This course enables a variety of approaches to art practice, reflecting the broad resources and range of media that many of today's artists now call upon.
Central to the course philosophy is the belief that interaction, dialogue, and critical reflection are key to developing engagement with, and understanding of, the cultural, social, political and philosophical contexts for the production and consumption of contemporary art.
The structure of the course is designed to respond to your evolving needs as you develop a personal visual language that best serves your interests, ideas and intentions.
The curriculum is designed around the acquisition of five key skills sets: developmental, technical, intellectual, contextual and professional, with the aim of nurturing a working practice that identifies preferred working methods and hones practical skills alongside critical thinking and contextual understanding.
This course will start in September 2012, subject to validation. More information will be available in the near future.
Along with studio activities such as group discussion, the Critical and Contextual Studies programme enables you to develop key written and spoken communication skills.
Stage 1 introduces a variety of approaches to thinking and making across a range of media relative to drawing, visualising, moving image, photography, printmaking and sculpture.
Stage 2 you will develop your studio practice within one of the four core subjects of photography, sculpture, printmaking and moving image.
Stage 3 brings greater independence and a more subjective approach that determines your day-to-day activity. Such activity may be focused in one of the four core areas or a hybrid combination.
Stage 4, the final Honours year, you work through an individually negotiated programme of study towards a sustainable, independent practice, culminating in the presentation of a body of work as a public exhibition at the end of the year.
At the start of this stage you will make an informed decision as to the nature of your Honours project which will be reflected in your final award title, allowing you to graduate with one of the following:
Those working across media may graduate with the final award title of BA (Hons) Contemporary Art Practice.
Year 1 Entry
SQA Higher: BBC to include English and Art/Design.
GCE A Level: BC to include English and Art/Design.
Irish Leaving Certificate Higher: B2B2C1 to include English and Art/Design or equivalent.
IB Diploma: 24, including Visual Arts and English at Higher Level.
Degree Link Programme: A relevant HNC from one of our partner FE colleges may be considered for year 2 entry.
Year 2 Entry
Entry to year 2 and later would be subject to the presentation of a portfolio of work relative to the specific course. Accompanying qualifications may include HND, Diploma in Foundation Studies in Art or equivalent qualifications.
Interview/Portfolio Review
Suitable applicants will be invited to attend the School with their portfolio for an informal review/discussion with academic staff. This allows you to meet staff, see the teaching environment and allows the School to explore our ambitions whilst reviewing your work. We will discuss your folio work and specific interests within art and design, as well as your aspirations. It will also be an opportunity for you to ask questions.
* All entry requirements listed here should be used as a guide and represent the minimum required to be considered for entry. Applicants who are made a conditional offer of a place may be asked to achieve more than is stated.
Placement
An optional work placement in year 3, semester 2.
Study Abroad
There are international exchange opportunities in year 3, semester 2.
If you are a Scottish resident or EU national you are not liable to pay fees and should apply to SAAS for funding.
Students from other parts of the UK should visit the appropriate website:
For Academic Year 2012/2013
Scottish/EU Students
Full-time
Rest of UK Students
Full-time
International Students
For Academic Year 2011/2012
UK/EU Students
International Students
All course fees are reviewed annually and subject to change.
For further information see Student Finance pages
You must apply online at UCAS - www.ucas.com/apply.
Once you register and create your username and password, you are guided through the process of applying. After submission, log in to your UCAS Track account to see the progress of your application, and view and respond to your offers.
The course aims to equip you with core skills and aptitude for employment in a wide variety of careers.
You may develop your individual creative practice through exhibitions, residencies, public art projects and many other forms of arts-related activity. Options include independent production, publishing, advertising, curatorial and archive work, picture research, video and TV, arts administration, teaching and community arts.
