Undergraduate Modules

Stage 1 (Year 1)

FIN1011 Preliminary Studies in Studio Practice I

This module offers a studio-based course which introduces students to the making of fine art in 2 and 3 dimensions including painting, sculpture, video, printmaking & drawing.

FIN1012 Preliminary Studies in Studio Practice II

This module offers a studio-based course which develops students’ skills in, and understanding of, fine art practice. Work may be made in a range of media and the emphasis is on students identifying and developing their own particular interests.

FIN1007 Preliminary Studies: History of Art I

What is art history? In seeking an answer to this question, this module looks at case studies drawn from Western European art during the period 1300 and 1900 and uncovers different ways of understanding art. It begins with the Early Renaissance, moves on to the High Renaissance and ends with critical issues connected with the production of art within the nineteenth century in England and France.

FIN1008 Preliminary Studies: History of Art II

The focus of this module is European Modernism during the period 1900 to 1945 and its relationship to the development of liberal thought during the early twentieth century. Cubism, Futurism, Vorticism, German Expressionoism, Dada and Surrealism.

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Stage 2 (Year 2)

FIN2013 Studio Practice I

Students choose to work in at least one of the main studio disciplines (Painting, Sculpture, Printmaking/Digital Media) and take one complementary practice strand (for example: a strand on multiples and casting, on audio work, drawing or collaborative practice), which will allows them to explore additional media and methods of working within the Fine Art context

FIN2014 Studio Practice II

This core module is a Fine Art studio based module. Students continue to work on self directed studio projects that have been developed through negotiation with their studio tutor. They undertake one complementary practice strand which this semester focus on LifeWork Art projects and Art in the Public Context. Students begin to define a personal direction of research and practice that will provide the foundation for the development of work in stage 3.

FIN2011 From Modernism to Postmodernism

This course is an introduction to the major developments in art theory and criticism in the USA and Europe in the period from the end of World War II to the early 1980s.

FIN2017 Art Since 1945: Postwar to Protest

The module covers the period from the end of World War II to the protest movements exemplified by May 1968

FIN2020 Art Since 1945: Post Modern to the Present

This module is organised thematically rather than adhering to a chronological format. The main focus is on aspects of art in Britain, America and Germany from the 1970s to the present.

FIN2022 Issues in Portaiture

This course will look at portraiture under its various aspects, glorious and mundane. Students should expect to acquire a new and sharper awareness of the ways in which art seeks to impinge on life.

FIN2025 Exhibiting Art

This is an introduction to the history, theory and practices of art display in a gallery context.

FIN2032 Art in the Public Context

This module will consider critical and theoretical issues surrounding art in the public context, including: the term ‘public art’, art’s relationship with the environment, the notion of site-specificity, regeneration contexts, processes and participation, exclusions from ‘public’ space and commemorative practices.

FIN2035 Art and War

Focussing predominantly on works from the 20th century to the present, this module will critically examine the relationship between war and art, drawing on examples from a range of media.

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Stage 3 (Year 3)

FIN3014 Studio Practice I

In this module students continue to concentrate on developing a coherent, independent practice based upon choices made relating to which disciplines they wish to work within, which media they wish to use/explore and what self directed area of research/topic they will pursue. These choices are determined and agreed through negotiation with studio staff.

FIN3015 Studio Practice II

In this module students continue to concentrate on developing a coherent, independent practice based upon choices made relating to which disciplines they wish to work within, which media they wish to use/explore and what self directed area of research/topic they will pursue. These choices are determined and agreed through negotiation with studio staff. This module provides a solid basis for the progression into the final year.

FIN3016 Studio Practice A

In this module students continue to concentrate on developing a coherent, independent practice based upon choices made relating to which disciplines they wish to work within, which media they wish to use/explore and what self directed area of research/topic they will pursue. These choices are determined and agreed through negotiation with studio staff.

FIN3017 Studio Practice B

In this module students continue to concentrate on developing a coherent, independent practice based upon choices made relating to which disciplines they wish to work within, which media they wish to use/explore and what self directed area of research/topic they will pursue. These choices are determined and agreed through negotiation with studio staff. This module provides a solid basis for the progression into the final year.

FIN3020 Art since 1945: Postmodern to the Present

This module is organised thematically rather than adhering to a chronological format. The main focus is on aspects of art in Britain, America and Germany from the 1970s to the present.

FIN3021 From Modernism to Postmodernism: Theories, Practices and Criticisms of Art

This course is an introduction to the major developments in art theory and criticism in the USA and Europe in the period from the end of World War II to the early 1980s.

FIN3022 Issues in Portraiture (Stage 3)

This course will look at portraiture under its various aspects, glorious and mundane. Students should expect to acquire a new and sharper awareness of the ways in which art seeks to impinge on life.

FIN3027 Art since 1945: Postwar to Protest

The module covers the period from the end of World War II to the protest movements exemplified by May 1968

FIN3029 Exhibiting Art - Stage 3

This is an introduction to the history, theory and practices of art display in a gallery context.

FIN3032 Art in the Public Context

This module will consider critical and theoretical issues surrounding art in the public context, including: the term ‘public art’, art’s relationship with the environment, the notion of site-specificity, regeneration contexts, processes and participation, exclusions from ‘public’ space and commemorative practices.

FIN3036 Art and War

Focussing predominantly on works from the 20th century to the present, this module will critically examine the relationship between war and art, drawing on examples from a range of media.

FIN3097 Art History Dissertation

The module extends over two semesters, offering students the opportunity for in-depth engagement with a specialised topic of their choice.

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Stage 4 (Year 4)

FIN4011 Studio Practice I
FIN4012 Studio Practice II
FIN4013 Studio Practice III
FIN4014 Studio Practice IV
FIN4015 Studio Practice V

Students have a choice of the amount of Studio based, year long credits they wish to take. They develop further the skills and understanding established in Stages 1-3 and apply them to develop, sustain and reslove a body of studio work for presentation in June in the Degree Show exhibition.

FIN4016 LifeWorkArt External Project

The module will build on the learning students have developed through the LifeWorkArt programme and previous group projects (eg Stage 2 Strands) The project will involve some form of public interaction – eg with audience, external partners, students from other subject areas. Students will define the nature of that interaction – eg live art event, exhibition, website, public art project, socially engaged project.

FIN4023 Critical Contextual Writing

Students wanting to continue with art history in their final year can opt to do one 40 credit module that runs across semesters 1 and 2. The aim of the module is to further engage and develop students’ understanding of their own position in relation to the field of contemporary art practice and criticism. The course involves developing a detailed knowledge of contemporary art practice, its representation and criticism and will be assessed on the basis of a portfolio of printed or online critical writings (totalling 8000 words) in response to exhibitions, theory and art criticism. There will also be a group symposium. Students keep a blog or record of their research practice and the course is taught through seminar discussion.

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