Fine Art with a Foundation Year - BA (Hons)

Foundation Year

Working in a lively and energetic environment you will be given the freedom to expand your knowledge in conceptual development, practical skills and creative exploration underpinned by broad critical understanding and emerging theoretical principles.

You will work individually and collaboratively to develop a stimulating visual portfolio of work that evidences your enthusiasm for further study within a specific subject area.

BA teaching staff from across both Birmingham School of Art and the School of Visual Communication will work with you throughout the course and you will have full access to all of the University facilities.

The two first semester modules will run in conjunction with each other to enable understanding of the relationship between developing work and potential contexts.

These modules will form the building blocks for future work and will focus on developing confidences with techniques, learning skills and productivity. The two final semester modules will run in conjunction with each other to enable a positive integration between Perspectives on Practice and Creative Realisation.

In order to complete this course you must successfully complete all the following CORE modules (totalling 120 credits).

• Understanding Context
• Creative Development & Production
• Perspectives on Practice
• Creative Realisation

Year One

The first year introduces you to practice and context, workshop methods through projects, seminars and field visits.

You will begin to develop your own language, interests and understanding to enable you to establish a practice. Your practice is supported by presentations, seminar discussions of historical and contemporary themes and ideas, and collaborative practices with other students in the school or faculty.

Modules explained:
In order to complete this course you must successfully complete all the following CORE modules (totalling 120 credits).

• Context, Methods and Making
• Themes and Concepts in Art
• Establishing Practice
• Collaborative Project

Year Two

The second year is about further exploration and development, testing out ideas and taking risks.

You will strengthen your own fine art identity through experimentation and reflective discussion in the form of individual and group tutorial sessions. You will also engage in a range of live projects, collaborative activities and placements with the additional option of an international exchange.

Modules explained:
In order to complete this course you must successfully complete all the following CORE modules (totalling 100 credits):

• Developing Practice
• Critical Theories in Art
• Extending Practice

In order to complete this course you must successfully complete at least 20 credits from the following list of OPTIONAL modules.

• Collaborative Practice
• Live Project
• Work Placement

Year Three

Our Professional Practice modules give you the confidence to consolidate your theory and practice and create a body of work which is a platform for your future career.

Our graduates include award-winning professional artists, designers, curators, teachers and professionals within Birmingham's thriving creative industries sector and beyond.

Modules explained:
In order to complete this course you must successfully complete all the following CORE modules (totalling 120 credits).

• Practice and Professional Presentation
• Professional Portfolio
• Major Project