FdA Fine Art at Exeter School of Art is exciting and challenging; this course is designed to prepare you for a career in the visual arts and progression to the final year of a BA Hons degree. Beginning with an experimental approach to materials and processes, the initial modules will help to build your skills base and confidence. Extensive contact with tutors will support your progress through ideas development and critical reflection, towards a mature and unique studio practice. Fundamental to this programme is a belief in the benefits of first hand experience of artists work, and whilst Critical Studies lectures provide an overview of contemporary and historical art, gallery visits and a programme of artists talks, are an important part of your studies. In 2016, in partnership with Spacex our visiting artists included, among others, Turner Prize nominee Marvin Gaye Chetwind and artist duo Juneau Projects..

In addition to supporting students to develop as critically reflective artists, modules focus on developing transferable skills for employment in range of settings. We have developed strong partnerships with museums, galleries, arts organisations and artists, in order to ensure that our students have the best chance of finding a career in the visual arts.

The programme is modular and coursework based and each module includes taught sessions and studio time. At Exeter School of Art contact time with tutors is comparatively generous and an integral series of seminars and lectures as well as a high level of tutorial support underpin practical teaching. Critical Studies modules take the form of seminars and lectures plus visits to exhibitions in the region, London and European cities; in 2017 the study trips include Berlin, London, Plymouth, Somerset and Dartmoor.

Assessment takes place at key points throughout the year, the requirements for assessment vary according to each module, but throughout the course you will be expected to present a portfolio, sketch books, research materials, essays, presentations to tutors and peers and exhibitions.

Sample of modules:

• Exploring Materials Methods and Processes
• Time Based Practice
• Critical Theory
• Site Based Practice
• Professional Development
• Negotiated Studio Practice

Click here view the Programme Handbook for this course

The department has art studios, a printmaking workshop, a 3D workshop, a ceramics workshop, photographic darkrooms, digital facilities, Photoshop and Premier Pro software on PCs and Macs.

On successful completion of this course you may choose to end your studies and develop a career or continue your studies and progress to BA Hons Degree at Plymouth University or another Higher Education institution and perhaps extend your studies on a Masters course. The knowledge and skills developed on this Foundation Degree Fine Art course will help you to become a professional artist making, exhibiting and selling your own work, applying for commissions and artists residencies. In addition to experience gained during your work placement within the Professional Development module, an emphasis on gallery visits, exhibition reviews, curating exhibitions and communication with our partners, will help you develop skills and useful contacts that support your progression to employment within visual arts.

The college provides some basic materials and there is a £50 material and equipment fee to be paid at enrolment. You should expect to spend a further £50 per term on additional materials, equipment and printing costs. Study trips are an additional cost.