Somerset College

Summary

The BA (Hons) Fine Art (top-up) is a dynamic year which gives students the opportunity to advance a foundation degree in Fine Art or other suitable Art based FdA to a full BA honours degree.  Most students already undertaking an FdA in Fine Art at Somerset College automatically complete the third year to gain their honours degree, but a significant number of students come from other colleges to gain their honours degree.

At Somerset College we make the transition from the FdA to the top-up year as seamless as possible.  We introduce potential students to the dissertation options in the summer term prior to the September start date to enable students to meet their tutors and organise an active dissertation research programme.  We also introduce new students to the College early so that they are familiar with the Art and Design Department and feel comfortable in their studio spaces.  We are friendly and approachable and make sure all students on the course have a rewarding, successful and memorable experience.

Description

We will go out of our way to provide you with the encouragement and support you need to further develop your imagination, sensibility, knowledge and visual coherence. This holistic course will prepare you for any career that requires problem solving or an ability to think laterally. The dialogue between tutors and students, and between students themselves, which will have been open and challenging throughout the Foundation Degree programme, will now assume even greater significance and depth. This final year is a culmination of your own practice and you can choose either studio or site-based self investigated projects. Alongside this you will complete either a thesis, special project or critical dissertation.

During your studies you will:

• Focus on the development of a representative body of work in conjunction with either a thesis/special project involving a practical enquiry with a written paper or a critical commentary dissertation.
• Be expected to take on greater responsibility for the direction of your work, the references and connections they make, and the development of a visual language which is aesthetically viable and meaningful.
• Gain valuable experience in curating and organising exhibitions of your work at local and national venues.
• Complete a visual culture module that will underpin your studio work.

You will already have had the opportunity to enter a number of local and national art competitions such as the Pardoes Open and the Millfield National Open. Recent final year students have exhibited at the Appledore Festival (North Devon), The Brewhouse Theatre Gallery (Taunton), Paintworks Gallery Bristol and The Chocolate Factory Gallery in London.

To download the course leaflet click here.

Personal Skills

We are looking for you to demonstrate the following personal qualities, although all will be further developed throughout your learning:

• Your interest in Fine Art. Within your portfolio there will be an obvious enthusiasm for the subject and you will bring with you your developing creative potential. We are also looking for your ability to conceptualise and analyse.
• Studio, group and team work skills, possibly gained through school/college projects or part-time employment.
• Independent learning skills. You will already have some of these skills, although your transition to higher education is supported by your personal support tutor and student support services. 
• Individuality and creativity.
• Written and oral communication skills as you will be required to attend lectures, seminars and tutorials; write essays and a thesis and give oral presentations.

Teaching and Assesment

Assessment is based 100% on your coursework and we undertake continuous modular assessment in accordance with the Art & Design Partnership at the University of Plymouth. Assessment criteria are linked to individual module outcomes. Studio based assignments continue throughout the course, complemented by one to one tutorials, lectures, seminars and workshop presentations.

Career Opportunities

The range of employment open to Fine Art graduates is many and varied. This holistic course will prepare you for any career that requires problem solving or an ability to think laterally. You could undertake further training and become a teacher, work in the varied field of arts administration in the public or private sector or use your skills as an art therapist.

Many students go on to set up their own studios as artists.

You can also progress to postgraduate study.

Entry Requirements

Foundation Degree or HND in Fine Art or similar.

We also require students to have GCSE English at grade C (or equivalent).

Students whose first language is not English will be required to attain IELTS (International English Language Testing System) Level 6 with a score of 5 or more in the writing test.

Mature students without formal entry requirements are welcome to apply.

Interviews last approximately 25 minutes. Normally there are two interviewers. This is a valuable opportunity for you to show and discuss your work and demonstrate your personal skills.

Your portfolio: Your portfolio should be well ordered and display a good range of skills, including photography, 3D work, graphics, drawing and personal sketchbooks etc. Your use of colour and different media will be considered together with clear evidence of design thinking and problem solving.

Cost

Full Time Fees: £3225 per year (for 2009/10 start)

Fees for 2010/11 will be confirmed in March 2010

Contact

Tel:  01823 366 331;  Email:  enquiries@somerset.ac.uk