| BA(Hons) Fine Art (Combined Media) |
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Why choose Fine Art (Combined Media) and why at SMU The Fine Art programme is proactively broad based. You are encouraged to locate your practice within both an historical and contemporaneous context through a continuing series of studio critiques and seminars. These form the basis for discourse around your work leading toward an assertive and enriched individual visual language, informed by current arts practice and debates. The Combined Media pathway supports work that operates in areas between and through established forms of art. It is based on issues, concepts and forms of expression that involve the search for unpredictable or innovative forms of realisation: these may straddle the norms of 2D and 3D, object and performance etc. You are expected to demonstrate flexibility and individual expression based upon personal consideration of a broad range of media options. If your work becomes ‘site-specific', you will be expected to seek venues, discover sources or sponsorship, etc. to facilitate the practical realisation of ideas. You may include other mediums such as video, photography etc. as either support or integral materials. As with all of our Fine Art pathways academic staff are practitioners with both National and International reputations. The faculty and programme technicians are highly experienced in their fields and provide students with invaluable support throughout the course. We proactively encourage our students to develop a shared studio and workshop ethic to enhance the friendly and supportive learning environment. The majority of modules are delivered through tutorials, critiques and practical workshops both of a formal and informal nature. • Introductory workshops - new skills techniques More about the course During the first year major modules in studio practice introduce the essentials of material processes and techniques including their conceptual and expressive orientations towards content and subject matter. Visual Studies modules deal largely with perception, interpretation and visual language, providing complementary research for personal projects. The second and third years are based on negotiated study; this is student-led, based on themes, issues and practices derived from personal motivation. Exhibitions, competitions, work with external agencies on creative and educational projects, etc. provide public content for personal development. The location of Swansea is particularly important for the character of the programme. The cultural, political, natural and industrial environments of South Wales provide a stimulating and unique sense of place, which is often significant to the creative development of both students and practitioners who are based here. Course structure & content The Faculty has excellent industrial links and there is a regular programme of visiting speakers and professionals. Live projects are an integral part of the course and these help you to engage with professional bodies before you graduate. All work is project based. Students are expected to demonstrate their understanding in the form of practical project work. All assessment is based on 100% coursework. As well as formal lectures there is also a programme of individual tutorials throughout the three years. Theory is a major part of your coursework and final degree, constituting about 20% of your studies and marks. There are also workshops to help you enhance your technical studies and creative enquiry. Year One Year Two Year Three The Historical and Contextual Studies modules are designed to underpin your practice and therefore you are provided with a range of theory topics to choose from. In your first year you will be required to produce two essays of 1500 words plus one practical assignment negotiated with your theory lecturer. The second year requires one 2000 word essay, one 2500 word essay and a 500 word dissertation proposal in preparation for your final year dissertation. Throughout the course you will be supported by the theory staff and if you have any difficulties the faculty has a close working relationship with the Study Skills department of the University. At the end of each year students are asked to curate their own show providing invaluable experience in preparation for the third year final degree show. Students also participate in shows held throughout the region at a number of established Art venues. Facilities & Resources The Fine Art programmes are housed in three large studio spaces allowing individual studio space throughout the course. These studios are situated close to all of the workshops and installation rooms. The programmes have access to well equipped workshops including a resin, plaster, wood, metal and ceramic. Beyond this specialist equipment, you will also have access to an extensive range of facilities including an excellent library, open-access computer suits and optional workshops in other areas within the art school. Student experiences & Employment opportunities After graduating from the Fine Art Portfolio of courses students have taken a number of paths from establishing themselves as practicing Visual Artists, studying for Masters, teaching at secondary and tertiary level and working in museums and galleries. "The course doesn't push you into a box but lets you try anything. It's all about experimenting and the tutors give you so much time" UCAS Codes, Entry requirements, How to apply, Open days & Fees UCAS Code: W100 Study Options: 3years Full Time/6 years Part-Time Information on Entry Requirements, How to Apply and Open Days can be found on our main Faculty Page Information on Fees can be found here Contact
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