BA (Hons) Fine Art

Program Overview

The BA (Hons) Fine Art program at the University of Chichester empowers students to develop their artistic vision through exploration and experimentation in a supportive environment. The program emphasizes technical skills, critical analysis, and the development of a unique artistic voice. Graduates leave equipped for careers in diverse fields, including art, illustration, art therapy, design, education, and research.

Program Outline

Degree Overview:

The BA (Hons) Fine Art degree at the University of Chichester offers students a dynamic and supportive learning environment to develop their artistic skills and vision. The program emphasizes artistic freedom, allowing students to explore a wide range of disciplines before specializing in a particular area. The program is designed to:

• Introduce students to new ways of working: The curriculum exposes students to contemporary and traditional techniques in drawing, painting, printmaking, sculpture, textiles, and digital photography.
• Help students develop new ideas and discover new processes: The program encourages experimental approaches and encourages students to challenge themselves artistically.
• Grow students as artists: The program provides students with a strong foundation in technical skills and conceptual understanding, enabling them to develop their unique artistic voice.
The program is designed to be versatile, allowing students to specialize in one discipline or pursue a hybrid artistic practice. The University of Chichester's Fine Art department boasts state-of-the-art facilities and a supportive environment that encourages students to push their creative boundaries.

Outline:

The BA (Hons) Fine Art degree is a three-year full-time program (or six years part-time) offered at the Bognor Regis campus. The program is structured around three years of study, with each year focusing on specific modules:

Year One:

• Workshop 1 - Digital Drawing & Investigation: This module introduces students to digital skills, including software like Illustrator, Photoshop, and video/sound editing.
It encourages students to experiment with digital approaches and develop their digital making skills.
• Projects 1 - Approaches to Drawing & Investigation: Students explore formal and cultural concerns in visual arts through practical projects, group critiques, and research.
• Contextual 1 - Forms Analysis Contexts: Students delve into the cultural context of visual arts through lectures, gallery visits, and seminars.
• Workshop 2 - Materials and Methodologies: Students hone their skills in paint, print, sculpture, or textiles, with the option to specialize or combine techniques.
• Projects 2 - Process and Experimentation: Students work on self-directed projects, exploring experimental approaches and developing their artistic vision.
This module encourages students to define their own material practices and artistic direction.
• Contextual 2 - Signs Interpretation Criticality: This module builds upon Contextual 1, focusing on interpreting and analyzing visual works.
Students examine art through various critical lenses, exploring questions of meaning and value.
• Materials and Evidence: This optional module serves as a catch-up for students needing additional credits in Level 4.
Students explore a personal approach to developing an art practice and demonstrate their understanding of materials, concepts, and contexts.

Year Two:

• Workshop 3 - Process & Development: This optional module allows students to further develop their practical manual skills within their chosen specialism.
It focuses on refining making skills and exploring materials and processes in greater depth.
• Digital Photography: This optional module introduces students to the principles of digital image capture and manipulation.
Students learn to use DSLR cameras and photo-editing software, developing their critical evaluation skills and building a photographic portfolio.
• Studio 1 - Territories and Defining Practice: Students work on individual projects, experimenting with materials, digital media, and techniques to develop a personal artistic approach.
This module shifts the focus towards self-directed practice and encourages students to define their unique artistic voice.
• Contextual 3 - Sites Discourses Rhetoric: Students expand their understanding of critical discourse, exploring the relationship between art, context, and display.
This module introduces new theoretical perspectives, including psychoanalysis and relational aesthetics.
• Studio 2 - Site, Externality and Display: Students explore the broader contexts of artmaking, considering the location, placement, and societal implications of art.
This module encourages students to consider the "site" of their work within a broader conceptual framework.
• External Placement 1 - Digital Review: This optional module provides students with practical experience in the arts industry.
Students work with external cultural agencies, gaining valuable experience and insights into potential career paths.
• Production Design: This optional module focuses on the principles of Production Design, from concept initiation to realization.
Students learn about set design, prop construction, and other design elements relevant to theatre, film, and other creative fields.
• Research and Process: This optional module helps students deepen their understanding of contemporary art practices.
Students develop critical approaches to their studio work and research visual art discourse.

Year Three:

• Degree Show - Recognition & Consolidation - Studio 3a - Digital Photography: This module culminates in a public exhibition of students' final projects.
Students develop a substantial body of work that reflects their individual artistic language and engages with contemporary art practices. This module runs over both semesters 1 and 2.
• Manifesto 1: This optional module requires students to engage in critically-engaged study of key artists, theories, and ideas that inform their practice.
Students produce an essay that supports their studio work and demonstrates their research skills.
• External Placement 2 - Digital Review: This optional module provides students with further opportunities for professional experience within the arts industry.
Students undertake placements with external partners, building upon their skills and knowledge gained from their first placement.
• Advanced Digital Photography: This optional module delves deeper into digital photography, focusing on professional-level image capture, processing, and manipulation.
Students develop their understanding of technical aspects and creative approaches to digital photography.
• Manifesto 2 - Dissertation: This optional module requires students to produce a dissertation that supports and strengthens their studio practice.
Students undertake extensive research and analysis, demonstrating their critical thinking and scholarly skills.

Assessment:

Assessment methods vary across modules but typically include a combination of:

• Practical assessment: This includes the production of artwork, exhibitions, and presentations.
• Written work: Students write essays, reports, and research papers to demonstrate their understanding of concepts and critical thinking skills.
• Presentations: Students give presentations on their research, projects, and artistic ideas.
• Portfolio development: Students maintain a portfolio that showcases their work and progress throughout the program.

Teaching:

Teaching methods include:

• Small lectures and seminars: This allows for interactive discussions and individual attention from faculty.
• Studio-based critiques: Students receive feedback from peers and faculty on their work.
• Individual tutorials: Students meet with faculty to discuss their projects and receive personalized guidance.
• Guest artist lectures: Students have the opportunity to learn from and network with practicing artists.

Careers:

Graduates of the BA (Hons) Fine Art program are equipped with the skills and knowledge necessary to pursue a variety of careers in the arts and related fields. Some potential career paths include:

• Artist: This could encompass a range of artistic practices, including painting, sculpture, printmaking, photography, digital art, and mixed media.
• Illustrator: Graduates may work in publishing, advertising, or design.
• Art therapist: This profession involves using art as a therapeutic tool for individuals and groups.
• Arts administrator: Graduates may work in museums, galleries, or arts organizations, managing operations, exhibitions, or events.
• Animator: This field combines artistic skills with technical knowledge, creating animated content for film, television, and video games.
• Commercial art gallery manager: This role involves managing the operations of a commercial art gallery, including sales, exhibitions, and marketing.
• Museum/gallery exhibitions officer: This role involves planning and curating exhibitions in museums and galleries.
• Art teacher or art technician: Graduates may work in schools or educational institutions, teaching art or providing technical support.
• Design, photography, marketing and communications: Graduates may use their creative skills in these fields.
• Community based artist: Graduates may work in community settings, engaging with diverse populations through art projects.
• Graphic designer: Graduates may work in advertising, design agencies, or publishing.
The program also prepares students for postgraduate study in areas such as:
• PGCE Primary: This course prepares students to become primary school teachers.
• Postgraduate Research (PhD): Students can continue their studies at the University of Chichester or elsewhere to pursue a doctorate in Fine Art.

Other:

• Studio Space: Full-time Fine Art students receive their own personal studio space throughout the year.
• Facilities: The Fine Art department is housed in St. Michael's House and has access to the Tech Park, which provides state-of-the-art workshops and equipment for sculpture, textiles, painting, printmaking, and digital media.
• External Projects: Students are encouraged to undertake external projects, which can provide valuable real-world experience and connect them with industry professionals.
• Career Guidance: The University provides careers advice and support to help students explore career options and develop their professional skills.
• Degree Shows: Students participate in annual degree shows, showcasing their work to the public and potential buyers.
• Study Abroad Opportunities: Students can explore opportunities to study abroad during their program, enriching their educational experience and broadening their horizons.