The Painting course at Gray’s offers a challenging opportunity to study both the technical and contextual aspects of traditional and contemporary painting. Through a mixed sequence of objective and subjective projects, which explore the grammar and forms of painting, the course develops an informed context to extemporise and develop a personal expression, as well as a fuller understanding of the subject. The taught drawing programme is a key element of the course.
You will be learning in an environment that encourages personal expression and interpretation as well as collaborative activity. As a result, you will be able to study and develop your full creative potential, both critically and practically, in the context of the contemporary visual art world.
Our Painting graduates have been highly successful in achieving a diverse range of national awards, from a BAFTA (for a music video) to the established Florence Scholarships. Many have also studied at prestigious postgraduate schools, including the Slade and the Royal College of Art.
Year 1
This year provides a diagnostic experience that ensures you can make an informed choice for specialist study in either Fine Art or Design and Craft. Projects introduce a range of fundamental skills such as research, development and critical reflection.
Year 2
Study is technically demanding and covers the fundamental skills and methods associated with the practice of painting. Projects address composition, objective study, methods and materials, thematic concepts and subjective expression.
Year 3
Projects are designed to extend and develop your understanding of contemporary forms of painting. By researching and producing work in alternative forms and concepts, questioning tradition and conventional values and skills acquired in year 2, you can develop informed choices about the direction of your work.
Year 4
The nature of the work is self-directed, and by the end of the second semester you should have a clear and mature body of work suitable for exhibiting at the final degree assessment. You are also required to produce a dissertation.
Year 1 Entry
SQA Higher: BBC preferably to include English and Art/Design
GCE A Level: BC preferably 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 or equivalent.
Entry to year 1 is subject to an interview and the presentation of a portfolio of work.
Degree Link Programme: A relevant HNC from one of our partner FE colleges my 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 in with their portfolio for an informal review/discussion with academic staff. This allows students to meet staff, see the teaching environment and allows the School to explore your 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 bean opportunity for you to ask questions also.
Special requirements: To provide materials for our students at the best possible prices, we have a Studio Fund for each of our courses. Depending on the course and year, students pay between £20 and £130 annually. This is common practice in art schools throughout the UK.
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:
Scholarships
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 and you can see the progress of your application, and view and respond to your offers.
Graduates may undertake residencies and public projects in collaboration with architects and local councils. Our graduates are well equipped for employment in a diverse range of jobs, from painting full-time and gallery-related work, to teaching and critical writing. Others find their transferable skills appropriate for careers in art media, music, television and film-related work.
Graduate Scott Simpson
