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Fine Art at West Dean College - UCAS

West Dean College

Degree level: Postgraduate
Awarded by: University of Sussex

Fine Art (Taught)

Course options

Course summary

Develop your passions and reach your potential in a small, welcoming environment within a community of like-minded people. Why choose West Dean? An international reputation for excellence in conservation and arts education. 94% of students studying at the College* felt the programme had enhanced their skills and abilities (*2019 student survey) A rich arts environment and a focus on craft skills with vocational application. Be inspired by the unique historic character and beautiful South Downs setting. Located close to Chichester and the South Coast, with easy access to London. The Course The Master of Fine Art programme at West Dean provide a stimulating and supportive environment for you to develop your capacities in practical, theoretical and professional domains, with an emphasis on specialist studio practice. Students are provided with generous studio space, weekly tutorial support, access to a broad range of visiting artists and lecturers, and year-round access to exhibition spaces. The two-year structure provides students with sustained periods of studio-based activity, with dissertation requirements coming early in the second year of study. Programmes are delivered through a combination of seminars, lectures, workshops, individual and group tutorials, critical sessions and self-directed research. Students can choose to specialise in one of three main disciplines of Painting and Drawing, Sculpture, Tapestry and Textile Art, or to explore interdisciplinary practice. With access to excellent workshop facilities and unique opportunities to engage with other college departments, you will develop your practical, theoretical and professional skills in relation to a variety of different materials, methods and ideas. Students have the opportunity to engage with West Dean House, Collection, Archive and Estate, are given support from highly skilled technical staff and a range of specialist facilities, plus assistance for visiting exhibitions, events and developing professional opportunities. MFA students can expect Support in consolidating studio practice to a level appropriate for accomplished practitioners Access to facilities, workshops and expertise for the fabrication of artworks Opportunities to employ innovative approaches to studio practice through which conceptual ideas are tested and informed by use of selected media To develop originality in the application of knowledge, together with a practical understanding of how established techniques of research and enquiry are used to create and interpret knowledge in the Visual Arts To consolidate a systematic understanding and critical awareness of current debates in contemporary art practice To further develop aptitude for professional practice, independent research or employment, including opportunities for public exhibition To possess independence, self-reliance, as well as promotional enterprise skills, motivated toward professional practice or employment Teaching You are taught through a combination of lectures, seminars, practical workshops, individual and group tutorials, critique sessions, oral and written presentations, and external visits. You will typically have around 11-12 contact hours per week. Independent learning When not attending lectures, seminars, workshops or other timetabled sessions you will be expected to continue learning independently through self-directed study. Typically, this will involve: working in the studio developing supporting material and research portfolios researching in the library reading journal articles and books working on assignments preparing presentations and self-assessments. Overall workload 33% of your time is spent in scheduled teaching and learning activity Scheduled teaching and learning: 785 hours Independent learning: 1615 hours

Modules

Year 1 / Semester 1 (18 weeks) Unit VA MFA 1A Creative Research Strategies 15 credits Unit VA MFA 1B Application of Philosophical Aesthetics 15 credits Unit VA MFA 1C Studio work 30 credits STAGE ASSESSMENT Year 1 / Semester 2 (18 weeks) Unit VA MFA 3A Art Research and Criticality 20 credits Unit VA MFA 3C Studio work 2 (interim exhibition) 40 credits EXHIBITION/SUMMER ASSESSMENT Year 2 / Semester 1 (18 weeks) Unit VA MFA 5A Dissertation 20 credits Unit VA MFA 5C Studio work 3 40 credits STAGE ASSESSMENT Year 2 / Semester 2 (18 weeks) Unit VA MFA 7A Professional Practice 15 credits Unit VA MFA 7C Studio work 4 (summer show) 45 credits EXHIBITION/FINAL ASSESSMENT

Assessment method

The MFA (Master of Fine Art) at West Dean is a two-year full-time programme of study designed to further advance students' capacities in practical, theoretical and professional domains, with an emphasis on specialist studio practice. The two-year structure provides students with sustained periods of studio-based activity, with dissertation requirements coming early in the second year of study. The emphasis on practice is nonetheless informed and supported by theoretical and professional Study Units throughout the academic year. Whether specialising in a single discipline or working across media, MFA students will have time to develop and expand their studio work to the highest standards, bringing in relevant historical, theoretical and professional perspectives.


Entry requirements

The following qualifications will be considered for entry on to the MFA: A good Honours Degree or equivalent qualification in Fine Art or a related discipline. Relevant work experience in an arts-related field which demonstrates the ability to study at postgraduate level. Portfolio: including evidence of current practical work, sketchbooks and evidence of critical writing. An appropriate level of engagement with current debates in contemporary arts and making is required. English language: CEFR (Common European Framework of Reference for Languages) Level B2 or IELTS 6.5 or above.


Fees and funding

Tuition fees

No fee information has been provided for this course

Tuition fee status depends on a number of criteria and varies according to where in the UK you will study. For further guidance on the criteria for home or overseas tuition fees, please refer to the UKCISA website .

Additional fee information

Course fees are the same for UK and international students: £3,780 per term (£11,340 per year) Includes study trip costs of £400 which typically includes tailored visits to collections/exhibitions of specific interest to the programme of study. Lunch, accommodation and other living expenses are additional. To find out more visit: https://www.westdean.ac.uk/degrees-and-diplomas/admissions#living-costs Scholarships and bursaries are available from £500.
Fine Art at West Dean College - UCAS