University of Sunderland

Fine Art

* Exceptions may apply.  Please see Fees and Finance for further information.

Introduction

Sunderland is situated in the heart of the North East region, an area with an enviable arts infrastructure e.g. BALTIC, Northern Gallery for Contemporary Art, Sage Music Centre, MIMA, Waygood and Globe Galleries and artist- led spaces, Workplace and Red Nile.

More than any other subject, Fine Art study embodies such terms as creative, personal, analytical, philosophical and expressive.

The Fine Art programme is designed to encourage students to discover and develop their individual position and ideas within the context of contemporary art.

It is supported by a wide range of visiting artists and a staff team with extensive expertise. All staff are involved in practice led research, including work that was recently rated as internationally significant in the 2008 research exercise. We maintain a higher staff/student ratio than most universities, allowing regular tutorial contact with our students.

The Fine Art programme allows students to complement their Fine Art studies by taking a module from another subject within the Faculty e.g. glass, ceramics, photography, design and performing arts.

As you progress through the programme you are given opportunities to engage with a broad range of Fine Art media e.g. painting, sculpture, printmaking and digital media.

Towards the end of year 1, you are encouraged to locate yourself within your chosen subject area (you can also work across subject areas during your degree) and negotiate a practice informed by your personal interests and ambitions.

We aim to expand our students' critical understanding of their subject and through an emphasis on individual, studio centred practice and debate, the programme enables you to develop both your intellectual and technical abilities, maximise your creative potential and generate a professional working practice.

Our teaching is augmented by the Durham Cathedral Artist in Residence (currently Simon Martin).

Recent visiting artists have included:

Catherine Bertola, Douglas Fishbourne, Jo Coupe, Laura Lancaster, Paul Moss, Marta Marce, George Shaw, Jo Delappe and Dan Silver.

To go to the fine art web pages, part of the Faculty of Arts, Design and Media website, click here.

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Course Content

Level 1
Core modules:

• Introduction to Fine Art - 40 credits
• Introduction to Media Skills (painting, sculpture, print, digital media) - 40 credits
• Introduction to History of Art - 20 credits

Elective modules:

• Elective from art and design portfolio or university wide scheme, for example, drawing, photography, foreign language - 20 credits

Level 2
Core modules:

• Fine Art Methodology - 40 credits
• Fine Art Contemporary Practice - 40 credits
• History of Art - 20 credits

Elective modules:

• Elective from art and design portfolio or university wide scheme, for example, drawing, photography foreign language - 20 credits

Level 3
Core modules:

• Presentation (final exhibition) - 60 credits
• Professional Skills (portfolio) - 20 credits
• History of Art - 20 credits

Elective modules:

• Elective from art and design portfolio or university wide scheme, for example, drawing, photography foreign language - 20 credits

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Entry Requirements

A Levels:
Our typical offer will be 220 points from a minimum of 2 A levels/AVCEs or equivalent (e.g. 1 x AVCE double award).

We will accept a maximum of 20 points from Level 3 Key Skills.

We also require three passes at GCSE grade C or above which must include Mathematics and English Language or a minimum of Level 2 Key Skills in Communication and Application of Number.

BTEC National: 220 points from a minimum of a 2 unit award.

Foundation Studies in Art and Design:
Satisfactory completion of a BTEC Diploma Foundation Studies in Art and Design.

Access Course: We would require successful completion of a Quality Assurance Agency for Higher Education Access programme and that you would have a minimum of GCSE grade C Mathematics and English Language.

Scottish Highers: Our typical offer is for 220 points.

Irish Leaving Certificate: Our typical offer is for 220 points.

Non-standard qualifications: Tel: (0191) 515 3000.

Applicants with non-standard qualifications may qualify for entry through relevant work experience. Applicants in this category may be asked to attend an interview and present a portfolio of evidence.

Direct Entry to Level 2/3: Candidates wishing to be considered for direct entry to Level 2/3 of a programme should contact the Helpline, Tel: (0191) 515 3000.

International Applicants: Tel: +44 (0) 191 515 3000.

All applicants will be interviewed.

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Fees and Finance

The fees for this course are as specified in the table at the top of the page.

Please note that different fees apply to students studying for "Equivalent or Lower Qualifications" (ELQs). For more information about ELQs, please see the page Information for applicants who already have an HE Qualification.

For information about University scholarships and bursaries please see the page Fees and Finance.

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Teaching and Assessment

You will be taught by a first rate staff team and a range of visiting lecturers whose aim is to help realise your full potential as an artist.

After a series of 'open' projects in year one, students will have experienced a range of working methods and can then begin to specialise in one area or work across media, either way through seminars, critiques, lectures and personal tutorials your ideas and working processes will be challenged and developed.

All core modules extend over the full teaching year and formal assessment takes place at the end of the module (the 40 credit core modules in Level 1 and 2 have 25% formative assessment at the end of semester 1).

For assessment you will present visual work in the studio or recorded evidence of work if appropriate.

You will also receive verbal and written feedback as a further indication of your progress. Our tutorial system provides a sound framework for academic guidance and pastoral support.

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Career Opportunities

A good degree in Fine Art is welcomed by a broad range of employers as it provides students with key and transferable skills much valued by today's new industries.

Graduates go on to postgraduate study, self-employment and work in museums and galleries, including curating, public arts and other areas within the creative industries. Students have been successful in recent national competitions and achieved representation by commerical galleries.

MA Fine Art in Sunderland has attained a good reputation and as well as gaining places at institutions in the UK and Europe, an increasing number of our graduates select our programme for their MA study.

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Supplemental Information

Although Sunderland is a modern, new university and leader in widening participation, Fine Art has been studied here since 1860 - we believe that this long tradition of Fine Art study gives today's programme, on a purpose built site, a rich inheritance and connection to the proud history of art education in the UK.

The Reg Vardy Gallery
The Reg Vardy Gallery houses a variety of exhibitions to meet the needs of the Department of Art and Design.

Interview
We interview all applicants who are able to attend for full-time and part-time study.

Students from overseas who are able to study full-time are invited to send visual evidence of their work eg portfolio, slides, CD /DVD).

The interview will focus on a discussion of your portfolio, to determine the level of your engagement with, and commitment to your work.

We consider the work in your portfolio and your attitude to it, to be the highest priorities when selecting students for the Fine Art programme.

Study Visits
Art and Design students combine with other programmes for study visits, recent venues have included Barcelona, Berlin, New York, Dublin and Amsterdam.

Study Abroad
There are opportunities for study abroad both in Europe and America, this usually takes place in the second level and may be for either one semester or the entire year.

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Facilities

For information on the facilities available please click here.

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Related Courses

• Fine Art
• Fine Art

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