Painting

Year 1

Year 1 is about challenging your understanding of skills and exploring how and in which ways your skills can be applied. Studio projects focus on the core activities of research and idea development and act as an introduction to both the technical and conceptual aspects of the visual language of Painting.

Year 2

This year you are assigned an academic / personal tutor who will support and challenge you on a one to one basis. You will undertake a sequence of projects that continue to develop your understanding of the methods and procedures essential to the study of Painting.

Year 3

Projects become more self-directed and engaged with external contexts in Year 3. In Semester 1 you will undertake intensive and wide-ranging research to develop your conceptual thinking. In Semester 2 you have the opportunity to develop and apply your research towards a resolved body of work in readiness for self-directed study in Year 4.

Year 4

Projects become more self-directed and engaged with external contexts in Year 3. In Semester 1 you will undertake intensive and wide-ranging research to develop your conceptual thinking. In Semester 2 you have the opportunity to develop and apply your research towards a resolved body of work in readiness for self-directed study in Year 4.

Teaching on this course is delivered on a one to one basis by subject specific staff and personal tutors in a conducive and spacious studio environment. From Year 2, you will be allocated your own dedicated studio space to work from for the duration of the course.

There are numerous opportunities to develop your skills and knowledge through a weekly drawing programme, attending a series of guest talks or external events, and working on industry-linked projects.

Throughout the course, you will be able to experience a professional approach to presenting and exhibiting work, most notably by organising the annual painting interim exhibition in Edinburgh in Year 4.

Activity Summary

• Lectures - 23 students per group, 1 hour per semester
• Tutorial - 1 student per group, 4 hours per semester
• Crits - 23 students per group, 7 hours per semester

Independent Study

Independent study is a fundamental aspect of Year 4 and will make the majority of your study time. Support is still provided, in the form of tutorials, seminars and lectures, but the frequency of contact is reduced, in keeping with your journey to becoming an independent learner.

Staff Delivering on This Course

This course is staffed by academics with expert knowledge within Painting and Drawing. Many staff members have worked as freelance consultants or have set up their own studio practices therefore have individual interests and concerns in their own practices that offer differences within a context of communality and shared values.

Expert practitioners in the field contribute to the course as Professional Associates and through the Guest@Grays lecture programme, which invites national and international artists and designers to speak about their work.

Academic Support

The Disability & Dyslexia Centre advises and supports students who disclose a sensory or mobility impairment, chronic medical condition, mental health issue, dyslexia and other specific learning differences. Applicants are encouraged to arrange a pre-entry visit to discuss any concerns and to view the facilities.

Disability & Dyslexia Centre

Assessment

Typically students are assessed each year:

Year 1

• 1 written assignment, including essays
• 3 portfolio assessments

Year 2

• 1 written assignment, including essays
• 2 portfolio assessments

Year 3

• 2 written assignments, including essays
• 3 portfolio assessments

Year 4

• 1 dissertation
• 1 portfolio assessment

Feedback

We aim to provide you with feedback within 20 working days of hand-in for all written exams, coursework and practical exams. 

Study Skills Support

The Study Support Team provides training and support to all students in:

• Academic writing
• Study skills (note taking, exam techniques, time management, presentation)
• Maths and statistics
• English language
• Information technology support

Study Support

Study Abroad

In Year 3, Semester 2, there is the opportunity to undertake a period of international study exchange with our partner colleges across Europe, Canada and the US.

STUDY ABROAD

Job Prospects

Upon graduation you will have acquired a wide range of transferable skills that will equip you for employment in a diverse range of careers within the creative and cultural industries, as well as other fields of employment where creative thinkers are highly valued.

Our Painting graduates have been highly successful in achieving a diverse range of national awards, from a BAFTA (for a music video) to established Scholarships from the Royal Scottish Academy, The Carnegie Trust and The Cross Trust. Many go on to study at prestigious postgraduate schools, including the Slade and the Royal College of Art or sustain individual studio practices and are actively exhibiting, curating and furthering their careers as professional artists.

There is also the option of extending your academic experience through postgraduate study at Gray’s School of Art.

CAREERS

SQA Higher: BBC to include Art / Design and English (or a written subject requiring the use of English).

GCE A Level - Year 1 entry: BC to include Art / Design and English (or a written subject requiring the use of English).

GCE A Level - Year 2 entry: ABB

Irish Leaving Certificate Higher: H3H3H3 to include Art and English (or a written subject requiring the use of English).

IB Diploma: 24 to include Higher Level Visual Arts and English (or a written subject requiring the use of English).

Alternative Qualifications

Those who may not hold the standard qualifications, are encouraged to apply if they can evidence other appropriate life and work experiences. Such candidates are advised to contact the University during open days or the Visit Afternoons for further advice and guidance. A folio of work is still a requirement for this type of candidate.

Applicants from Partner Colleges

A relevant HND from one of our partner colleges will be considered for entry into Year 3, subject to meeting conditions criteria and successfully passing the selection.

Degree Link

Advanced Entry

Suitable qualifications for entry to Year 2 or above may include a relevant HND or Diploma in Foundation Studies (Art & Design, Design & Media). All advanced entry applications with the appropriate qualifications will be invited to attend an interview.

Non Standard Entry

Those who may not hold the standard qualifications, are encouraged to apply if they can evidence other appropriate life and work experiences. Such candidates are advised to contact the University during Open Days or the Visit Afternoons for further advice and guidance. A folio of work is still a requirement for this type of candidate.

International Students

The International College at Robert Gordon University offers first year degree entry into Art and Design courses at Robert Gordon University for International Students.

ICRGU - International College

Portfolio Advice

English Language Requirements

Applicants whose first language is not English should have an IELTS of 6.0 overall, with no component lower than 5.5, or an equivalent.

We accept a variety of in-country and secure English language tests, find out more: 

English Language requirements

Please note, some courses may require a higher standard of English than stated in this page. Contact ugoffice@rgu.ac.uk (undergraduate courses) or pgoffice@rgu.ac.uk (postgraduate courses) for further information.

FOR ACADEMIC YEAR 2018/2019

Scottish/EU Students

• £1,820 per academic year

Rest of UK Students

• £6,750 per academic year

International Students

• £12,360 per academic year

FOR ACADEMIC YEAR 2019/2020

Scottish/EU Students

• £1,820 per academic year

Rest of UK Students

• £6,750 per academic year

International Students

• £12,730 per academic year

Additional Costs

The following course-related costs are not included in the course fees:

• The cost of books that you may wish to purchase.
  Find your reading list by module.
• Costs associated with your placement / study abroad
• Accommodation and living costs
• Printing
• Studio Fund - Year 1 £100, Year 2 £160. There is no studio fund in Years 3 and 4, as the costs attached to these years will vary from student to student and will very much depend on the nature of your individual practice.

OTHER FEES AND CHARGES

Student Funding

If you are a Scottish resident or EU national you are not liable to pay fees and should apply to SAAS for funding.

Students Awards Agency for Scotland - SAAS

Students from other parts of the UK should visit the appropriate website:

Student Finance England

Student Finance Wales

Student Finance NI

Scholarships and Financial Awards

You may also qualify for a scholarship or financial award

Scholarships and Financial Awards

Disclaimer

For new intakes course fees are reviewed and published annually for each mode of delivery. Tuition fees are fixed for the duration of a course at the rate confirmed in the offer letter.  For further information see

STUDENT FINANCE