School of Education

BA (Hons) Fine Art (part-time)

www.nottingham.ac.uk/fine-art
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BA (Hons) Fine Art (part-time)

A six-year course of study run by the Centre for Continuing Education in the School of Education at the Shakespeare Street city centre site.

The part-time BA (Hons) Fine Art was launched at the University of Nottingham in 2006. It responds to significant demand from students for degree-level study of fine art on a dedicated part-time basis. The course concentrates on student development through a contemporary approach to traditional Fine Art media Painting, Drawing, Print and Sculpture. Contextual, theoretical and professional studies support studio based learning. The Fine Art programme appeals to a wide range of students many based in the region. Typically a student completes the BA through attendance one day per week over 6 years. This is supported by students independent study from their studio base or home.

Applications are now invited for admission in September 2008.

For specific academic enquiries please contact: Dr Gillian Perkins, Centre for Continuing Education, School of Education, The University of Nottingham, Jubilee Campus, Nottingham NG8 1BB T: 0115 951 4493 E: gillian.perkins@nottingham.ac.uk

Who is it aimed at?

This course is aimed at students with some previous fine art experience, for example Foundation Studies or A Level. All our students come from a broad range of backgrounds, from those who have just completed Foundation Studies to those who already have degrees and who have decided to re-enter education specialising in Fine Art. Students range in ages from 18 to 80 and all our students share a progressive and experimental approach to the study of Fine Art.

How does it work?

The programme combines studio-based art practice and theory. The general aims of the degree are: To concentrate on student development through a contemporary response to traditional fine art media; To progress through the programme from tutor-led modules, to student directed learning/research; To develop critical and contextual underpinning to practical work through the study of art theory and professional practice; To foster a common approach of critical enquiry, dialogue and reflection.
Student: Patricia Brown

Students attend the Centre one day per week, over three terms each academic year. Learning is supported by regular one-to-one tutorials and a cross-level seminar programme.

How do I apply?
Application is by portfolio and we take applications throughout the year.
Student: Helen Williams

Evelyn Towlerton - 2007 Graduate

Barbara Price - 2007 Graduate

Facilities
The UNAEC Shakespeare Street houses the BA Fine Art facilities. The building houses our large studios, screening room, project spaces (bookable spaces for students wanting to undertake short-term or large scale projects) and Learning Resource Centre. We have ceramics, small metal and wood workshops, computer suite, printmaking facilities, and a selection of digital based equipment.

Seminar & Lecture Programme

Each term we run a weekly seminar series. This is open to BA Fine Art students of all levels. It is a non-compulsory session which is a very popular element of the programme. As part of the series we have visiting artists, academics and peer reviews, and show a range of important films and documentaries which support your studies.

Visiting Artists
In addition to our team of highly experienced tutors, we invite a range of visiting artists of national standing each term. There are opportunities for students to engage in one-to-one tutorials with visiting artists, and each artist gives a lecture about their work as part of the weekly seminar programme.

Degree Show
Each year graduating students exhibit their work at the Degree Exhibition. This is held at the University of Nottinghams Lakeside Arts Centre, and is a very popular and well attended annual event.

How much does it cost?

The current fee per academic year is 525 (60 credits) and is subject to annual review. In addition to the course fee students will be expected to buy their own materials as appropriate. Students on qualifying benefits may be eligible for LEA assistance with fees (up to 100%) and small grants. Continuing Education fee concessions are also available. Details will be sent to those whose applications for admission are successful.

Course structure
Certificate Level (years 1 & 2) This course provides a broad based introduction to fine art practice and theory, through the following modules:

Student: Marion Jones

Creative Development (20 credits) Development of Visual Perception Colour (20 credits) Development of Visual Perception Form (20 credits) Psychology and Philosophy of the Arts (10 credits) Two Dimensional Media (20 credits) Three Dimensional Media (20 credits) Reflecting on Self and Culture (10 credits)

Diploma Level (years 3 & 4)

A key element at this level is to build an understanding of the conceptual frameworks underpinning recent movements in art. Students will further develop critical analysis of contemporary art practice in relation to their own visual research. The programme consists of the following modules:

2D Media

Drawing Workshop (10 credits) Media Skills Workshop (10 credits) Contemporary Issues in Art (10 credits) Studio Practice: Exploring Genre-based Content (20 credits) Studio Practice: Exploring Metaphor as Content (20 credits) Studio Practice: Issues of Form and Content (20 credits) Studio Practice: Approaches to Media and Content (20 credits)

Degree Level (years 5 & 6)

The focus of this level is towards student-directed learning. This is achieved through the integration of individual research/studio practice and professional development. This enables students to consider and prepare for the variety of options available to them after graduating and equips students with the skills needed for their continuing independent art practice. The Degree level is successfully completed with the final Degree Show. The following modules will be offered:

3D Media

Professional Development in the Arts (10 credits) Contextual Studies (10 credits) Research and Development in Studio Practice (40 credits) Negotiated Study in Fine Art (20 credits) Studio Practice and Exhibition (40 credits)

What the students say...

The excellence of the tuition and the support and encouragement offered by the tutors on the various levels of the BA Fine Art has given me the confidence to develop my own art practice. As a mature student, embarking on my degree has been about my personal development. My studies have been life changing, opening my eyes and broadening my mind, especially to contemporary art practice. The tutors have been encouraging and helpful, the camaraderie and mutual support of the group itself has been great, and reflects well on the course design. Combining this course alongside family, voluntary commitments and part time work has been a challenge, but the course has pushed me to engage with both subjects and materials that I would not have considered otherwise. It has been a very enriching experience.

I have developed a more analytical approach, not merely depending on likes and dislikes. Travelling to see works of art is now an important part of my life and I feel able to discuss art issues with increased confidence as well as my own art practice.

Cover image: Student - Jane Pepper

The catalogue from the 2007 Degree Show can be viewed online

For further information please contact: School of Education The University of Nottingham Jubilee Campus Nottingham NG8 1BB T: 0115 951 4543 F: 0115 846 6600 E: educationenquiries@nottingham.ac.uk www.nottingham.ac.uk/fine-art