HE, three years, full-time, day-time
Higher Education
BA (Hons) Art & Design (Interdisciplinary)
Course Validated by the Open University.
Course Contact
Cheryl Huntbach
Telephone
0113 202 8000
UCAS code
WW12
About
This three-year, full-time, practice- based course reflects the contemporary working practice of the creative industries and explores new and exciting ways of working between the disciplines of art and design.
Today’s artists and designers aren’t easily pigeon-holed by material or approach. They are highly flexible individuals, shifting between different patterns of work. Our course responds to the professional reality of contemporary art and design, preparing
students to respond creatively within a range of professional situations.
Our projects test the relevance of art and design to the spaces, objects and communities in everyday life. This is a course about making; making objects, and making things happen.
We operate industry-standard workshops with the latest equipment and expertise. Our remarkable interdisciplinary approach allows you to keep an open mind about materials and methods, and to develop your own specialist skills and unique approaches to combining the various media.
You will gain experience in collaboration, communication, creative enterprise, design, digital media, image-making, installation, interactivity, materials innovation, metals, new technologies, object-making, plastics, print, professional practice, public art, silicon-casting and video.
To enrich the studio experience and enable you to develop the necessary skills and expertise for a successful future, the programme also includes theoretical studies, professional practice, computer applications and workshop options.
Visit the course blog
First year
You will develop skills in ideas development and design-process realisation, and explore interdisciplinary working methods. You
will study examples of contemporary and twentieth-century art and design in studio modules as well as in Context of Practice 1.
Second year
Here, you will develop greater skills in concept development and collaborative art and design practice. You will consider a range of audiences as you experiment and begin to establish your own methods to use across disciplines. Context of Practice 2 will develop your critical thinking and will create the context for your studio practice. Towards the end of the second year, you will begin to position your practice by developing a focus within an interdisciplinary approach.
Third year
You will establish an individual and more independent direction, concluding in a major project forming part of the public End of Year Show. The Professional Identity module will show you how to promote yourself individually as an interdisciplinary artist or designer, and will help you to prepare for future employment or further study. Theoretical work will lead to research for your dissertation.
Links with industry and community
Your second year will include a major Responsive module, where you may respond to real briefs from clients in the creative industries and a range of other sources.
Study visits
We organise regular visits to exhibitions and events, international trips and exchanges.
Resources
On this very practical course, first-, second- and third-year students work in the art and design studio (where they can opt to have small individual workspaces). You will also be encouraged to use the range of facilities available across the College. You will benefit from the expertise of teaching staff who are practising artists and designers.
European links
The course participates in the College’s Erasmus student exchange scheme and GIDE Project (Group for International Design Education).
Progression & career opportunities
Many of our students go straight into employment as designer-makers, visual artists, creative practitioners and project managers (often with projects and contacts developed in the second and third years). Others go on to postgraduate study.
Recent graduates
Yvonne Carmichael was selected for the prestigious Unidée residency at Cittadellarte, Fondazione Pistoletto, Italy.
Sheila Mone exhibited her third-year Working Women project at London Metropolitan University, published a book with Austrian group WochenKlausur and studied for a PGCE.
Steph Bartscht is working as a designer with Rotterdam-based company Except, an integrated sustainability research consultancy www.except.nl
Lucy Barker is a freelance consultant producer for MBED (Creative Industries Development Agency and Public Arts).
Jen Ohlson undertook a residency at the Whitechapel Art Gallery, London; worked with London design agency thinkpublic; and is currently an arts project manager with the Sorrell Foundation.
Assessment
Assessment is based on your coursework.
Resources
On this very practical course, first-year, second-year and third-year students work in the art and design studio (where they can opt to have small individual workspaces). You will also be encouraged to use the range of facilities available across the College. You will benefit from the expertise of teaching staff who are practising artists and designers.
Course fees & costs
See course fees page and find out if you qualify for any support. In addition, allowance should be made for study visits of approximately £250-£300 per year. Materials costs vary, and students should budget for approximately £150 year.
What do I need in my portfolio?
Applicants’ portfolios should include a range of work, both 2D and 3D.
A well-presented portfolio says a lot about an applicant and their work. Our guidance is not meant to limit your creative statement; in general terms, however, we would expect the following:
- Examples of drawing and colour usage
- Examples of design/idea development
- Sketch books and notebooks
- Examples or photography of 3D work
- An example of your written work.
At this stage in your career, we would much rather see experimental and playful drawing and design development work than necessarily all finished work showing a final solution. We would like to see a personal and well-presented portfolio. We do not need to see all the work you have produced – around 20-30 samples in your main portfolio would be ideal.
Mature students (21+)
We welcome applications from students who are returning to education. We offer many opportunities for adults even if you don’t have conventional entry qualifications. We’re interested in your motivation, your potential, and your ability to follow the course successfully.
Find out more
- Contact our Student Advice Team
- Visit the College at one of our open events
- Contact our Marketing department on 0113 202 8000
How to apply
UCAS code WW12
The closing date for applications is Saturday 15 January. Visit our how to apply section.
The College is currently unable to accept direct entry onto Year 2 of this course.
Course guidance
