Fine Art BA Hons
UCAS codes: W150 (Route A) E100 (Route B) (4 years)
The first of our annual student exhibitions - the 2012 BA Fine Art Degree Show will be open 2nd June to the 16th June, 10am-5pm daily.
Preview night will be on Friday the 1st June 6-8pm. Everyone is welcome!
www.nclfineart2012.com
Overview
“LifeWorkArt, a career development module that runs throughout the degree, was an excellent opportunity to engage with the regional visual art scene; it inspired us both to develop the project we have been operating since graduation.”Will and Will Fine Art BA Honours
The Fine Art BA Hons is a four year practice based course in creative visual arts aimed at ambitious, motivated, imaginative individuals interested in acquiring the professional, practical and theoretical skills necessary to establish an independent contemporary arts practice. Studio practice is supported and under-pinned by a stimulating selection of historical and theoretical modules.
The course gives you a specialised but flexible approach to the subject and is designed to help you establish your individual creative identity and discover the appropriate means to develop your visual ideas. A wide range of approaches, materials and processes are available, from the traditional to the experimental, giving you the opportunity to develop your work across a broad range of media: painting, new media, film, video, sculpture, photography, print, sound, performance and installation. You are encouraged to explore, experiment and expand your knowledge and abilities through practical experience.
Fine Art is taught in purpose-built accommodation in the heart of the University with generous studios, exhibition and installation spaces and well-appointed workshops with full technical support. The Hatton Gallery, one of the finest public galleries in the North of England, is housed in the Fine Art building. It has an excellent permanent collection and presents a wide programme of temporary exhibitions, including student shows. The Fine Art Department also accommodates a well-stocked materials shop.
Each student is given studio space. Year 1 have their own designated studio area and year groups two, three and four work along side each other encouraging a lively cross-fertilisation of ideas and practice. Small group and one-to-one tutorials form a crucial part of the approach to teaching. Students are encouraged to present and discuss their work with fellow students and staff in regular seminars and crits. Workshops are organised to offer students the opportunity to develop their skills and technical abilities in response to and to assist with the development of their work.
All academic staff are distinguished practitioners in their field and provide a broad range of practical, conceptual and professional expertise. This is supplemented and supported by an extensive programme of nationally and internationally renowned artists, curators and critics who contribute to the Visiting Lecture Programme each week as well as conducting tutorials and participate in seminars. Studio based Modules are assessed through the presentation of practical work including fully realised work, visual research and developmental work and may include an individual assessment tutorial. Assessment results both summative and formative include written feedback.
Professional Practice
Integrated with the studio practice and running progressively throughout the four years of the degree is a unique professional development program – LifeWorkArt. Run in collaboration with many local and national arts organisations and galleries such as the Baltic, the Globe, Allen Heads Contemporary Arts and Arts Council North East this program gives students a vital insight into a broad range of professional arts based practices and potential career paths. Skills are developed through live projects– exhibitions, placements, public art, collaborations, and residencies. Students regularly arrange exhibitions and events within the department and at external venues. The final year includes a conference which considers opportunities and prospects following graduation.
The History of Art
This component of the course provides students with grounding in the history and theory of art and an awareness of the relevance of these critical studies to the contemporary practising artist. The knowledge gained contributes to your overall development as artists. The programme helps you to place your studio work into context and to understand and negotiate the complex relationships between making art and the ways in which contemporary and historical art is understood, interpreted, displayed and discussed.
The Preliminary Studies course in the First Year introduces you to some of the essentials of the study of the History of Art, including key aspects of chronology, methodology and approaches to looking at artefacts and objects. In subsequent years you can select from a range of specialist modules on offer and in the third and fourth years you have the option to adjust the ratio of Art History to Studio Practice credits.
The range of teaching methods: lectures, seminars, individual tutorials, presentations, reading lists, gallery and museum visits, are designed to develop your ability to articulate your ideas both verbally and through text. The production of written work is an integral part of these studies and modules are assessed through the presentation of essays and exam papers and the requirement to research and present a dissertation in your third year.
In years 1-3 the Studio Practice modules constitute two thirds of the course. There is however an option to take extra Art history modules in years three and four, or alternatively, to take no Art history Modules in Year four and specialise in Studio Practice only.
Marks for the Stage three dissertation contribute a total of 25% towards the final degree classification calculated at the end of Stage Four
Study Trips Abroad
There are regular study trips abroad, usually one each semester for four to seven days. These are organised by the department and are optional but must be self-funded. Recent trips have been to New York, the Venice Biennale, Madrid, Florence and Berlin. These visits support both the art history and studio components of the degree, and increase your artistic knowledge and experience.
Students can also apply for funding for individual research trips from the Bartlett Scholarships scheme, a fund of approximately £4,000 a year. Application is through a written submission that is assessed by a panel of Fine Art Tutors.
Fine Art - Student Exchanges
All undergraduates are eligible for selection for international exchanges, which normally take place in the second semester of the third year for one semester.
Newcastle University participates in the Socrates-Erasmus exchange programme and has student mobility agreements. In addition, we welcome applications from EU students who want to study just one or two semesters with us on a fee-paying basis.
Fine art is fundamentally an international subject, studying abroad as part of your degree programme can provide a valuable and stimulating part of your academic career. The experience can expand your perspectives, broaden and challenge your understanding of different cultures and languages, allow you to acquire new life skills and experiences and enhance your future career prospects. Exchange students who come to study in Fine Art at Newcastle also make a valuable contribution to the international perspective of the course.
Fine Art has established links through the Erasmus scheme and independently with a number of institutions and artists' groups world-wide. Annual student exchanges take place with art schools in Munich, Bremen, Bratislava, Crakow, Ghent, Melbourne and Istanbul. Students have also arranged periods of study themselves in art departments in the USA, Switzerland, Germany, Finland and Holland.
Employability
Over the course of the degree you develop a good range of subject specific and technical skills as well as transferable skills such as imagination and creativity; critical awareness of self and external factors; interpersonal and social skills; resourcefulness; creative problem-solving, divergent thinking; decision making; oral and written communication skills; visual presentation; information and research skills; self-motivation and management; organisation and planning; and IT skills, particularly using creative software.
Many employers of graduates seek to recruit people who are lateral thinkers and creative problem-solvers. These qualities are highly developed in Fine Art graduates and makes them very sort after, particularly to the expanding UK creative industries sector. This sector relies on people who can think differently, formulate questions and solve problems.
Increasingly, artists and designers are finding work in areas unrelated to the art and design world. Students are using their degree as a general qualification, gaining entry to the graduate professions (finance, marketing, journalism, publishing, management), where employers recognise the range of transferable skills and high level of self-motivation that students develop in a degree such as ours.
Many of our graduates continue their education gaining places on postgraduate Masters courses at the Royal College of Art, Goldsmiths' and the Slade School of Art, New Orleans USA etc. Others continue as independent practicing artists, some remaining in the North East taking up opportunities in our thriving visual arts region. Our graduates also go on to pursue visual arts-related postgraduate study in areas such as Digital Media, three dimensional design and theatre design. Some graduates continue on to PhD research. A number of related careers are taken up by our graduates: running art galleries; as arts advisers to local councils; as visual arts officers for arts associations; and as teachers and arts specialists in the community. Some graduates are entrepreneurs and establish their own small businesses or organisations.
The latest destination survey for Newcastle’s Fine Art graduates showed 70 per cent in employment six months after graduation, while 26 per cent went on to postgraduate study.
Estimated Intake: 60
Entrance Requirements
Candidates are selected primarily on the basis of a portfolio of studio work and subsequent interview. The portfolio should demonstrate an aptitude for visual enquiry, sustained study, a real sense of engagement and interest in art and evidence of the ability to generate ideas and explore them creatively.
Please refer to the How To Apply section for detailed information on portfolio content and application procedures. Additional information for students applying from overseas in relation to qualifications and english language requirements can be found at http://www.ncl.ac.uk/undergraduate/international/
Please note, that unless otherwise indicated, all candidates with qualifications other than those specifically listed are considered on an individual basis.
A Levels
ABB-BBB, which may include Art, History of Art, or Applied Art and Design.
Scottish Qualifications
AABBB-AABB at Higher Grade, which may include Art or Art History. Combinations of Highers and Advanced Highers accepted.
International Baccalaureate
A minimum of 28-30 points, including three subjects at Higher Level grade 5. Art or Art History may be included.
Irish Leaving Certificate
AABBB-ABBBB at Higher Level, which may include Art.
Access Qualifications
Candidates are welcomed and considered on an individual basis.
BTEC Level 5 HND
Applicants will be considered on an individual basis.
BTEC Level 3 Extended Diploma (formerly BTEC National Diploma)
In Foundation Studies in Art and Design - overall pass grade in addition to two A Levels or equivalent. Other BTEC National Diplomas in a relevant subject at overall DDM/MMM.
Advanced Diploma
Advanced Diploma acceptable in all lines of learning. Minimum grade B required in Principal Learning and Extended Project, and minimum grade B in Art A level.
Cambridge Pre-U
D3,M2,M2/M2,M2,M2 in Principal Subjects , and may include Art and Design, Art History or Art and Design (Fine Art).
Course Structure
Stage 1
In the first year studio based modules you will be introduced to a range of methods and working strategies and encouraged to initiate and develop ideas by speculating, researching and experimenting with a variety of approaches to making work, identifying those most appropriate to the articulation of your ideas.
You will receive academic guidance through regularly scheduled, individual and group tutorials, workshops, seminars and studio ‘crits’. In addition there are basic introductions to health and safety and practical and technical skills within metalwork, woodwork, printmaking, photography and IT facilities. You will also make visits to galleries, studios and art centres in the region through the LifeWorkArt component of the course in Semester 1and can participate in exhibitions and national and international study visits. A weekly programme of research lectures and seminars from some of the most interesting and original artists, critics, curators, historians and art professionals working today helps students begin to contextualise their studio practice.
Semester 1 has three directed projects in Painting, Print making and Sculpture with additional week long workshops in variety of technical and conceptual approaches to making work such as digital media, time based, installation, drawing, performance etc. for you to choose from.
Semester 2 has two projects – the Artist’s Book Project for four weeks and an eight week 'Personal Project' which students initiate themselves and develops in negotiation with staff. This gives you a good grounding for the self-directed programme of study throughout the following three years.
The Art History programme, 'Preliminary Studies in Art History', is designed to introduce students to a variety of perspectives on key areas within the history of art. It encourages students to develop conceptual tools and analytical skills in relation to the appreciation and understanding of art. The programme is taught through a series of weekly lectures and seminars
The balance between practical Studio Work and Art History is set at 80:40 credits.
Stage 2
In Stage 2 you take a studio based Practice Module of 40 credits in each semester. The modules are designed to continue to develop your skills and ideas within a framework that provides a choice of combining specialist studio based practice, complementary practice strands (i.e. video, web-based art, collaborative practice) and art history modules.
The studio programme at Stage 2 is designed to continue to develop your ability to direct and resource your practice, building your confidence and capacity to identify inspirational and constructive research material and the ability to make informed decisions about appropriate working methods, materials and technical skills. Aspects of critical thinking will be introduced and you will be asked to contextualise your practice in relation to the contemporary art world. You may wish to specialise in a particular studio discipline at this point, continue to explore possibilities or combine several ways of working. Appropriate tutorial support will be assigned to you in relation to your working methods and there is also the opportunity to discuss your work with other departmental staff through the open ‘surgery’ system and with postgraduates and visitors.
You will also be able to select one "complementary practice strand” in each semester. These strands equip you with an additional technical, conceptual and theoretical understanding of different aspects of contemporary art practice including professional practice and exhibition. The strands are taught across the studio disciplines, thus providing you with the opportunity to extend the range of technical skills and media related issues beyond your chosen discipline.
In Art History you choose one 20 credit module per semester from the three/four on offer. These provide the opportunity to study specialist subjects, for example Art in the Public Context, Art and Revolution or Exhibiting Art. Teaching is by lectures and seminars with presentation of seminar papers and discussion being an important part of each module.
Stage 3
Stage 3 is designed to facilitate sustained, intensive studio practice with an emphasis on individual research and inquiry. Both in the studios and in the work you undertake in Art History you have the opportunity to initiate and develop programmes of study focused on your particular interests and concerns. You investigate these in some depth producing work that will form a bridge to study in Stage 4.
It is possible to work across studio disciplines although it is expected that your choice of discipline/s will be made through your increased ability, developed in year 2, to define appropriate working methods in relation to your ideas. You will be assigned a studio tutor and you can also access teaching from any member of staff through the surgery system and from visiting lecturers in relation to the development of your work and the demands it creates. You receive a varied programme of individual and group tutorials and a series of seminars which encourage you to consider various aspects of the context in which you are working. In cross-year and cross-discipline crits you will be encouraged to discuss your aims and intentions and to develop the ability to subject your own practice to rigorous criticism.
Third Year students can determine the balance between Studio Work and Art History and may begin to increase the amount of Art History credits taken if they wish. Third Year is the stage of the programme when you develop your Art History dissertation. The dissertation subject is identified in consultation with Art History staff and you proceed to develop a piece of sustained writing borne out of inquiry and research. Wherever possible, you are assigned a member of staff whose expertise is appropriate to the particular dissertation topic. A number of tutorial discussions are provided throughout the planning and writing of the dissertation. These help you to organise and structure your study.
Through the LifeWorkArt Programme students develop an understanding of project management through organising group projects outside the university.
Stage 4
Students may concentrate solely on studio work or select from a choice of Art History, LifeWorkArt or Intensive Career Development Modules.
The principal aim of Final Year is to build upon the intensive, sustained and self-directed inquiry of Stage 3 to enable you to conclude your studies successfully and be prepared for further intellectual and creative and professional development. Whichever modules you select, you will undertake a self-initiated programme of studio work which will lead towards the production of a sustained body of work for presentation in the Degree Show exhibition open to the public in the Hatton Gallery and the Fine Art building.
During the final year you attend the visitor programme lectures weekly, and should access least one tutorial with a visitor. You will have several timetabled tutorials with your final year supervisor over the year, and tutorials with other members of fine art staff on a ‘surgery’ basis. Studio work is supported by a programme of studio specific and cross-studio tutorial teaching including a weekly ‘Fourth Year Forum’ where students’ present work and ideas for discussion with the rest of their year group and tutors.
The LifeWorkArt module will build on the learning students have developed through the LifeWorkArt programme and previous group projects during the first three years of their degree. An annual LifeWorkArt Conference is organised by students in collaboration with the three other fine art departments in the region .
The Career Development module offers students the opportunity to undertake work-related learning in a variety of different contexts, both on and off the University campus.
