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You will be encouraged to work across art and design, working with staff with backgrounds in different disciplines in order to explore the potential of different media, processes and ways of working. You will develop and shape your own visual arts practice through a highly flexible and responsive programme of study. Tutors work with you at each level, taking a holistic approach to your development by ensuring practical, theoretical and professional practice modules interrelate productively.

The flexible, responsive nature of the course enables it to offer a well-established and highly successful part-time mode. Part-time students study alongside full-time peers completing their course over six years. Through its Professional Practice modules the course actively encourages students to identify appropriate professional contexts for their practice and their future. Students use their modules as a way to get a foothold into the world they will enter post-university and through the course are able to develop networks, get practical experience and an understanding of the realities of a career in the creative industries before they leave university.

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Key Facts

• Highly flexible and practical, the course gives you the freedom to explore a range of art and design practices, and find your own creative strength and inspiration.
• Innovative structure and broad staff team means it’s easy to change direction, or explore new ideas, media or ways of working.
• Study full-time or part-time, or even move between these two modes – perfect flexibility if you combine study with working commitments.
• The School runs two nationally recognised contemporary galleries, as well as an internationally renowned independent publishing house – an appropriate space to display your inspiration.
• The Times Good University Guide 2010 ranks our Art and Design research in the UK’s top 10 – the highest-ranked institution outside London.
• Almost 80% of respondents to the National Student Survey praised the enthusiasm of Creative Arts and Design staff, and the clear way they explained their subject.

Further Studies

For further information on courses Tel: +44(0)121 331 5595 or go direct to the courses section of the website.

Employment Opportunities

Graduates from the course have progressed to various careers including design, management consultancy, community arts officers, teaching, education assistants, curators in museums, galleries and art centres, exhibition design and interpretation, fashion and styling, display design, video production, web design and contemporary retail.

Course Structure

In the first year, during the first term you will work with a wide range of academic and technical staff in order to explore working methodologies and techniques across a range of art and design disciplines. Interdisciplinary projects will enable you to develop new skills and ways of thinking, gain confidence and identify your own strengths and areas of interest for the future.

During years two and three professional practice is a recognised through the strength of the course. You will work with staff to organise appropriate professional placements during year two and will be encouraged to continue engaging with the ‘real world’ during your final year. This portfolio of experience will be supplemented by regular talks from visiting experts from a range of backgrounds.   In previous years we have invited artists, designers, curators, craftspeople, entrepreneurs, educators and project managers, alongside representatives from regional and national support agencies for the creative industries. Additionally a lecture and tutorial programme provides you with practical advice and skills for employment /self-employment and enables you to develop a personalised career development plan that prepares you for your future after university.

You’ll experience group teaching, one-to-one guidance, lectures, seminars and specialist lectures from artists, designers and entrepreneurs. There’s also the opportunity to study abroad at one of our European partner institutions.

The collective background of the staff team is notably wide and includes professional practice in the areas of fine art, visual communication, technology, fashion and textile design, ceramics, product and set design, and print and photography.

Modules

Each year you will undertake practical modules in negotiated practice. Supported by your personal tutor you will design the content of these modules, writing a short initial proposal outlining the ideas and processes you intend to explore. You will work across a broad spectrum of interdisciplinary art and design practice and can propose to explore two-dimensional   and three-dimensional work, engage in art and design practice, make work in the public realm, develop curatorial ideas, work in digital space, develop collaborative projects and work across disciplines.

At each level, practical modules are supported by contemporary and historical contexts lectures, seminars and tutorials which enable you to gain an understanding of the theory and history of contemporary art and design in order to underpin and contextualise your own work.

Entry Requirements

A good portfolio, plus one of the following:

• 280 tariff points
• BTEC National Diploma with an overall grade of DMM
• Level 3 Diploma in Foundation Studies (Art and Design), with merit or distinction in the final stage
• International Baccalaureate with 28 points
• Equivalent qualifications or experience

Application Details

Visit our School of Art at Bournville website here

Full Time - apply through UCAS Code: W190. Search for this course on UCAS.

Fees Notes

If you already have an equivalent level qualification, you may be charged a higher fee for your course. For further information visit the fees area of the Student Info section.

Enquiries

Prospective students from the UK or EU may enquire online by using the Course Enquiry Form or call +44 (0)121 331 5595.

Prospective students from non-EU countries may enquire via the International Enquiry Form or call +44 (0)121 331 6714.