BA (Hons) VISUAL STUDIES

The BA (Hons) Visual Studies course explores how creativity and innovation lead to ways of articulating ideas and concepts. By understanding the message, its medium and its audience, students learn efficient, effective forms of communication.

The diversity of media and processes considered is only limited by imagination and the self-propelled, non-disciplinary approach of the course encourages collaboration, a questioning of assumptions and reflects current creative practice.

LEVEL ONE

Firstly we get to know each other: a most basic form of communication in itself. Students acquire fundamental skills, explore how to learn for themselves and take responsibility for their own progress.

They then embark upon two projects, undertake a location based research assignment and end their first year by studying the importance, use and context of words in communicative work.

LEVEL TWO

Space is given for the development of work beyond the constraints of the studio: work that provides an invaluable real world context. Units of study entitled ‘What’, ‘Why’, ‘How’ and ‘Where’ emphasise materials, media, meaning, strategic development and contexts.

Throughout the course students increase their awareness of the component materials that make up their work, the work’s intention, placement and its relationship to audiences.

LEVEL THREE

By identifying clear objectives and using creative enquiry, students produce work that demonstrates the successful resolution of their initial intentions. Strategic choices inform future career aspirations.

Independent study provides an interaction between making, meaning and context.

WHAT MAKES US SPECIAL

Graduates from the course have been successful in gaining employment and large numbers are now working throughout the UK and overseas in a wide range of disciplines including publishing, costume, graphic design, writing, museum exhibition design, illustration, photography, arts administration, education, broadcasting, art practice, curating, mental health work, performance and music.