Level: Undergraduate
Study Mode: Full-time / Part-time
Duration: 3 years (full time), 6 years (part time)
Application: To UCAS (full time), Direct to College (part time)
Application Deadline: 15 Jan 2010
UCAS Course Code: W900
Institution Code: H18
Validated By: University of Wales
This exciting course encourages you to experiment in a diverse range of disciplines while you acquire a high level of design and technical skill in ceramics, textiles, wood and metals in our wellequipped workshops. The long tradition of design crafts at Hereford provides a rich foundation for this innovative and cross boundary course that allows students to develop design and making abilities that will enable them to become professional practitioners within the field.
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
Mixed media and non-traditional approaches and techniques are encouraged alongside research as a basis for design development. You will be based in a friendly studio environment with your own individual working space, and where you can always rely on approachable and expert technical help across a wide variety of materials and processes and easy access to tutorial support.
A unique feature of this course is the well-established links with the Creative Industries combined with marketing and promotional sessions with practitioners and galleries. A real ‘hands-on’ crafts practice course where you are encouraged to cross boundaries and mix materials and processes. The majority of final year students exhibit at New Designers which helps many to establish themselves as designer-makers.
Year OneDuring the first year of the course, students will be engaged in a wide variety of studio and workshop activities designed to introduce and develop strong visualisation, communication, creative and practical skills associated with wood, metal, ceramics and textiles in traditional and contemporary approaches to Contemporary Applied Arts. The course which is primarily project based encourages creative thinking and experimentation in both two and three dimensions. Particular emphasis in the first year is placed upon the development of appropriate visualisation skills using a variety of media and the promotion of good problem solving skills through the exploration of materials and processes. An ability to communicate different creative aesthetics and understanding of contemporary and professional practice is continuously cultivated within studio and workshop based projects. Throughout the whole of year one, studio activity is underpinned by a Cultural Studies and Discourse lecture programme in which issues of a broader cultural and contextual nature are explored.
Year Two
Students will go through a reflective and evaluative approach build upon the understandings and experiences of the first year and begin to undertake more open ended and self directed projects. Creative and practical skills incorporating more advanced research methodologies as well as the development of a more ‘personal’ approach to contemporary practice are paramount in establishing innovative practice. Students also have the opportunity to create and develop innovative solutions to ‘real’ design problems by responding to a number of ‘live’ briefs and national design competitions. In addition to the programme of Cultural Studies, second year students begin formulating a business plan for development in year three.
Year Three
The final year of the course 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.
Minimum age 18
Successful portfolio interview
200 UCAS Tariff Points
Mature Students with related experience
English as a second language: IELTS score 6.0 or equivalent on enrolment
All applications to our Full Time Higher Education courses should be made via UCAS – for more details on how to apply, click here
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