BA (Hons) Fine Art with Printmaking

Program Overview

Students develop a range of skills, experiment with materials, and cultivate their personal artistic vision, preparing them for professional careers in diverse creative fields.

Program Outline

Degree Overview:

The BA (Hons) Fine Art with Printmaking degree at the University of Chichester offers a comprehensive exploration of printmaking, encompassing both traditional and contemporary methods. The program aims to cultivate versatile and confident artists equipped with a range of skills and techniques.

Objectives:

• Develop professional approaches to a range of printmaking processes: Students will gain proficiency in key areas of printmaking, including etching, relief, and silkscreen.
• Extend work into contemporary electronic/digital practices: The program encourages experimentation with digital media, integrating it with traditional print methods.
• Achieve the highest quality art production: Students benefit from expert workshops, technical support, and high-quality facilities.
• Gain confidence in creating their own artistic vision: The program encourages students to develop their personal style and direction within the framework of printmaking.

Outline:

Year One:

• Workshop 1 - Digital Drawing & Investigation: Introduces digital skills using software like Illustrator, Photoshop, and video/sound editing.
• Projects 1 - Approaches to Drawing and Investigation: Develops a framework of working methods through practical projects, research, and critiques.
• Contextual 1 - Forms Analysis Contexts: Examines the visual arts as cultural practice through lectures, gallery visits, and seminar discussions.
• Workshop 2 - Materials and Methodologies: Focuses on developing skills in paint, print, sculpture, or textiles, allowing for specialization or hybrid practice.
• Projects 2 - Process and Experimentation: Encourages self-directed experimentation with materials, techniques, and ideas.
• Contextual 2 - Signs Interpretation Criticality: Explores interpretation and reading of visual works, addressing themes of identity, gender, race, politics, and global perspectives.
• Materials and Evidence (Optional): A catch-up module for students needing additional credits in Level 4, focusing on self-directed practice and developing research skills.

Year Two:

• Workshop 3 - Process & Development (Optional): Deepens practical skills within a chosen specialization.
• Digital Photography (Optional): Introduces principles of digital photography, image manipulation, and critical evaluation of photographic work.
• Studio 1 - Territories and Defining Practice: Focuses on developing a personal and inventive approach to artmaking, encouraging experimentation and self-directed work.
• Contextual 3 - Sites Discourses Rhetoric: Builds on previous contextual modules, exploring issues of meaning, value, agency, and display in contemporary art.
• Studio 2 - Site, Externality and Display: Explores themes of location, placement, and context in relation to artistic practice.
• External Placement 1 - Digital Review (Optional): Provides an opportunity to engage with external cultural agencies, gaining experience in a professional setting.
• Production Design (Optional): Introduces the fundamentals of production design, covering aspects like concept initiation, set design, props, and art direction.
• Research and Process (Optional): Focuses on developing critical research skills in support of studio practice, suitable for students needing additional credits in Level 5.

Year Three:

• Degree Show - Recognition & Consolidation - Studio 3a - Digital Photography: The capstone module of the program, culminating in a public exhibition of a substantial body of work, demonstrating a distinctive visual language and professional standards.
• Manifesto 1 (Optional): Encourages critically engaged study of key artists, theories, and ideas that influence studio practice, leading to a research essay.
• External Placement 2 - Digital Review (Optional): Offers a second work placement opportunity to further develop skills and gain professional experience.
• Manifesto 2 - Dissertation (Optional): Provides an opportunity to produce a dissertation that delves deeper into a specific area of research, supporting studio practice.

Assessment:

The program utilizes a diverse range of assessment methods:

• Practical assessment: This includes the public degree show at the end of Year Three, which is a significant element of the program.
• Report writing: Students are required to submit written reports on their work, demonstrating critical thinking and analysis.
• Essays: Essays are used to assess students' understanding of art history, theory, and critical discourse.
• Presentations: Students may be required to present their work and research findings to peers and faculty.

Teaching:

• Small lectures and seminars: These provide a structured learning environment, introducing key concepts and theories.
• Peer group critiques: Students engage in critical discussions of their work with their peers, promoting self-reflection and constructive feedback.
• Studio-based learning: A significant portion of the program involves independent, self-directed work in studio settings.
• Expert workshops: Specialized workshops provide hands-on instruction in printmaking techniques, materials, and processes.
• Visiting artists: The program features guest lectures and workshops led by practicing artists, providing students with exposure to diverse perspectives and industry insights.

Careers:

Upon completing the BA (Hons) Fine Art with Printmaking program, graduates may pursue a variety of careers:

• Printmaker
• Illustrator
• Graphic designer
• Art therapist
• Arts administrator
• Commercial art gallery manager
• Museum/gallery exhibitions officer
• Art teacher or art technician
• Artist
• Design, photography, marketing, and communications roles
• Community-based artist
• Graphic designer
The program also prepares graduates for postgraduate study, such as the PGCE (Postgraduate Certificate in Education) for those interested in teaching or the PhD for those seeking to pursue research in art.

Other:

• The University of Chichester is located in a city rich in art and culture, offering students access to galleries, museums, and theaters.
• The program emphasizes the development of communication skills, including visual, verbal, and written, which are highly valuable in various professional settings.
• Students benefit from dedicated studio spaces throughout the program, allowing for focused exploration and experimentation.
• The University of Chichester has a robust partnership network, providing students with opportunities for work placements, guest speaker events, and networking opportunities.
• The program provides career advice and support to help graduates transition into their chosen paths.