Program Overview
This B.A. (Hons) Fine Art & Mixed Media program at the British University in Cairo equips students with technical and practical skills for contemporary fine art practice. It emphasizes concept, process, and material exploration through modules in fine art context, studio practice development, and practice-based research. The program culminates in a Degree Show Exhibition showcasing students' artistic achievements.
Program Outline
Degree Overview:
The provided text describes a B.A. (Hons) Fine Art & Mixed Media program. The program encourages students to develop their own artistic practice, research methodologies, and ability to use contextual studies and existing artworks for inspiration. It culminates in a Degree Show Exhibition showcasing the student's achievements.
Outline:
The program is structured across three levels (HE4, HE5, HE6), with various modules at each level. The modules are:
- Level HE4 (Year 1):
- Intro to Fine Art Mixed Media Practice (ADFAM084): Introduces a broad range of technical and practical skills associated with materials, techniques, media, and methods used in contemporary fine art. (40 Credits)
- Introduction to Fine Art Context (ADFAM094): A theory-based module exploring the context of fine art, starting with a historical analysis and expanding to encompass diverse cultural perspectives. (20 Credits) (20 Credits)
- World Art in 21st Century (ADFAM114): Builds on Fine Art Context Studies, exploring historical and global contexts of contemporary fine art and introducing theories and practices from related fields (magic, myth, neuroscience, environment, healthcare). (20 Credits)
- Material Light (ADFAM124): Explores light as a fine art medium, including demonstrations and historical/contemporary examples. (20 Credits)
- Level HE5 (Year 2):
- Introduction to Practice-Based Research (ADFAM135): Focuses on developing important topics for emerging artists and using practice as a research method. Encourages experimentation and risk-taking. (40 Credits)
- Create & Curate (ADFAM145): Consolidates knowledge through projects based on curating and exhibiting artwork, exploring site-specific, digital, and gallery methods. Culminates in a "Create and Curate" event. (20 Credits)
- Modern & Contemporary Fine Art Theory (ADFAM155): A theory-based module investigating issues driving contemporary fine art and mixed media practice, and how artists use ideas to comment on world issues. (20 Credits) (40 Credits)
- Level HE6 (Year 3):
- Consolidating Fine Art Practice (ADFAM206): Demonstrates a developed understanding of professional contemporary art practice, informed by contextual studies. (40 Credits)
- Contribution to Fine Art Theory (ADFAM216): Develops a Level 5 proposal into a technical report with accompanying artwork or a dissertation. (40 Credits)
- Contemporary Fine Art Graduation Exhibition (ADFAM226): Culminating practice-based module leading to the Degree Show Exhibition.
Other:
The text mentions that the program is offered at the British University in Cairo and that admission requires meeting Egyptian Council of Private & National Universities (CPNU) regulations, as well as specific English language proficiency requirements and a portfolio review/aptitude test. The portfolio should include a statement about the applicant, sketchbooks, paintings, photographs, and digital work (on a memory stick). Applicants can choose their preferred department (Fine Art, Interior Architecture, Fashion & Textiles, Graphic & Media Photography, Game Design, or Illustration Animation) but these choices are not guaranteed.
The British University in Egypt (BUE) is a private institution located in El Shorouk City, Cairo, established in September 2005. It offers a British-style education, awarding degrees validated by partner UK universities and recognized by the Egyptian Supreme Council of Universities.
Academic Structure:
BUE comprises several faculties, including:
- Business Administration, Economics, and Political Science
- Dentistry
- Engineering
- Energy and Environmental Engineering
- Information and Computer Science
- Mass Communication
- Nursing
- Pharmacy
- Arts and Humanities
- Law
- Arts and Design
These faculties offer a range of undergraduate and postgraduate programs designed to equip students with the skills and knowledge required in today's job market.
Admissions:
Admission to BUE is competitive and aligns with the regulations set by the Egyptian Council of Private Universities. Applicants are evaluated based on their academic performance and English proficiency. Detailed information on the application process, including specific requirements for various educational certificates, is available on the university's official admissions page.
Campus and Facilities:
The main campus spans approximately 40 acres, featuring modern teaching facilities, state-of-the-art laboratories, a comprehensive library, and various recreational amenities. The university is committed to providing a conducive learning environment that fosters both academic and personal growth.
Accreditation and Partnerships:
BUE maintains strong collaborations with UK institutions such as London South Bank University, Manchester Metropolitan University, and Queen Margaret University. These partnerships ensure that the curricula meet international standards and provide students with opportunities for global exposure. Additionally, BUE is accredited by the Egyptian Supreme Council of Universities and has received recognition from the Quality Assurance Agency (QAA) for its commitment to maintaining high educational standards.
Leadership:
The university is led by President Professor Mohamed Loutfi, who assumed the position in 2021. Professor Loutfi brings a wealth of experience from previous academic roles in both the UK and Egypt. In December 2022, the esteemed cardiologist Sir Magdi Yacoub was appointed as the first honorary chancellor of BUE, reflecting the institution's dedication to excellence in education and research.
(Hons) Fine Art & Mixed Media program. Requirements are divided into high school qualifications and English language proficiency.
- High School Entry Requirements: These are determined by the Egyptian Ministry of Higher Education.
- BUE Internal Entry Requirements: These include English language proficiency requirements.
Language Proficiency Requirements:
- For holders of national high school certificates: Applicants must either:
- Submit a valid academic IELTS with a minimum score of 5.0.
- Sit for the Linguaskill English Placement Test from Cambridge University.
- For holders of internationally recognized high school certificates: These applicants are exempted from the English test based on criteria shown in an image within the text (which is not accessible to me). In addition to the above, all applicants must attend a portfolio inspection group interview session or take an aptitude test. The portfolio should include original art and design work, a short statement about the applicant and their reasons for applying, sketchbooks, paintings, photographs of artwork, and (if applicable) digital work on a memory stick. Applicants also state their department preferences (Fine Art, Interior Architecture, Fashion & Textiles, Graphic & Media Photography, Game Design, or Illustration Animation). The aptitude test requires bringing pencils, erasers, colored pencils, a 60cm ruler, and colored and black markers.
