Undergraduate Pathway in Art and Design

Program Overview

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Art and Design

Through studying with Gray’s School of Art, you will join a collaborative community led by practising artists, designers and researchers.

Undergraduate Pathway in Art and Design

Gray’s School of Art is an influential multidisciplinary Art School that has been leading and defining culture and industrial development for over 130 years. RGU is ranked 1st in Scotland for graduate prospects in Art (Guardian University Guide 2022) and 30th in the UK for Fine Art (Guardian 2023). The staging of exhibitions both within the School and at external venues will be key in developing your professional skills.

Duration

• 2 semesters

Intakes

• September

Location

• Aberdeen

Degrees Available

BA (Hons) Fine Art

BA (Hons) Fine Art – Painting, Photography, Printmaking, Sculpture, Moving Image

This degree explores both the technical and contextual aspects of drawing and painting. You will study in the University’s spacious studio environment, which features dedicated drawing and workshop facilities. You will have the opportunity to get involved in industry competitions and live projects with real clients.

BA (Hons) Fashion and Textile Design

BA (Hons) Fashion and Textile Design – Textile Design, Fashion Design

This degree allows you to specialise in either Fashion Design or Textile Design. You will learn to combine traditional craft skills with digital technology, with a focus on the following:

• Research methods
• Visualisation, including CAD
• Design process
• Critical and contextual studies
• Marketing and professional studies

You will graduate with the skills to pursue a career within today’s dynamic fashion and textile industry.

BA (Hons) Communication Design

BA (Hons) Communication Design – Graphic Design, Illustration, Photography

This degree allows you to specialise in Graphic Design, Illustration or Photography. You will develop your skills and knowledge within your chosen subject by exploring traditional techniques and the latest digital technologies and production methods.

BA (Hons) Product, Ceramics and Jewellery

BA (Hons) Product, Ceramics and Jewellery

This degree allows you to specialise in one of three areas: Ceramics and Glass, Jewellery, or Product Design. You will explore traditional making skills and techniques, whilst broadening your knowledge of advanced digital design and fabrication methods. Skills you will develop include:

• 3D modelling and Adobe CAD training
• Design drawing and visualisation
• Rapid prototyping in plastics and metal

Course Details

Modules

Interactive Learning Skills and Communication

You will develop the academic and communication skills needed for success in Higher Education. You will gain independent learning skills and learn to take responsibility for your personal, academic and professional development. You will also learn how to use a range of digital technologies.

Drawing and Visualisation (1 & 2)

The module will introduce the practical and theoretical aspects and use of drawing and visualisation, which may include the following topics:

• Formal and experimental 2D/3D drawing
• Visualisation processes
• Problem-solving and creative thinking
• Observation analysis, composition, proportion and measurement.

Creative Principals & Methods

This module will develop your understanding of the following:

• The principles and methods relevant to 2D and 3D practice within both Fine Art and Design
• Critical and evaluative skills in relation to contemporary Fine Art and Design practice
• The responsibilities of independent thinking and learning.

Contextual and Critical Studies

During this module, you will be introduced to visual material cultures and their relation to Art and Design practice. You will develop core skills in:

• Research
• Analysis
• Independent critical thinking
• Synthesis
• Communication

You will be encouraged to make links with your emerging studio projects and activities.

Core Design Studies

This module will build on your existing knowledge and introduce new processes, techniques and concepts. Studio projects will be supported by practical workshop experience and technical demonstrations. Key to this module is engaging in exhibition and studio visits, and a Study Trip is available to facilitate this.

Requirements

Academic Requirements

In addition to meeting the minimum ICRGU Academic Entry Requirements, you will preferably hold a high school qualification in Art and Design.

Evidence of Artistic Ability

Applicants are required to submit evidence of artistic ability. You may wish to submit a portfolio or can, alternatively, undertake the Artistic Evaluation.

Placements

Placements give you the opportunity to apply the skills you have developed to a real-world situation and learn from working alongside professionals. All of RGU’s Art and Design undergraduate courses offer industry placements or work experience opportunities.

RGU’s Design courses have an optional 12-week placement module in semester 2 of stage 3 of study. These placements will be with local, national and internationally based companies related to the course of study or with cultural and creative industries organisations.

RGU’s Fine Art courses offer students the opportunity to undertake a period of work-based experience with partners and organisations from across the cultural and creative industries sector. These work-based experiences are usually 4-week periods.

Campus Facilities

Gray’s School of Art students have access to dedicated studio spaces and a full range of analogue and digital workshops, including:

• Photographic darkroom and studios
• Ceramics and jewellery workshops
• Digital video editing lab
• Printmaking and fashion manufacturing facilities.

With these tools, students are able to practise the best traditional processes as well as using digital manufacturing tools such as laser cutters, 3D scanners, fabric printers, 3D and direct to media printers.

Program Outline

Outline:

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Interactive Learning Skills and Communication

Develop academic and communication skills for higher education, including independent learning, digital technology proficiency, and critical thinking.

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Drawing and Visualization

Explore drawing and visualization techniques, including formal and experimental 2D/3D drawing, visual problem-solving, observation, composition, and measurement.

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Creative Principles & Methods

Understand principles and methods in 2D and 3D art and design, develop critical and evaluative skills, and foster independent thinking and learning.

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Contextual and Critical Studies

Engage with visual material cultures, develop research, analysis, and critical thinking skills, and make connections to studio projects.

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Core Design Studies

Build on existing knowledge, introduce new processes, techniques, and concepts, and engage in exhibition and studio visits.