Course Structure
The course offers a structured, progressive programme of study, all modules are mandatory for single route students. There is a prescribed set of study modules for students.
Level four modules (first year of study)
In level four, the emphasis is upon individual skills acquisition and orientation within the subject. After a wide introduction to skills, techniques and creative processes in the introductory modules, the students focus upon specific media, issues and themes.
-
Workshop Studies: painting; printmaking; sculpture/installation; lens based media - 40 credits
-
Studio Studies - 40 credits
-
Drawing - 20 credits
-
Historical Precedents - 20 credit
Level five modules (second year of study)
In level five students experiment and investigate, take risks and expand upon their ideas and skills. They select two disciplines to explore in depth, and develop their personal portfolio through external projects, specific professional activities and opportunities related to arts practice and employment.
-
Studio Practice - 40 credits
-
Professional Development - 20 credits
-
Professional Practice - 40 credits
-
Contemporary Art and Ideas - 20 credits
Level six modules (third year of study)
Level six is the year for advanced and sophisticated work, when students develop an individual style, challenge their practice and create innovative work. They are able to reflect on their progress, make mistakes and respond to them, initiate projects, communicate with colleagues and professional agencies, and make and write work of a high level of creative and intellectual rigor.
-
Project Proposal - 20 credits
-
Degree Project - 60 credits
-
Dissertation and Critical Review - 40 credits
The above structure allows for progression and development from module to module and year to year. However, part-time students are advised to follow the route below, whilst allowing for negotiation of details in order to maintain course coherence and the proper sequencing of modules. The requirements (whether domestic or professional) of part-time students will be given full consideration consistent with academic integrity.
Part Time Route
Part-time students are advised to follow the route below, whilst allowing for negotiation of details in order to maintain course coherence and the proper sequencing of modules. The requirements (whether domestic or professional) of part-time students will be given full consideration consistent with academic integrity.
Suggested Part Time Route
Year 1: Level 4 - 60 Credits
Workshop Studies: Semester 1 module, 40 Credits
(Painting, Printmaking, Lens Based Media and Sculpture & Installation)
Drawing: Year long module, 20 Credits
Year 2: Level 4 - 60 Credits
Studio Studies: Semester 2 module, 40 Credits
Contemporary Practice and Historical Precedent: Year long module, 20 credits
Year 3: Level 5 - 60 Credits
Studio Practice: Semester 1 module, 40 Credits
Contemporary Art & Ideas: Year long module, 20 Credits
Year 4: Level 5 – 60 Credits
Professional Development: Semester 1 module, 20 Credits
Professional Practice: Semester 2 module: 40 Credits
Year 5: Level 6 - 60 Credits
Project Proposal: Semester 1 module, 20 Credits
Dissertation & Critical Review: Year long module, 40 Credits
Year 6: Level 6 - 60 Credits
Degree Project: Year long module, 60 Credits
Teaching, Learning and Assessment
The course offers a wide range of learning and teaching strategies, selected to be appropriate to the subject matter studied (e.g. formal lectures/demonstrations, individual tutorials and group seminars) and to exercise various skills and styles of learning within each student. The first year tends to be more prescriptive, with a greater level of individual responsibility for learning being given to students studying in the second year. In the third year the focus of learning shifts to an expectation that each student, as well as taking responsibility for the content of their work, will also become far more self critical and independent. Assessment modes include project coursework, presentations, reports, essays and research folders.
Timetabling
The teaching is divided into two semesters, semester one runs from September to January and semester two from February to June. A full-time student is expected to take three modules each semester, making six modules in one year. A part-time student will take one or two modules each semester. Students can expect to have to attend four to five hours per module for the twelve weeks of the semester and to spend at least an equivalent amount of time per week in independent study. Students will be provided with timetables when they join the course.
Tutorial and Study Support
Staff place great importance on the provision of tutorial support. All students have a named lecturer who acts in an academic and pastoral capacity, providing advice on academic progress, option choices and assessment requirements, as well as forming links with University Campus Suffolk’s other student support services.
There are effective arrangements for study skills support workshops and for the support of students with disabilities. The special needs of individual students are monitored, through their application forms and initial tutorial, and appropriate guidance and referrals are given by their tutor.