FINE ART
MAKE YOUR MARK IN
FINE ART Studying Fine Art at Staffordshire University will allow you to realise your creative potential through an exciting and challenging programme. Perhaps most important of all, because our course is broad-based, you’ll get to choose the direction of your learning.
Compared to other similar courses in the UK, you’ll find we offer some of the very best studio spaces for students to work in. From the moment you join us, you’ll have the room to be truly ambitious and take creativity to the very limits of your imagination.
That could mean focusing on painting, drawing, sculpture, video, photography or performance – or even a combination of these subjects. It really is up to you.
Add amazing opportunities to exhibit your work, visiting artists, trips to major exhibitions, practical training as well as stimulating discussion, and you’ll find that our dynamic approach embraces your creativity, encourages your ambition and cultivates your talent.
No matter how you choose to express your creative ideas, of course, we’ll be there to support you with a highly structured technical, theoretical, imaginative and practical approach to study. In fact, from the professional artists in our teaching team (who are also outstanding tutors) to our first-rate technical staff, you’ll receive excellent guidance and support as you develop your skills as a Fine Artist.
Sarah Key and Anna Francis Joint Award Leaders, BA (Hons) Fine Art
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All this means that when you leave us, you will have benefited from an educational experience that can equip you to take on a wide range of exciting careers in the creative industries. Over the following pages, you can read all about our Fine Art degree. To find out more, please visit: www.staffs.ac.uk/fineart
AFTER LEAVING STAFFORDSHIRE UNIVERSITY IN 2012, I RECEIVED A SUBSIDISED GRADUATE STUDIO AT BIRMINGHAM’S LOMBARD METHOD. THE PLACEMENT HAS BEEN GREAT FOR HELPING ME TO MAKE CONTACTS AS WELL AS ALLOWING ME SPACE TO CONTINUE PRODUCING WORK, WHICH I MIGHT NOT OTHERWISE HAVE BEEN ABLE TO AFFORD. AROUND THE SAME TIME, I WAS AWARDED A GRANT FROM THE JOHN OPPENHEIM-DOWNES MEMORIAL FUND FOR EQUIPMENT AND MATERIALS. Ben Harding BA (Hons) Fine Art (First Class), graduated 2012
BA (Hons) FINE ART UCAS code: W100
CONTENTS: 2 4 6 8 10 12 14 15
Discover more: www.staffs.ac.uk/undergraduate
t: 01782 294400
Introduction Key Facts Why Staffs? Our Brilliant People A Better Campus Choose More Open Days Application Process
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HERE ARE JUST A FEW REASONS WHY WE BELIEVE YOU SHOULD STUDY WITH US. TO REALLY FIND OUT IF WE’RE RIGHT FOR YOU, PLEASE COME ALONG TO ONE OF OUR OPEN DAYS. WE’D LOVE TO MEET YOU.
KEY FACTS
LEARN FROM INDUSTRY EXPERTS
TAKE A BITE OF THE BIG APPLE
LET YOUR INDIVIDUALITY SHOW
PROFESSIONAL PARTNERS
All our lecturers are professional practising artists, who exhibit nationally and internationally. They’ll be on-hand to guide and advise you throughout your studies. Plus their considerable expertise will support your research-led learning.
Your individuality is the most important thing that you will bring to the course. So, rest assured, we’ll help you to shape your ideas through the production of art works, using a curriculum designed to enable you to develop your creative potential – and be ambitious in the work you produce.
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We want you to graduate with a truly global perspective of the Fine Art arena. That’s why there’ll be opportunities to visit major art venues… not simply in the UK, but as far afield as Barcelona, Berlin and New York!
Lichfield Museum, the Potteries Museum & Art Gallery, the British Ceramics Biennial, Airspace – the leading regional contemporary art gallery, Stoke City Council… to broaden your knowledge of career opportunities, our students benefit from working with external professional bodies.
VIBRANT & CREATIVE
You’ll work in a truly vibrant learning environment. Our specialist facilities include: bright and airy studios, impressive gallery spaces and specialist technical workshops. Your creativity is a key factor to you excelling on this course… and our facilities have been designed to encourage you to succeed.
REAL FREEDOM
As a Fine Art student, we will allow you to develop your individual creative aspirations. We won’t restrict your interests. Far from it! We’ll encourage you to experiment, learn new skills and explore through making.
VISITING ARTISTS
Painting, drawing, sculpture, video, photography, printmaking, installation, animation, performance… whatever your chosen discipline, we want you to benefit from the broadest learning experience possible. That’s why we’ll arrange for national and international visiting artists to come in and share their knowledge with you.
CURATING & EXHIBITING
It’s vital that you understand the skills behind presenting art works for public audiences. That’s why we’ll also focus on the professional aspects of both curating and exhibiting. Your study of Fine Art with us will develop your understanding of the academic and practical aspects of working as an artist – or within the creative industries.
WORK-READY WORLD-READY
SHOWCASE YOUR WORK
Study with us and you’ll get the opportunity to showcase your work. Not only in our gallery spaces, but also in a large public exhibition that takes place each year. There may also be additional scope to show at a variety of regional events and exhibitions: for example in recent years our students have exhibited in the Lichfield Festival, Conjunction Biennial and been involved in creating public art for North Staffordshire Hospital.
Study with us and we’ll equip you to become ‘The Staffordshire Graduate’ – a world-ready professional, with the knowledge, attributes and expertise that employers look for.
Discover more: www.staffs.ac.uk/undergraduate
t: 01782 294400
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WHY STAFFS? Study Fine Art at Staffordshire University and you will join an exciting and established multi-disciplinary, studio-based programme with a proven track record of national and international graduate success. Our course is highly practical and devoted to the professional development of each student’s studio practice. This is achieved through an inspiring learning programme that will enable you to specialise in your particular area of interest. It is supported by exciting opportunities to meet and learn from established professional artists – and to produce and exhibit a high standard of work.
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LEARN FROM INDUSTRY EXPERTS
DEDICATED TO YOUR DEVELOPMENT
Take your degree with us and you’ll be trained by artists who know all about making a living from their creative skills. Friendly, approachable and committed to helping you to achieve, they exhibit both nationally and internationally, at exhibitions such as: Liverpool Biennial, Foreign Bodies, Tokyo, Manifesta 8, Spain; John Moores Painting Prize, Slideshow, Future Everything, International Biennial of Cerveira, Portugal; To Kwan Wan, Hong Kong; Unoccupied Territory, Stockholm… and more. Our Fine Art staff have also curated and arranged a large number of exhibitions and events across the UK and globally. In short, their knowledge is considerable… and it’s yours for the taking.
Our Fine Art course is dedicated to the development of good studio skills, through a dynamic curriculum that embraces creativity, encourages ambition and cultivates talent. Practical training is combined with stimulating, intellectual discussions of key debates in the visual arts, individual group seminars, lectures and workshops. Added to that, you’ll meet with and learn from national and international visiting artists and have opportunities to visit major art venues and events.
WORLD OF WORK FACILITIES Light, bright and spacious, our purpose-built studios and workshop facilities offer a perfect venue to develop your skills. Working alongside other budding fine artists – but in your own dedicated studio space – you’ll have access to a wide range of facilities, including: wood, metal and plastic workshops, digital imaging and printmaking. Wi-Fi is provided. Our IT facilities are first class and we have an outstanding collection of Fine Art journals and books – simply perfect for a little inspiration should you ever need it!
A DEGREE OF CHOICE We understand that not everyone can – or wants to – commit to full-time study. That’s why, although our Fine Art degree normally takes three years to complete, you can always opt to study part-time over a longer period of time.
CAREER OPPORTUNITIES A Fine Art degree from Staffordshire University will equip you with the essential transferable skills needed to be both employable and entrepreneurial in a wide range of creative industries. Production skills, new media skills (photography, video, animation and digital media), communication skills, team-working skills, initiative and an innovative approach to problem solving, are all desirable attributes to employers. You will graduate with a solid foundation in a broad range of arts-related occupations in the public and commercial sectors. Notable Fine Art graduates from Staffordshire University hold positions that are indicative of this diversity, such as: Senior Pictures Editor of the Independent on Sunday magazine; Director of Goldsworthy gallery, New York; and Model Designer for Hogwarts Castle on the Harry Potter films. In addition, in many UK museums and galleries you will find our graduates working at the very highest levels. Some have won prestigious contemporary art awards, exhibit internationally and have work in a number of public and private collections. Other graduates go on to study for Masters degrees, or to become teachers.
Discover more: www.staffs.ac.uk/undergraduate
t: 01782 294400
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OUR BRILLIANT PEOPLE
After completing a master’s degree in Fine Art at Staffordshire University, Ian developed a successful profile of exhibitions, lectures and part-time teaching, resulting in him becoming a permanent member of staff in 2005. Since then, he has contributed to shaping a broad-based Fine Art course that reflects the currency of debates in contemporary culture.
STUDENTS WILL DISCOVER WHAT IT MEANS TO BE A CONTEMPORARY ARTIST IN THIS SOCIETY. IT’S BASED ON ISSUES OF ENQUIRY AND CURIOSITY. IT’S ABOUT CREATING NEW KNOWLEDGE FOR ONESELF. IT’S ABOUT FEELING THAT YOU CAN CONTRIBUTE TO OUR CULTURE.
As an active practitioner, Ian’s work has been reviewed in Art Monthly, The Guardian and Artforum, where it was Critics’ Choice. He received critical acclaim for a touring exhibition that he curated in 2009, entitled Trying To Cope With Things That Aren’t Human (Part One). After gaining funding from the British Council and Arts Council England, the exhibition started in San Francisco and ended in London, with a detour via Stoke-on-Trent’s AirSpace Gallery. Ian is also one-third of the collaborative artist’s group Common Culture, with which he has exhibited a range of interdisciplinary artworks across Europe, Asia and North America. Common Culture’s international profile was reflected in their selection for Manifesta 8 and their nomination for the 2011 Northern Art Prize. With this experience and the application of researchinformed teaching, Ian, along with the whole Fine Art team, has inspired many success stories, from students winning New Art West Midlands to graduates setting up Stoke-on-Trent’s first contemporary art gallery and being selected for the prestigious John Moore’s Painting Prize. It’s this kind of student progression that Ian relishes. He says, “When you come to Staffordshire University, be prepared to contribute to contemporary culture and be excited about that opportunity.” Ian Brown Professor of Fine Art
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“The Fine Art course at Staffordshire University gave me a lot of opportunities and experiences, giving me a strong structure to build on, towards a professional artistic career. I had the chance to take part in a range of course projects inside and outside of the University programme. The modules developed my knowledge through experience of using a range of artistic techniques, supported by workshops, library, tutorials, group seminars, and regular exhibitions. I am currently shaping an art organisation, called Majestic Studios, with two other fine art graduates. We are forming a creative environment and a supportive arts network. Barbara Witkowska BA (Hons) Fine Art (First Class), graduated in 2013
“The tutors and visiting artists are at hand to offer their depth of knowledge. With an array of workshops to get stuck into, from printmaking to metal forging, whatever it is you seek to create is made possible. The studio spaces are by far some of the best I’ve seen within universities and, at the end of each year they are cleaned and painted to make for an amazing exhibition space, which after all of the hard work during the year really is rewarding. I would recommend Staffordshire University to any creative thinker wishing to study Fine Art at university. I have made friends with some great students, tutors and established contemporary artists, been given the opportunity to be a part of some amazing exhibitions outside of university and, most of all, expanded my knowledge, craft and creative skills, which has given me the drive to ‘keep on trucking’ with my creative talents way into the future. ‘Buy the ticket, take the ride’ – Hunter S Thompson.” Kyle Cartlidge BA (Hons) Fine Art student – graduates in 2014
Discover more: www.staffs.ac.uk/undergraduate
t: 01782 294400
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A BETTER CAMPUS
AT STAFFORDSHIRE UNIVERSITY, WE’RE COMMITTED TO INVESTING IN YOUR FUTURE – LITERALLY. OVER A PERIOD OF 18 MONTHS, WE’RE SPENDING MILLIONS OF POUNDS ON OUR UNIVERSITY CAMPUSES, SO WHEN YOU JOIN US, YOU’LL BE COMING TO A PLACE WITH EVERYTHING YOU NEED TO START OPENING DOORS AND BREAKING BOUNDARIES.
In recent years, our Stoke-on-Trent campus has undergone a massive transformation, with the students at the heart of our plans. From the amazing Science Centre to environmental improvements, we’re focused on building the best campus for our students. But whilst it’s all well and good a university saying they care what students think, we’re putting our money where our mouth is. This all stems from a decision to make Stoke-on-Trent the main campus of Staffordshire University. In 2016 the majority of students from our Stafford Computing and Technology courses will be
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moving to the Stoke-on-Trent campus. So we’re making sure that when you arrive, you enter a university that is fit for purpose. One with a great mix of study and social spaces. One that feels safe and thrives on the friendly reputation we’ve built. What we found was that a modern edge-of-city campus is ideal. Close enough to the city for the social life, but far enough away to focus on studying. Great transport links around the city, but also great spaces around the campus. The best of both worlds. So, starting in Summer 2015, we’ll be working on the College Road and Leek Road sites of our Stoke Campus. We’ll be creating great social spaces and easy access between the Students’ Union, venues and teaching rooms. Bringing the best teaching facilities together with fantastic student areas – making it feel safe and easy to jump between your lectures and your life outside University. As well as that, we’re also investing £12m in a new Computing and Games facility. This project, called Digital Kiln, will merge beautiful learning space with state-of-theart technology to support all sorts of courses from Cyber Security to Games Design.
This investment is continuing the work we’ve already started to create great social spaces and easy access between the Students’ Union, halls of residence, and other facilities. We’ve committed to doubling the investment that’s already started to create enhanced facilities. Come 2016, it’s going to have the buzz and the feel of the edge-of-city campus that students want. Vice-Chancellor Professor Michael Gunn Healthcare Centres of Excellence This redevelopment work isn’t just happening in Stoke-on-Trent though. Healthcare and Midwifery students won’t miss out with significant further investment in our Centres of Excellence in Stafford and Shrewsbury – adding new student spaces and learning resources to make these campuses totally self-contained and right up to date. So, with all this to come, maybe it’s time you joined us at Staffordshire University?
Discover more: www.staffs.ac.uk/undergraduate
t: 01782 294400
KEY FACTS WORK STARTS: SUMMER 2015 ADDITIONAL £40M INVESTMENT IN STOKE-ON-TRENT CAMPUS MULTI-MILLION POUND INVESTMENT IN STAFFORD CENTRE OF HEALTHCARE EXCELLENCE AND SHREWSBURY CENTRE OF HEALTHCARE EXCELLENCE COMPLETION DATE: AUTUMN 2016.
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CHOOSE
MORE AT STAFFORDSHIRE UNIVERSITY, WE WANT TO GIVE YOU AN EDGE OVER THE COMPETITION. WE WANT YOU TO TAKE AWAY SOMETHING EXTRA. SO WE MAKE SURE YOU’LL GET SOMETHING EXTRA WHEN YOU’RE HERE. A LOT EXTRA ACTUALLY. To help you open doors as well as your mind, we’re spending millions of pounds on our edge-of-city campus. When you’re here, you’ll be able to work with brilliant academics and access a whole load of cutting edge facilities; from animation studios to photography darkrooms to surface decoration workshops. Past students have gone on to exhibit at prestigious galleries, museums and festivals across the world.
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You can also get more back with grants, loans and bursaries to help fund your study whilst enjoying a cost of living ranked the third lowest in the UK.
MAKE MORE OF YOUR TIME HERE • Improve your skills with online training platform Lynda.com and access over 3,000 online tutorial videos • Want to get fit while you study? Take advantage of our special student rate gym memberships • Don’t just learn while you’re with us, earn. Take a job at the Students’ Union, become a paid Student Ambassador with Unitemps or turn working while you study upside down with a seasonal role at Alton Towers Resort • Then spend. We’re a hop, skip and a short walk from shops, boutiques, restaurants, bars and clubs • Catch the latest musicals, opera, drama at the Regent Theatre and Stafford Gatehouse
MORE WAYS TO STUDY YOUR WAY • Grants, loans and bursaries to help fund your study • More hands-on, real world learning, fewer lectures • Hit the books whenever you want - access to our 24- hour library • Get all the software you need including access to the Adobe Creative Cloud Suite and download Microsoft Office 365 on up to five devices for free • Professional guest lecturers - previous presentations included Microsoft, Marvel Comics and Epic Games
At Staffordshire University, you’re in the best place to do more, with City Centre shops, boutiques, restaurants, theatres, bars and clubs all just a short stroll away. Plus, with student rate gym memberships and over 100 sports, clubs and societies to join – including skydiving, snow sports and our very own Beard Society – you can experience more too. So, if you’re looking for a place that gives you exactly what you need to succeed (and more), then open the door and your mind to Staffordshire University.
A CAMPUS WITH MORE TO OFFER • We’ve spent and continue to spend millions of pounds on our edge-of-city campus • We’re a place literally in the middle of things with easy access to Manchester, Birmingham, London • Get your film fix at our on-campus Film Theatre • Take advantage of our brilliant and friendly Student Support team • Stay fit and well with our NHS Healthcare centre with two doctors • Enjoy a cost of living ranked third lowest in the UK
Discover more: www.staffs.ac.uk/undergraduate
t: 01782 294400
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There’s only one real way to experience Staffordshire University, and that’s to come and see it for yourself.
University is where you’re due to spend the next few years of your life, so before you decide on somewhere, it makes sense to have a good look around. That’s where an Open Day comes in. This is your opportunity to get to know the place. Test it out. Immerse yourself in every aspect of Staffordshire University and see if it’s right for you. We’ll give you the chance to see everything, from the Students’ Union and the library to the IT suites and our impressive sports facilities. We’ll also show you the halls of residence, so you can start planning exactly where to put your TV and laptop. You’ll then meet our expert lecturers, see live demonstrations of lab and studio sessions, and delve deeper into your chosen subject with an informative talk. Advice is available on managing your student finances and ways to fund your study, as well as tips on writing a strong personal statement to include in your application.
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Best of all, you’ll have time to speak with current students about their experiences of Staffordshire University – which means you can hear exactly what it’s like to be at the heart of things in the centre of the country. It’s the best way to get a real feel for life here. Our Open Days give you an idea of everything Staffordshire University has to offer, so you’ll be ready to make one of the most important – and most exciting – decisions of your life.
LEARN MORE OR BOOK YOUR PLACE AT
www.staffs.ac.uk/opendays GO ONLINE TO WATCH OUR VIRTUAL TOURS
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CLEARING
The UCAS clearing process gives students another opportunity to find a place.
MISSED THE UCAS DEADLINE?
Don’t worry, apply via UCAS until the end of June and if we have vacancies left on your course we’ll consider your application. We accept CLEARING applications from mid July. Visit: www.staffs.ac.uk/clearing
Discover more: www.staffs.ac.uk/undergraduate
t: 01782 294400
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For more detailed information on courses or studying at Staffordshire University, visit: www.staffs.ac.uk/undergraduate
www.staffs.ac.uk/socialmedia The information in this guide is correct at time of publication, but may be subject to change.
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