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: W101
Institution Code: H18
Validated By: The University Of Wales

The top-up degree programme 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.

During the year,  through a process of research and discussion, students will determine their body of self-directed study. Theoretical and contextual elements of study will have developed into a rationale for practice and the practice will demonstrate the theoretical research that informs it. At this stage the focus is neither on practice nor theory but on a theoretically informed practice

The year begins with a period of individual research focussed on the particular aspect of enquiry that each student wishes to pursue. This critical enquiry is presented either in the form of a dissertation or a case study. The results of this research help to inform the substantial body of practice-based work undertaken during the rest of the academic year. The teaching composition of the large practice-based module reflects the expectation that students will now be integrating practice with context and theory to form a coherent whole. Students will be expected to have produced a substantial and thorough research based body of practical work by the end of the academic year which will prepare them for life as a professional contemporary artist. 

The course also provides the student with the opportunity to assemble a highly specialist and professional portfolio of work and the knowledge and ability to begin their life as a professional contemporary artist..

On completion of your Degree you should have the skills and knowledge to be able to move on to your next step, whatever that is. You may want to continue your studies at Masters level or on a post graduate teaching course. You may intend to look for employment in a range of arts related businesses. You should be in a position to work at a practitioner or technician level, having acquired a well-developed portfolio of skills, knowledge and understanding of their area of practice.

Successful completion of a Foundation Degree (FdA) or HND in a related subject
Portfolio
English as a second language: IELTS score 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

or for Part Time, apply direct to the College