Creative Arts with Art & Design Foundation Degree

Integrating traditional and digital art and design practices, this programme prepares you for progression and employment in the creative industries. UCAS Code: WR19

2 Years
2 days per week
Theory & Practical

Entry Requirements: BTEC Level 3 Diploma / Extended Diploma in Art and Design, Foundation Diploma Art & Design, Access to HE or A Levels in a related subject

Course Info

During the programme you will take part in workshops, live projects and client briefs. You will undertake personal projects through an exploration of a wide range of media, processes and techniques that allow you to creatively develop your knowledge, skills to produce creative work.

Sessions will include specialist workshops that will be delivered by visiting practitioners. You will also take part in group critiques, exhibitions and visits to support your studies.

The College’s partnership with Dean Clough Galleries and the Arts Charity Dean Clough gives extra opportunities to engage with practicing artists who form part of the exciting and creative arts community at the Dean Clough site.

Throughout the 2 year programme you will study 9 modules which are designed to underpin your creative practice. You will use the design cycle, developing ideas through visual analysis and communication, supported by your research. The course uses a combination of directed and personal briefs which will develop your core skills, enabling you to identify and refine specialist skills and knowledge across digital and traditional approaches. Year 2 modules have been designed to create a more individualised learning experience that allows you to explore your creative talent and specialist pathway.

As a University Centre student, you will have access to traditional and digital facilities to develop your responses to project briefs and objectives. You have access to specialist equipment and workshops to develop individual and personal specialisms. Through these activities you will develop your skills and knowledge supporting you to progress to the BA Contemporary Art and Design Practice top-up year or into employment.

Level 4 Modules 

Working in the Creative Industries

Traditional and Digital Material Practice

Working Methods, sources and References

Individual Project

Level 5 Modules

Specialist Contextual in the Creative Industries

Traditional and Digital Material Practice Personal Pathway

Working  in the Creative Industries (2)

Final Major Project: Advanced Specialist Skills/Exhibition

  • Click HERE for the programme specification
  • For a full list of the University Centre’s regulations and policies please click HERE
  • Click HERE for The Open University Regulations for Validated Awards

Teaching

Teaching on the course is delivered through a variety of methods, including: practical workshops, media and material demonstrations, visits to local and national events and working with successful practitioners from the creative industries.

Throughout the course you will be encouraged to work independently alongside your timetabled sessions. Working independently helps you to develop self-reliance, preparing you to succeed in your own art and design practice.

Your own art and design practice will be enhanced through the development of both individual and live project briefs where client defined outcomes and time scales mimic professional practice.

Internal and visiting practitioners will lead a number of practical workshops as part of a master class programme.

Tutorial time will be embedded into the practical workshop and personal tutorials and are designed to support your progression and ensure that the knowledge learnt is put into context.

Your teaching will include tutor-student-led sessions, with discussions, activities, group-work, seminars, and one-to-one tutorial opportunities. You will be in an enriching and immersive learning environment, which will enhance your development as a critical thinker.

One of the key strengths of our teaching at the University Centre is not only the amount of time we dedicate to supporting you as an individual student, but also that your tutors are practitioners with current industry experience. One-to-one tutorials with your tutor are important as they allow you to raise any particular issues you may be facing. Your tutor will be as supportive as possible in helping you work through these issues.

Lecturer Profiles

Course Leader: Carolyn Bowe, BA (Hons), PGCE, is an established Graphic Designer and Illustrator who divides her time between her design consultancy service and teaching. She has worked for international clients such as Rotary International, Channel 4, and the NHS, alongside many local organisationsWith a specific interest in the digital application of art and design her current research focusses on augmenting traditional artworks with digital experiences. Currently completing work on her own MA, she has extensive professional experience with animation, ecommerce website design and the commercial application of design and merchandising. 

Lecturer: Yve Houghton, BA (Hons), PGCE, MA, has had an extensive career in design management, and has been running her own textile design consultancy for many years. Commissions over the years have included international blue-chip companies, hotel chains, banks, car manufacturers and organisations such as the International Wool Secretariat. She has collaborated with prominent designers and artists including Jeff Banks, Peter Howson, Michael Sodeau and Paolo Gucci. Yve also holds a post as senior lecturer at the University of Wolverhampton. 

Entry Requirements & Interview Process

This course will be a natural progression from the BTEC Level 3 Diploma / Extended Diploma in Art and Design, Foundation Diploma Art & Design, Access to HE or A Levels in a related subject.

Applications from mature students are welcome and need to be supported by a portfolio of work.

All applicants will be interviewed with a portfolio of relevant work and will be expected to demonstrate enthusiasm and commitment

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