Level: Undergraduate
Study Mode: Full-time / Part Time
Duration: 1 year (full time) 2 years (part time)
Application: To UCAS (full time) Direct to the College (part time)
Application Deadline: 15 Jan 2010
UCAS Course Code: W790
Institution Code: H18
Validated By: The University Of Wales

The top-up degree has been designed for students who have successfully completed an HND or Foundation degree in a relevant subject and now wish to convert their existing qualification into a full BA honours qualification. This flexible way of studying allows students from other institutions the opportunity to join our existing 3rd year BA (Hons) students for the final year.  It also provides a natural progression route for students completing one of our own foundation degrees.

 This degree is validated and awarded by the University of Wales. For further details regarding the University and its validation services, please log on to www.wales.ac.uk/validation or email validation@wales.ac.uk

Students will be encouraged to develop their thinking and understanding to become independent and critically aware practitioners in their chosen field. This will include undertaking a major piece of theoretical work as well as improving their technical and creative skills through a programme of negotiated projects. Students will also be expected to exhibit, take up live briefs and competitions, together with any opportunities that will improve their understanding of the creative industries and their own professional development. In the majority of courses there will opportunities to exhibit at a national level at major events such as New Designers.

The year provides the student with a set of specific opportunities to assemble a highly specialist and professional portfolio of work. There is increased emphasis on research, critical thinking, and innovation. Students will be expected to work in an increasingly self-directed manner to a professional level and have the opportunity to produce a body of work for public exhibition.

At this stage students will have the unique opportunity of profiling themselves and their practice to representatives of the creative industries through a series of appointments with gallery directors, craft shop owners, arts/crafts officers, etc. Students will be given the opportunity to contextualise their own ideas and design philosophy by undertaking a critical enquiry project in the form of a dissertation or case study.

Generally, students who successfully complete the course, progress to become professional practitioners within the field of Applied Arts and Crafts, contributing to raising the quality and standard of contemporary work within this area of the Creative Industries. Graduates have also successfully established themselves in community arts, teaching and residencies.

Successful completion of a Foundation Degree (FdA) or HND in a related subject portfolio
English as a second language: IELTS 6.0 at enrolment

All applications to our Full Time Higher Education courses should be made via UCAS – for more details on how to apply, click here