Fine Art

Year 2

Compulsory modules

• Practice 3: Extending Practice (45 credits)

  Welcome to the Studio Practice module, where we're all about nurturing your expertise in contemporary art. Our goal is to help you find your unique path in this ever-evolving field, allowing your practice to flourish.
  
  To achieve this, we're going to boost your ability and confidence, equipping you with the right research methods and technical know-how. You won't be alone on this journey – you'll become part of a seminar group that focuses on various areas within contemporary art.
  
  These seminars, workshops, and group tutorials are where expertise is gained. They'll provide you with the knowledge, skills, and hands-on experience you need to grow in your chosen field. Through engaging discussions and experimentation, we'll encourage you to build upon what you explored so far, ultimately establishing your own independent practice. This is your chance to find your place in the vibrant world of contemporary art, both in theory and in practice.

• Practice 4: Consolidating Practice (30 credits)

  Welcome to a module that's all about taking your contemporary art practice to the next level. We're here to help you consolidate your intellectual knowledge and practical experience in your chosen field.
  
  Now, it's time to expand and enhance the conceptual strategies you began exploring in Practice 3. The goal is to create a well-rounded body of contemporary artwork that truly reflects your vision. As you progress through this module, you'll gain a deeper understanding of the latest developments in your field and learn essential research methodologies. These skills will empower you to produce artworks that align with your unique interests.
  
  At the end of the module, you'll have the chance to showcase your completed work in a public exhibition. This experience is invaluable and teaches you the art of successful installation. By the time you finish this semester, you'll have a growing sense of your independent art practice and how it fits into the broader critical framework.

• Critical Theory 3: Accessibility and Interdisciplinary Practice (15 credits)

  In this intermediate module, you will embark on an in-depth exploration of contemporary art practice from an interdisciplinary perspective. By examining the intersections of critical theory, art, and various fields such as science, technology, psychotherapy, law, and architecture, you will gain insight into the expanded possibilities and innovative potential of interdisciplinary artistic collaborations. Through the study of critical theory relevant to your subject, you will enhance your understanding of core theoretical frameworks. 

  On successful completion of this module, the interdisciplinary approach will enable you to bridge the gaps between various fields and contribute to the advancement of accessibility in the arts. Overall, by delving into the connections between diverse disciplines, you will broaden your artistic perspective, enhance your critical thinking, and contribute to the pursuit of accessibility and inclusivity within the arts.

• Critical Theory 4: Art and Critical Environments (15 credits)

  Embark on a theoretical exploration of various artistic practices, uncovering the inherent connections between theory and practice. This module offers an in-depth analysis of contemporary art and culture, focusing on the central issues prevalent in today's art world. By delving into diverse critical environments, this module provides a broader understanding of how your own artistic work can be contextualised within the realms of art, society, and culture.

  By the end of this module, you will gain an enriched understanding of contemporary art, its cultural significance, and its interplay with critical contexts. By honing your research and critical analysis skills, you will equip yourself for academic pursuits and professional endeavours in the art world. This module will expand your artistic horizons, enabling you to situate your own work within the broader art, society, and cultural landscape. 

Optional modules

• Real Art World 2: Expanded Creative Projects (15 credits)

  This is your second step in our progressive series of professional modules. Here, we bridge the gap between academia and industry in a way that mirrors real-life practices for artists and creative professionals.
  
  This module empowers you to take the reins of your creative journey. You'll choose and participate in projects that align with your unique career aspirations. This module will take your skills to the next level. You'll attend advanced professional workshops designed to equip you with valuable skills for your creative career.
  
  You’ll be encouraged to step into the spotlight with greater independence in your creative projects. It's time to gain a deeper understanding of your own career aspirations and how to turn them into reality.

• Placement in the Creative and Cultural Industries (15 credits)

  This module can be taken as an alternative to Real Art World 2: Expanded Creative Projects.

  The optional placement module in the second year may involve travel costs depending on location. You are encouraged to identify opportunities for this experience, but are given full support to ensure a sound and effective placement. In past years, students have worked in casting foundries, with arts management organisations and with public galleries. In most cases, these placements occur in and around Oxford. For this reason, travel costs usually amount to no more than approximately £50. If you opt to go further afield, costs may be higher and may be closer to £100. In all cases, these costs will be discussed and agreed with you in advance.

• Independent Study in Contemporary Art (15 credits)

Year 3 (placement year)

Optional modules

• Career Development Year

  The aim of this module is to develop the professional profile and professional confidence of a student through experiential learning opportunities and engagement with external organisations by undergoing work placements, internships and industry experiences. It aims to enable students to manage their own learning and self-direction through identifying opportunities that align to their disciplinary ambitions, situating their practice in a professional context. It offers a range of options including an Enterprise Residency where students can operate as freelancers and develop ideas for a start-up business with the full support of Brookes Enterprise Support.

Year 4 (or year 3 if no placement)

Compulsory modules

• Practice 5: Research and Development (30 credits)

  In this module, you'll be given the space to explore your own interests and concerns, with the goal of establishing and defining your subject matter or field of inquiry.​
  
  During this module, you'll conduct theoretical and contextual research to better understand how your practice fits into contemporary issues within your field. The research itself can take various forms, tailored to your individual practice. We'll blend traditional academic research methods with hands-on experiments to create independent practical work.
  
  This module is a significant step in your development as an artist. It requires intense creative engagement and reflection, ultimately helping you build a coherent and confident working process.
  
  Importantly, this module forms the conceptual foundation for your degree show work in the next semester. By the end of it, you'll be well-prepared to propose the work you'll develop in Semester 2.

• Practice 6: Major Project (45 credits)

  You’ll have hands-on experience, where you'll face the real-world challenges of exhibiting your work to the public. It's the moment to bridge the gap between the ideas you've been cultivating, the form your work takes, and the details of how it all comes together.
  
  Your mission is to create a fully developed body of contemporary art for the public exhibition at the Fine Art Degree Show. Your work will build upon the research and experimentation you delved into during Practice 5: Research and Development. This is your chance to take those ideas to the next level and transform them into compelling and ambitious pieces that meet professional standards.
  
  Whether you've taken Practice 5 or not, this module offers an opportunity to build upon your prior learning and unleash your creative potential. It's the grand stage where your artistic journey reaches a peak, and we're here to support you every step of the way.

• Real Art World 3: Independent Professional Projects (15 credits)

• Critical Theory 5: Independent Research (30 credits)

  In this module, you will take charge of your learning and explore a topic of your choice within contemporary art practice or cultural theory. This module empowers you to conduct thorough research, critically analyse works of art and cultural practices, and develop an extended critical essay that articulates your unique scholarly viewpoint. By engaging independently and critically with research materials, you will cultivate a sophisticated understanding of your chosen topic.

  Through the process of conducting thorough research and critically analysing diverse theoretical resources, you will develop essential research skills that are transferable to future academic pursuits and professional endeavours. Furthermore, Critical Theory 5 enhances your communication and presentation skills, enabling you to articulate complex ideas, structure persuasive arguments, and present your work in a scholarly manner. 
   

• Research & Development (30 credits)