of associated materials, such as wood, metal and plaster. Students will also explore the practical concerns involved in processing, manipulating and combining those materials. As a focus for producing work, emphasis will be on the generation and development of ideas through a series of practical challenges that use particular materials and techniques.

Year Two Compulsory Modules

Development of 3D Design and Craft Processes

During this module students will explore the creative potential of process and materials so as to make work that expresses personally chosen themes and concepts. It will allow individuals to identify and consolidate their chosen pathway by exhibiting a body of concluded work.

Personal Development Planning

Through lectures, seminars and tutorials students will reflect on their individual learning and critical judgements and will develop an understanding of their future career in 3D design.

Confirmation of 3D Design and Craft Practice

Students will evidence a growing personal philosophy in combination with the development of innovative process to create contextually relevant outcomes.

Developmental Research

Through lectures, seminars and tutorials students will focus on the development of their personal direction, thereby contextualising their practice in relation to current art and design theories and debates.

Development of 3D Construction

Aimed at extending students’ previous learning, this module is concerned with the development of a more focussed and creative skills base in selected 3D construction and fabrication techniques. Students will negotiate a programme of specific, practical investigation, with the aim of producing finished objects and original material experiments, which will involve making their own action plan which will then be finalised with their tutor. Learners will select one, or a combination of materials to work with, such as wood, metal, plastics, ceramics or glass. As materials and making cover a massive historical and cultural area, students will also need to research and record areas they are interested in and develop this research into material samples and objects.

Development of 3D Visual Communication and Design

This module is concerned with the development of the practice, techniques and terminology involved in the generation of visual images, records, researches and presentations of student’s work. As part of this module, students will plan and visualise 3D forms and products through a range of processes and media. This will include ideas and concept development through the use, combination and manipulation of drawings, photographs and images generated both traditionally and digitally. Contextual and additional elements of the module will include such things as, the examination of contemporary professional practice; study of the industrial applications of digital image manipulation and techniques involved in the use 3D modelling software.

Development of Drawing Processes

Working in the drawing studio, students will be encouraged to develop a creative approach to traditional and non-traditional methods of drawing, with specific relation to the development of their own personal studio practice. Intensive weekly workshops will encourage individuals to extend and challenge their observational and analytical drawing skills and further develop ideas through image manipulation and media experimentation. Students will be challenged to explore conceptual and unorthodox approaches to drawing and mark-making and broaden their understanding of the role drawing can play in their own practice and demonstrate how it feeds their personal studio development.

Year Three Modules (All modules are compulsory)

Refinement of 3D Design and Craft Processes

Students will consolidate their personal direction with the production of unique, innovative and concluded 3D outcomes. These self-initiated themes will explore both abstract and practical issues relevant to the individual’s chosen contemporary discipline, supported by a statement evidencing a high level of awareness and conceptual understanding.

Dissertation

This is a detailed investigation of an agreed subject that mobilises the theoretical and contextual underpinning of 3D design. Students will demonstrate their ability to present independent research and argue coherently.

Professional Development Planning

Students will undertake in-depth contextual and technical research into their personal development and professional career directions.

Professional 3D Design and Craft Practice

Students will synthesise their learning on the course through a major body of work. This will be supported by a portfolio and their work will be professionally presented in an exhibition.

Students gain employment in a variety of craft, design, museum and teaching professions, as well as setting up their own designer/maker businesses.

Career Opportunities

Various positions in a range of design and craft related applications including; ceramics, jewellery, furniture, product and

design practitioners. Students develop communication skills to high levels which equip them for career opportunities such as education, design consultancy, sole practitioners, art and design management, and museum careers.

Course Progression

Students would be ideally suited to progress onto Colchester Institute’s MA in Sculptural Practice. Alternatively an MA in Art or Design specialisms, or Design Management or Marketing. The educational sector can be accessed through a Post Graduate Certificate in Education (PGCE). Postgraduate study in related areas is another option.

Portfolio of artwork supported by 160 UCAS points gained from study on Foundation Diploma in Art and Design or level 3 Diploma in an art related subject along with 5 GCSEs (grades A*-C) including English language, or an Art and Design Foundation Year. Exceptionally, A Level applicants with appropriate portfolio of artwork and knowledge. Students without formal qualifications but with appropriate portfolio of artwork/work experience. All applicants are formally interviewed.

How To Apply

Our aim is to make it as easy as possible to secure your place on your ideal programme.
Simply download and complete the relevant application form and return it to our Admissions team as early as possible.
You can return your completed application form in person or by post to our Colchester
(for applications to Colchester and Clacton) or Braintree campuses:

Admissions

Colchester Institute

Sheepen Road

Colchester

CO3 3LL