The Arts and Design Newsletter- Spotlight On: Fine Art
Kingston University London
Facilities at Kingston University’s Knights Park Campus, where the Fine Art course is based, include a digital media workshop, photography suite, printmaking studio, 3D materials workshop and an animation suite. Teaching takes place in dedicated studio and project spaces and is supported by critiques, study trips and workshops. Members of teaching staff are practising artists, writers and curators and visiting artists and professionals regularly give talks, lectures and tutorials. The university also boasts significant industry links with the likes of the Tate, Stanley Picker Gallery and the Institute of Contemporary Arts. Students have the chance to take part in live external projects in addition to core curriculum activities and there is also the opportunity to study abroad through the Erasmus programme and Study Abroad scheme.
London Metropolitan University
Choosing Fine Art at London Metropolitan University allows students to access world class facilities, attend international events and exhibit their work at major exhibitions attended by art professionals. At The Cass, students also benefit from artists-in-residence and an extensive programme of lectures from guest artists. Facilities include art studios, the latest 3D printing and laser-cutting equipment, an art gallery and even a roof garden. In addition, those studying have access to digital media, print, painting, photography, ceramics and sculpture workshops. Students also have the chance to experience art awards, access private viewings and to attend regular field trips to the Venice Biennale and other European art events. Two student art exhibitions take place each Christmas and Easter and there is a major degree show every summer.
Middlesex University
Fine Art students at the University of Middlesex study at The Grove, the £80 million specialist building for art, design, media and the performing arts. The course is taught by practicing artists who exhibit their work globally and work across a wide range of media including photography, painting, film, installation, sound and interactive art. A regular Fine Art lecture series from visiting artists and curators provides insight into professional experience and, at the end of the degree, students will exhibit their work at the Art and Design Degree Show. Middlesex also offer a flexible part-time study option which makes it’s easy to balance studies with other commitments and students can choose from four pathways: Fine Art, Fine Art Social Practice, Fine Art Multimedia Practice and Fine Art Critical Practice.
University College London
Fine Art students at UCL study at the world famous Slade School of Fine Art, located in the heart of the UCL central London campus and close to many important galleries, museums, libraries and theatres. UCL has links to art institutions and organisations nationally and internationally and, in addition, boasts its own museum collections such as the UCL Art Museum, which displays work by a number of distinguished Slade students. Each student is allocated their own studio space at the start of each year, within their chosen subject area, and first-year students explore each area on rotation during the first term. All undergraduates are eligible to apply for international exchanges and there are exchange agreements with art schools in China, Europe, Israel and the United States.
University for the Creative Arts
Fine Art BA (4 Years) – Canterbury
Fine Art courses at the University for the Creative Arts are offered at both their Canterbury and Farnham campuses and each offers something different to prospective students. Canterbury has close relationships with the creative institutions and networks in the region and provides opportunities such as work placements and internships at Turner Contemporary. Whereas those at Farnham benefit from being close to the vibrant London arts scene and links worth institutions such as the Institute of Contemporary Arts and Watts Gallery. Many of the academics at the university are renowned artists and their work is regularly exhibited at prestigious venues such as the Royal Academy and Guildhall Art Gallery. Also workshops span a diverse range of subjects ranging from bronze casting to time-based practices and are supported by highly skilled technical teams.
University of Westminster
Fine Art Mixed Media BA (4 Years)
Based at the recently refurbished Harrow Campus, Westminster School of Media, Arts and Design, offers Fine Art Mixed Media students the chance to work alongside those studying film, photography, music, fashion and journalism. This studio-based course provides you with a permanent space, depending on the type of work you engage with, and enables students to work across disciplines or within the more traditionally defined areas of practice. The teaching team at the University of Westminster are all practising artists with national and international profiles and work across the mediums of sculpture, painting, moving image, performance, photography and sound. Teaching methods include lectures, individual and group tutorials, presentations, crits, workshops, gallery visits and talks.