BA (Hons) in Fine Art

BA (Hons) in Fine ArtCourse ModulesWhat our Graduates doEntry Requirements

The BA (Hons) in Fine Art programme enables individuals to evolve a personal voice, acquire clarity of language and content, and establish a professional, creative identity and autonomy within fine art. Qualities of passion, conviction and integrity are intrinsic in challenging personal perspectives in response to the human, topographical and cultural.

This course is driven by independent enquiry, structured and supportive exposure, self-motivated practice and focused creative thought. Painting, printmaking and sculptural concerns are energised by drawing, lens and time based processes and imaginative use of media/materials supported by a critical theoretical framework.

Delivery is through a combination of lectures, seminars, tutorials, demonstrations, theoretical and practical investigation, studio and workshop practice, exhibitions and field trips, and self directed study. Students will also have the chance to exhibit work in a public venue; this affords valuable professional experience, excellent networking opportunities and audience interaction.

The theoretical aspect of the course has been inspiring and has solidified my understanding of the process of making and interpreting art. The large studio spaces provide the raw atmosphere required by artists.


BA (Hons) in Fine Art Modules offered:

Year One Compulsory Modules

Introduction to Fine Art Processes

This module will be an introduction to a range of fine art processes, materials and study skills which will help students to develop a personal visual language. Practical investigation is underpinned by the critical analysis of relevant contextual research.

Introduction to Personal Planning

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

Investigation of Fine Art Practice

Students will explore their potential in greater depth and concentrate on the development, the resolution of technical details and the presentation of their work, culminating in a curated exhibition in an external venue.

Critical and Contextual Research

This module will explore contexts that have a bearing on art 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.

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.

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 Fine Art Processes

Learners will develop a working methodology encouraging them to deepen their inquiry and produce a body of work which is innovative, technically sound and appropriate within its context.

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 fine art.

Confirmation of Fine Art Practice

Students will select work on practical ‘live’ projects that are selected from a range of companies and they will decide according to their developing areas of interest. Students will make contacts and often their work is put into production. This will also be the time when they arrange work placements.

Developmental Research

Students will continue to reflect upon individual and shared learning experience through independent study and evaluation during tutorials and group critiques. As students prepare for their final year they will have the opportunity to exhibit in an external venue.

Year Two Pathway Support Modules

Two Modules are chosen from the following:

Fine Art Photo-media Practices

Based in the photographic studios, students will engage in the development of a creative approach to film-based and digital photography that involves both practical work and the study of historical and contemporary artists. The intention is to extend students’ awareness of photographic technologies and their potential within a broader fine art practice. Alongside their own highly personal approach to image making, learners will be encouraged to explore different contexts and forms of presentation for both still and time-based imagery.

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 Fine Art Processes

During this module students will confirm and refine the significant concepts and processes of their practice and prepare for rigorous practical engagement. Students will analyse and appraise their work through group critiques and tutorials with visiting practitioners.

Dissertation

This is a detailed investigation of an agreed subject that mobilises the theoretical and contextual underpinning of fine art. Students will be required to write a dissertation that demonstrates their ability to present independent research and argue coherently.

Professional Development Planning

This research-based module encourages students to plan for the Professional Fine Art Practice module. Students will undertake in-depth contextual and technical research into their personal development and professional career directions.

Professional Fine Art Practice

Students will synthesise their learning in a major body of work displayed in curated group exhibitions at college and in a London venue.

Amy Turnbull was awarded the annual Cuckoo Farm Studios Graduate Award which gives her free studio space for a year and a solo exhibition at The Minories art gallery. She also found employment as a part-time gallery assistant at the firstsite gallery shortly after graduation. Hannah Stageman recently completed a collaborative artist residency at Epping Forest which culminated in a successful public showcase of her research in Harlow. This is a healthy balance for her as she can practice and work in a professional arts organisation where she is also developing educational tools.

Charlotte Frost graduated in 2012 and was awarded a postgraduate place on the Masters in Fine Art at Newcastle University. She also was successful in her application for funding from Firstsite to support a collaborative residency in The Benham Gallery in Colchester, allowing her to develop her ideas in a large, professional context. She is currently supporting final year Fine Art students by mentoring as a volunteer and has assisted the development of a Professional Support Forum for current year 3 art students.

Career opportunities

This course will enable you to engage independently and professionally as an artist practitioner. The creative industries, in London alone, represent the third largest employment sector and the largest source of job growth, contributing one in every nine new jobs, such as, various positions in community arts, multimedia, exhibition, art gallery and museums, art therapy, scenic theatre, research, performance and independent studio practice.

Course Progression

An MA in Art specialisms, or an MA in Arts Management or Administration. The educational sector can be accessed through a Professional Graduate Certificate in Education. Postgraduate study in related areas is another option. For further information about studying an MA in an Art and Design related subject, please visit colchester.ac.uk/art/minories

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...