FdA Commercial Art and Design Practice
Course summary
This course prepares students to operate as informed, effective, responsive and skilled professionals. It has a vocational emphasis and enables students to develop and explore skills in drawing, mixed media, design, printmaking and related computer software. The course encourages innovative approaches to art and design, with an entrepreneurial focus reinforced with live commissions and work placements.
Course structure
The course provides a broad range of art and design practice from art principles and processes through to techniques and communication design skills. Within each pathway students build on their capacity to be creative and resourceful, whilst becoming equipped with relevant entrepreneurial skills.
First year modules include: Contextual studies, Image Making, Principles and Techniques of Drawing and Mixed Media, Personal Development, and Planning for an Exhibition.
Second year modules include: Advanced and Specialist Image Making, Project Planning, Management and Realisation, and Planning for an Exhibition.
All modules build on existing skills and knowledge, allowing and encouraging broad creative responses. Teaching and learning takes place through class sessions, projects, practical workshops and demonstrations, research activities and student-centred learning.
Work placements
Students experience work placements in one of the specialist areas. The course is designed in partnership with local employers to equip students with the knowledge, understanding and skills relevant to their future employment. Students will be prepared for the world of work and able to apply the right skills immediately. Project briefs will make clear the industrial requirements and restrictions including a fixed deadline and will often be ‘live’ assignments and competitions set by related companies and individuals.
Work-based learning consists of exhibitions of original art and design work. The first year’s project will involve preparation, presentation and organisation of an exhibition of course work. Year two will continue to develop this towards professional and sector requirements including a work placement. A number of selected industry professionals will engage with the course, leading lectures, Q and A sessions and practical workshops in their chosen specialism.
Assessment
Assessment will take place through essays/written work, portfolio production, student activity logs, exhibitions, course work and other assignments.
After the course
Students who successfully complete this course have the opportunity to progress to BA (Hons) Professional Studies at UCS or the final year of a relevant Honours degree. Alternatively employment opportunities exist within the regional and national sector including graphic design, advertising, gallery management, photography, illustration as well as freelance opportunities and independent artistic and craft pursuits.