FdA Contemporary Arts Practice

All applicants will undertake a portfolio interview prior to admission onto the programme. All applicants must have GCSE (or equivalent) English at Grade 4 or above. Normal minimum entry requirements are 48 UCAS points. Adult students – equivalent qualifications or professional experience will be considered.

If English is not your first language, you will need an IELTS score of 7.0 with a minimum score of 6.5 in each component (Reading , Writing, Listening and Speaking or an equivalent English Language qualification).

Each module is worth a specified number of credits: you take a combination of compulsory (and if available optional modules) enabling you to cover key subject knowledge while developing your own interests. For full time students a total of 120 credits will be studied in each academic year. In the majority of cases this will consist of 6 modules. For part time students it will depend on the intensity of your studies.

Year 1 Modules

• Introduction to Contemporary Arts Practice – 20 credits
• Digital Tools – 20 credits
• Practice Based Toolbox – 20 credits
• Developing Collaborative Practice – 20 credits
• Understanding Contextual Referencing – 20 credits
• Creative Development (Optional) – 20 credits
• Developing Contemporary Arts Practice (Optional) – 20 credits

Year 2 Modules

• Exploration for Innovation – 20 credits
• Professional Engagement – 20 credits
• Negotiated Research – 20 credits
• Final Major Project – 40 credits
• Interdisciplinary Practice (Optional) – 20 credits

Timetables are normally available one month before the commencement of your studies. As a guide, this year the first year of this programme was timetabled on: Wednesday/ Thursday/ Friday.

When studied part-time, the duration of the course depends on the speed at which you wish to progress through it. This is called the ‘intensity of study’. For example, studying half-time would be equivalent to 50 per cent intensity of study and would typically double the length of the course from three to six years. Please note that this does not necessarily mean that the modules you take in Year 1 will equate to 2.5 full days’ attendance. As part-time study will mean attendance of some modules that are on the full-time timetable, it may mean that you will be required to attend modules timetabled over five days of the week. You may be able to change the intensity of study during your course. Please note that the four-year version of the course is not currently available on a part-time basis. Not all intensities of study are available for all programmes.

This programme will provide you with the opportunity to undertake industry and work experience. This will be supported by your academic team. We can also support you, if required, in locating you work experience.

There are formal or summative assessed pieces of work for each module. Assessment methods can include written examinations and a range of coursework assessments such as essays, reports, portfolios, performance, presentations and projects. The grades from formal assessments count towards your module mark. In addition to formal assessments throughout modules of study there will be developmental (formative) assessments to support you with developing greater understanding of your progress.

The majority of the course is assessed by coursework with some practical submissions and presentations.

We recognise feedback as an essential component of your learning and progression. We adopt a feed-forward approach whereby feedback is given in a developmental manner to support your continued progression. You will receive feedback on all assessments within 20 working days.

Our dedicated teaching teams will support with your application of theoretical and practical knowledge and will be invaluable to your development as an effective practitioner. Their passion and enthusiasm is exceptional, with dedicated support and tutorial time available so that you can make the most of your studies. This support has been crucial to the success of many past students who may not come from a traditional education pathway, and helps ensure your success.

You will be taught by an experienced teaching team whose expertise and knowledge are closely matched to the content of the modules on the course. The team includes academic staff, professional practitioners with industry experience, and where relevant, technicians. Postgraduate students undertaking teacher training may also contribute to the teaching of seminars under the supervision of the module leader. Our teaching is informed by research, professional practice and industry experience to provide you with the most up to date and relevant learning opportunities. All tutors are actively engaged in industry and will bring relevant professional experience to the course.

When not attending lectures, seminars or practicals you will be expected to continue learning independently through self-study. Typically, this will involve reading journal articles and books, working on individual and group projects, undertaking research in the library, preparing coursework assignments and presentations, and preparing for examinations where applicable. Your independent learning is supported by a range of excellent facilities, including the Hi Tech & Digital Centre, the library, the South Devon University Centre Research Centre, and our course specific environments.

Your overall workload at Level 4 consists of class contact hours, of approximately 15 hours’ per week, plus independent learning, and assessment activity. Together, this equates to approximately 36 hours per week. While your actual contact hours may depend on the optional modules you select, the following information gives an indication of how much time you will need to allocate to different activities at each level of the course.

Level 4: 43% of your time is spent in timetabled teaching and learning activity. 57% is spent on independent learning and assessment related activity.
Level 5: 43% of your time is spent in timetabled teaching and learning activity. 57% is spent on independent learning and assessment related activity.

A key feature of our university level programmes is the exceptional support we provide for students. We are passionate about providing dedicated and bespoke support services to help you make the most of your time here and to maximise your potential. We have an experienced team who offer a range of services, and regular 1:1 contact time with your personal tutor guarantees your professional and personal development. We can provide help with study skills, written English, academic writing, research skills, critical thinking, and revision. We hold the principles of equality and opportunity for all in the highest regard. That’s why our degrees are designed to be accessible for anyone, regardless of your personal circumstances. We endeavour to make reasonable adjustments and remove any barriers to your learning. We also offer more flexible timetables than other institutions to minimise the impact studying has on your personal life and responsibilities.

Progression to University of Plymouth may be suitable for candidates graduating from University Centre South Devon and the following awards are suggested following this programme:
BA (Hons) Fine Art
BA (Hons) 3D Design
Admission to the University of Plymouth would be based on successful application through UCAS and submission of a successful portfolio and/or interview. Tutors will support you in any applications you may wish to make to other Arts Universities or Institutions.

Contemporary Arts Practitioner, Printmaker, Painter, Textile Artist, Sculptor, Ceramicist, Photographic Artist, Digital Artist, Installation Artist, Garment Designer, Costume Designer, Public Artist, Arts Education, Mixed Media Artist, Curator, Exhibition and Events Management.

Funding is available to help you with living costs during your studies via Student Finance England. We are committed to supporting our students with a number of bursary packages, which you will receive if you meet particular criteria, and does not need to be repaid. Bursaries are awarded in addition to any funding received from Student Finance England.

Course Related Costs Included

• All Equipment required to effectively complete your course is provided.
• Annual £10 printing allowance
• Access to e-books and e-journals relating to your programme of study, as well as LRC resources are provided.

• You may want to develop your own ‘toolbox’ of equipment (such as scissors, pencils etc) and a suggested kit list will be provided. Trips and visits including Optional overseas and UK based field trips are offered to support practical sessions related to your programme of learning. These are heavily subsidised where possible but may involve additional costs to the student. Additional printing over the initial allowance
• The cost of books you may wish to purchase
• An annual parking fee or bus pass for travel to South Devon Research Centre