Study booth
A busy study booth in the School of the Arts
School of the Arts
Ranked 7th for Art and Design in the UK
The Times Good University Guide 2012
The School
The School of the Arts provides specialist courses allowing both total engagement in a specific area of study and an opportunity for a more flexible approach with interaction between disciplines.
Studio practice is developed alongside research and an underpinning of theoretical knowledge. Learning occurs through practice set in a context whether cultural, historical, social, technological or professional.
Facilities
The School is equipped with some of the best facilities available for visual artists: extensive workshop facilities, studios, equipment and the latest IT resources including high speed internet access.
Textiles print workshop
The textiles print workshop - one of the many well-equipped facilities on offer in the School of the Arts
Industry Links and Experience
The School has strong industry links with both the retail sector and design companies.
Successful Students
Our students have work exhibited regularly, they also have won many awards at national and international competitions. Over the last few years the number of student successes and commissions gained in prestigious national competitions has been amongst the highest in the country.
Trips Abroad
Each year there are trips and visits for all students. Places have included New York, Paris, Valencia, Venice, Barcelona and Milan.
Work Experience
Many of our students have taken our optional year-out to work in businesses all over the world e.g. Dolce and Gabbana, Apple Europe, Paul Smith, Premier League sports associations etc.
Selection
The School welcomes applicants with both traditional and non-traditional qualifications. It is preferred that applicants will have completed a Foundation Diploma or similar, in order to produce a portfolio on which, in conjunction with an interview, selection is largely based. However, this is no longer mandatory and consideration will be given to applicants applying from A-Level study.
The School is forward-looking in attitude and continues to initiate many exciting developments in areas of research, learning and teaching, application of new technologies and international projects, all of which inform our students.
Critical and Historical Studies
Critical and Historical Studies forms an integral part of all our studio based degree and foundation programmes. It consists of seminars and lectures in a wide range of subjects relating to the history and theory of art and design, as well as providing professional and business studies expertise at BA level. We aim to form an integrated and dynamic relationship that provides a stimulating environment for intellectual and professional development.
Critical and Historical Studies includes core elements tailored to individual specialisms, and we also offer students opportunities to study a broad spectrum of themes, often in lively mixed groups drawn from all disciplines. It provides a learning experience that will enhance the development and understanding of creative ideas, while at the same time transmitting values and core skills that you will and useful in establishing your career.
Assessment is normally continual, through written work and oral presentation. Student artists and designers need to develop an awareness of the professional dimension of their practice. Aspects of this are treated as an on-going part of studio and workshop practice and there is a Business and Entrepreneurial Practice Module in Year 2.
Assessment
The work produced for Studio Practice and Critical and Historical Studies modules is assessed at the end of each semester. Modules are weighted and the overall marks for progression and for the final class of degree are based on the aggregation of module marks.
Assessed work includes practical work, essays and oral presentations. In the final year of all degree courses, students undertake a dissertation/critical appraisal and a major practical project, both self-defined and self-directed, on which the final assessment is substantially based.