Art and Design (3d Studies)

Course summary

This course puts the emphasis placed upon functional and utilitarian considerations as compared to three-dimensional outcomes produced in other disciplines, such as sculpture in Fine Art, where the intentions might be centred upon the aesthetic qualities of expressive form. You will look at functional ceramics and product design, but aspects of craft may also be included, such as items that are concerned with functionality and manual skills as well as aesthetic qualities. Possible areas of study include ceramics, sculpture and product design. Our approach is to support and encourage the development of analytical and expressive skills in appropriate, structured projects. The first part of the course is spent developing basic skills in hand-building, mould-making, colour application, and firing and glazing. You will learn how to develop your ideas through sustained and focused investigations informed by contextual and other sources, demonstrating analytical and critical understanding. You will explore and select appropriate resources, media, materials, techniques and processes, and review and refine your ideas as your work develops. You will record your ideas, observations and insights relevant to your intentions, reflecting critically on your work and progress. As a student in the heart of London, you will have access to some of the world’s best museums, galleries and exhibitions. This will result in a personal and meaningful response which, where appropriate, makes connections between visual and other elements. In the second year, you will develop your skills and understanding to a higher standard. You will continue to be given close technical instruction and supervision, but you will be required to adopt a much more independent and student-led approach. You will be working on your investigation, which is the first of the two components of your final assessment. This component consists firstly of a major, in-depth, practical, critical and theoretical investigative project or theme-based portfolio and outcomes. It is accompanied by an integrated and extended written piece of critical and contextual analysis (1000 words minimum).