University of Bradford:
Undergraduate Programme specification
UNIVERSITY OF BRADFORD
School of Lifelong Learning and Development
Programme/course title: BA (Hons) Fine Art
Awarding Institution:
University of Bradford
Teaching Institution:
Craven College
Final award:
Bachelor or Arts with Honours in Fine Art
[Framework for Higher Education Qualifications
level 6]
Programme title:
BA (Hons) Fine Art
Programme approved /
accredited by:
University of Bradford
Duration:
Full-time 3 years / Part-time 6 years (maximum)
UCAS code:
N/A
Subject benchmark
statement:
http://www.qaa.ac.uk/academicinfrastructure/ben
chmark/statements/adha08.asp
Date produced:
April 2011
Last updated :
-
Introduction
The programme offers a professionally orientated degree course, which will prepare
you for fine art practice. The course focuses upon the breadth of fine arts practices
within a stimulating and challenging studio environment. Initially you will be taught
specialist skills and techniques in areas such as drawing, life drawing, printing,
painting, sculpture and digital media. You will be encouraged to develop your skills
and approaches in one or more of these areas, whilst developing the ability to
contextualise your studio practice within historical, social and cultural issues. The
course offers a pluralistic approach to the teaching of Fine Art. You will be
encouraged to develop your ideas in whichever medium you wish. The Craven
College Fine Art studios, constructed in 2003 are naturally lit and purpose built on the
edge of Skipton overlooking the dramatic landscape of the North Yorkshire dales. All
studio staff are expected to have a creative arts practice whereby their research
interests inform their teaching in studio practice. You will be exposed to current
debates and issues within contemporary practice, and develop your work within a
practical studio discipline. The course places emphasis on you achieving focus,
resolution, independence and professional handling/presentation in your practice.
Input from tutors may include specialisms such as print-making, textiles, digital video,
sculpture, painting and drawing. The course will respond to your particular interest
through a flexible delivery structure that reacts to interest and need. In the second
year you will have access to specialist staff on a day to day basis through micro
tutorials.
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You will have the opportunity to exhibit externally, online and during the final year
degree show as a means to promoting your practice within the wider visual arts
industry. The course aims to ensure that you achieve the academic and practitioner
standards as laid out in the QAA Benchmark Statement relevant to Art & Design.
Programme Aims
The programme is intended to:

Provide a high quality programme of study in the processes and development of
Fine Art Studio practice, with a professional and contextual focus, which will
develop your academic, conceptual and creative skills for employment and wider
life.

Widen participation in the Visual Arts sector and widen access to higher
education from under-represented groups in the College and the local Area.

Contribute to the skill base of the region and other local economies in the context
of opportunities in the Visual Arts sector.

Produce capable and well-rounded graduates who will make a contribution to the
creative needs of the regional and national economies and have appropriate
knowledge and skills.

Develop a range of skills and techniques, personal qualities and attitudes
essential for successful performance in working life.
Programme Learning Outcomes
Knowledge & understanding
On successful completion of this programme you will be able to:

Demonstrate a range of specialist fine art production processes

Demonstrate knowledge of the key functions of contextual and critical studies in
Fine Art

Use visual language effectively as an imaginative and creative response to visual
ideas

Explain how visual arts organisations relate to each other and support/employ
practicing artists

Select, employ and use conceptual techniques and understanding in the
production of Fine Art work

Assess the central debates and methodologies central to the analysis of fine art

Apply knowledge of histories, cultural contexts and theories to development of
own practice

Analyse procedures for project spaces, publicity, artist led initiatives, marketing
strategies, artist contracts/budgets, commercial and public funding bodies related
to fine art practice
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
Critically apply and use effectively learnt knowledge of fine art contexts in
inception and development of aims and objectives outlined in statement of intent

Critically evaluate relevant professional, theoretical, historical and critical issues
as appropriate to the topic

Independently develop original body of work using knowledge and understanding
of fine art concepts and theories

Evaluate progression opportunities available within the visual arts industry in
order to make informed decisions regarding your progression
Subject Specific Skills
On successful completion of this programme you will be able to:

Experiment with a range of materials and processes

Define the social, psychological, cultural, historical, political and aesthetic factors
that influence Art and Design

Locate an area of visual exploration that demonstrates a progression of technical
and creative skills

Explain the role of the artist and his/her relationship with exhibiting, artist studios,
galleries, museums, public and private agencies, community projects, residencies
and curator roles

Demonstrate creative use of a range of fine arts practices and techniques to
produce considered fine art outcomes

Utilise relevant theoretical approaches in interpreting and writing about art and
artists

Demonstrate use of both convergent and divergent thinking in the production of
fine art work

Exhibit the ability to instigate marketing initiatives, write submissions/proposals,
and research both public and private funding organisations

Use contemporary and historical theories when undertaking critical selfevaluation and reflecting on progress of aims and objectives outlined in statement
of intent

Critically evaluate and synthesize an area of specialist knowledge in your chosen
area

Critically apply theoretical and aesthetic contexts in development and
presentation of own work

Promote own studio practice and generate materials and information for
progression into chosen area of visual arts industry
Personal Transferable Skills
On successful completion of this programme you will be able to:

Demonstrate an ability to manage your time and learning constructively

Present appropriate ideas and arguments in written and other forms
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
Demonstrate how research has contributed to, and informed your method of
working

Source, navigate, select and evaluate information

Work both independently and collaboratively, manage own workload and meet
both personal and group agreed deadlines

Gather, evaluate and use resources effectively

Apply critical reasoning and judgment

Demonstrate independence to communicate effectively in both oral and written
form using paper based and digital technologies

Use the views of others in the development and enhancement of own work

Synthesize primary and secondary sources effectively

Independently manage own workloads and deadlines

Analyse own practice, formulate independent judgments, and articulate reasoned
arguments through reflection, review and evaluation
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Curriculum
Level 4
Module
Code
Module Title
Type
Credits Level Semester
Fundamentals in Studio Practice 1
Core
40
4
1
Fundamentals in Fine Art Context
Core
20
4
1
Fundamentals in Studio Practice 2
Core
40
4
2
Fundamentals in Professional
Practice
Core
20
4
2
Level 5
Module
Code
Module Title
Type
Credits Level Semester
Extended Studio Practice 1
Core
40
5
1
Extended Fine Art in Context
Core
20
5
1
Extended Studio Practice 2
Core
40
5
2
Extended Professional Practice
Core
20
5
2
Level 6
Module
Code
Module Title
Type
Credits Level Semester
Advanced Studio Practice 1
Core
40
6
1
Fine Art Dissertation
Core
30
6
1 and 2
Advanced Studio Practice 2
Core
40
6
2
Advanced Professional Practice
Core
10
6
2
See Appendix 1: Curriculum Map
The curriculum may change, subject to the University's course approval, monitoring
and review procedures
Teaching and Assessment Strategies
Teaching and learning strategies are taken from a wide range and are appropriate to
the nature of the student profile. Strategies may include: lectures, seminars, tutorials,
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workshops, use of exemplars and case studies, visiting speakers, independent
student reading and research, practical sessions, presentations, directed reading,
use of VLEs, workshops. The course provides a clear sequence of interrelated
modules, which utilise core themes of research, analysis, development and
application of creative ideas. You will be encouraged to develop a working practice
through the cross-over of theory and practice. Exhibitions and collaborative work
inside and outside of the college will offer an Honours Degree rich in aesthetic
experience, enabling you to make mature decisions about practicing fine art in order
to compete in national and international environments.
In the first part of the course you will be introduced to a breadth of fine art practices
through staff-led projects, practical workshops, lectures and seminars and external
study visits. A sense of rigor and discipline within studio practice and the potential for
research and development towards exhibition outcomes is investigated and explored
throughout the course.
Teaching, learning and assessment methods are designed to enable you to acquire
the knowledge, understanding and skills that the contemporary art practitioner will
require, which are set out within the learning outcomes of the course. The majority
of the work undertaken is visual art studio based and teaching is responsive to
differing learning styles and experiences. The studio teaching is delivered through a
variety of tutorials, including group and one-to-one, collaborative work, a series of
formal and informal lectures, tutor-led and student-led seminars, visiting speakers,
residential study visits, workshops and supporting group activities.
Feedback will be delivered on a formative and summative basis both during each
module and on completion. You will receive regular constructive advice on work in
progress within studio practice and during one to one tutorials. Within group
discussion you will articulately critique the work of your peers and provide supportive
feedback to each other about direction and content of studio practice. You will also
have the opportunity to receive guidance from visiting speakers and lecturers. There
will be an opportunity to participate in an optional international or national residency
in order to further your experience of the fine art industry.
Assessment methods on the course include the production of visual art in the studio,
developmental studio work, developmental written work for contextual analysis, and
associated exhibitions/presentations of studio production and portfolio reviews.
Assessment also involves written assignments, verbal and illustrative presentations,
self-assessment and evaluation.
See Appendix 2: Assessment Map
See Appendix 3: Teaching Map
Assessment Regulations
Craven College’s HE Scheme assures consistency and rigour in marking through
internal and external moderation or verification as appropriate. Consistency and
parity is achieved through the definition of the forms of assessment and a
requirement for each programme to adopt a range of assessment methods.
Assessment is governed by a structure, which is rigorous and transparent. Module
assessments are reported through the Route Examination Committee attended by
University of Bradford representative/s. Student progression recommendations are
made at the Scheme Board of Examiners and ratified by the University of Bradford.
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Extract from the Craven College HE Scheme, p13: Figure 4. HE Scheme Board
of Examiners Flowchart
Internally
moderated or
verified marks
from Route
Programmes
Internally
moderated or
verified marks
from Route
Programmes
Work examined by External Examiner
Route Examination Committees
Professional and Management Studies
Arts and Community Services
Business Management and IT
Art, Design and Media
Catering and Hospitality
Hair and Beauty
Education and Training
Community Studies
Travel and Tourism
Sport, Outdoor and Public Services
Centre for Construction and Heritage Skills
Rural and Equine Studies
Scheme Board of Examiners
Mitigation
Decides or Recommends student Progression,
Awards and Reassessment
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Admission Requirements
The admission of any applicant to a programme of study (course) is based on the
academic judgement that the applicant has a reasonable expectation of being able
to:
 fulfil the aims and outcomes of the course and
 achieve the standard of the course
Merit and Ability: To ensure that students are recruited on the basis of their relevant
merits and abilities, admission and selection criteria and procedures will be
monitored and reviewed by the Scheme Committee.
Equal Opportunities: The Scheme will offer equal opportunities for access to its
programmes and in line with college policy, the admissions procedures will operate
so as to ensure that no applicant is disadvantaged on the basis of race, gender,
sexual orientation, ethnic or national origin, colour, age, marital status, disability,
social class, political or religious belief and activities, unless those activities are
contrary to the policies of the College.
Widening Participation: The College actively seeks to widen access by attracting
students who may lack formal qualifications because of lack of opportunities in
earlier life, or because they have been disadvantaged due to gender, race or
disability. The Scheme supports this objective.
Information for applicants: The admissions policy and criteria for admission to a
programme will be detailed in all published and promotional literature: HE
Prospectus, college website, course leaflets.
Candidate’s suitability for the course will be assessed through possessing the below
admission requirements and interview with a portfolio of work that demonstrates an
ability to manipulate media and ideas at a level 3/4 standard. Candidates may
required to submit a piece of written work for prior assessment:

Level 3 qualification/s totalling 200 UCAS points
o BTEC National Diploma (MMP) or Certificate (DM) in Art and Design or
equivalent.
o Diploma in Foundation Studies in Art and Design (M)

5 GCSE’s including English Language (Grade C or above)

Students with a relevant HNC may be able to transfer credit in certain
modules onto the Degree
Entry onto a programme is normally at the beginning of (NQF) level 4 except where
applicants may be eligible for admission on the basis of prior certificated and/or
experiential learning i.e. APL and/or APEL. Normally applicants will not be admitted
to a point more than half way through a level of the proposed programme of study.
The importation of credit is up to 50% of the balance of the award. The College’s
Accreditation of Prior Learning Policy and Procedures will be applied in all cases,
and in discussion with the partner University Liaison Representative where
appropriate. For example, undertaking a piece of work relevant to the subject area
(s)
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Learning Resources
Curriculum Resources
The two principal campuses of Craven College are in Skipton town centre and at
Aireville on the outskirts of the town. The Aireville Campus is the principal campus
for teaching the curriculum for students aged 16 to 18.
The School of Art and Media provides a stimulating and creative environment in an
extensive, modern, purpose-built centre, situated on the Aireville Campus.
The school has a long-standing reputation for excellence in art, design, performance
and media. Our courses are taught in specialist studios and workshops; these
include spacious drawing and painting studios; a well equipped metalwork and 3D
workshop; a graphic design studio, sound and video editing suites, all with industry
standard software; computer suite with digital animation software, fashion and
textiles workshop, digital and black & white photography darkrooms and
performance and rehearsal spaces. BA (Hons) Fine Art Students will have access to
a personal studio space which is available 8am - 5:30pm 5 days per week.
Learning Resources
There are two main Learning Resource Centres and smaller focussed facilities, on
each of the teaching sites, which hold the relevant resources and materials for
further and higher education courses located on that site. Higher level students are
supported by the provision of recommended texts, and further subject book stock
plus access to study skills materials, research texts and packages, electronic
information sources, including CD Roms, Athens, the College intranet, Internet and
databases specific to course requirements. Quiet study areas are available.
Students receive a specific higher education induction to the Learning Resource
Centre and subsequent use is supported through self-help guides, Learning
Resource Centre/HE VLE/Course intranet sites and staff.
The College has a Moodle VLE (Virtual Learning Environment), extensively
customised to Craven College. Staff are trained to use this facility to:
 Enhance their teaching
 Facilitate independent learning
 Track student progress
 Provide assessments
 Provide resources to support learning and assessment
 Facilitate peer and tutor discussion forums

Computer/IT Equipment, Systems and Software
The College has IT facilities based on IBM compatible computers. All computing
workstations in ADM are Dual Core Pentium based PC’s operating Windows 7 with
Adobe Creative Suite 5. The Digital Photography Suite allows specialist access to
inkjet printing on an A3 and a large format inkjet printer. The 3D modelling suite
allows access to specialist 3D software for the generation of both 3D digital images
and animations. IMac graphics facility supporting Adobe Creative Suite 5 and a
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Video facility supporting both Mac Pro and IMac computers with Final cut Pro. Both
students and staff have free access to Internet and e-mail. All staff have access to
office based networked PC’s and special IT facilities are available for students with
disability. The College has provision for access to Athens. The College’s
Technology policy is to integrate on-line learning into all programmes, which will be
particularly effective with HE students. IT Technicians are available to those
students experiencing technical difficulties.
Student Support and Guidance
In order to provide a supportive learning environment, a wide range of academic and
pastoral support will be made available to you. Information on support is available
direct from Craven College via your Course Team Leader.
The precise form of support available to students registered on the Scheme's
courses will be set out in the individual route and course documents, but will include
the following:

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


Information on admission and induction arrangements;
Information regarding Disabled Students’ Allowance (DSA);
academic guidance and tutorial support;
pastoral and welfare support;
careers information and guidance.
The University of Bradford also has a disability service which you may access at
http://www.brad.ac.uk/admin/disab/
All students will attend college at the beginning of their programme of study for
Induction and to be familiarised with the course and its requirements. You will also
experience a range of icebreaker and introduction techniques to forge group
cohesion. Following this, you will normally attend the college according to the course
timetable. The exact structure of each programme will be developed by course
teams to remove barriers for entry and facilitate maximum participation.
Staff associated with the programmes will negotiate and provide individual support
through individual tutorials, meetings or other contact, which could also be carried
out electronically.
Personal progress files will form an integrated part of the curriculum.
You will set up e-mail accounts and access will be provided to enable you to draw
upon all the on-line resources. It is also anticipated that the use of on-line learning
will be developed along with the course to provide a range of on-line facilities
including a web chat room for students, primarily through their course VLEs.
You will receive guidance with regard to progression to Level 6 study.
Further information from the Craven College HE Scheme, p 18
Information to Students
You will be provided with (electronically via the VLE or in hard copy) a Course
Handbook by your Course Team Leader, describing the educational experience
specific to the programme for which you are registered. Each Course Handbook will
include information on the following:
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
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Overview of the programme, including module specifications
Staff and student roles and responsibilities
Assessment and re-assessment arrangements
Assignment submission procedures
Assignment and examination schedule
The processes for feedback on student performance
The return of assessed work to students
Process for the submission of extenuating circumstances
Appeal processes
Rules regarding plagiarism and other forms of unfair practice
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University policies and initiatives
Ecoversity:
Ecoversity is a strategic project of the University which aims to embed the principles
of sustainable development into decision-making, learning and teaching, research
activities campus operations and lives of staff and students. The University does not
claim to be a beacon for sustainable development but aspires to become a leading
University in this area. The facilities created for teaching and learning, including
teaching spaces, laboratories, IT labs and social spaces, will increasingly reflect
commitments to sustainable development. Staff and student participation in this
initiative is crucial to its success and its inclusion in programme specifications is a
clear signal that it is at the forefront of our thinking in programme development,
delivery, monitoring and review. For more details see www.bradford.ac.uk/ecoversity
Craven College completely agrees with and fully supports the University of Bradford
initiative as identified in the college’s Environmental Sustainability Policy. Craven
College is located in an area of outstanding natural beauty and the college is very
aware of its responsibility in protecting the environment. This policy details the
commitment of Craven College to environmental sustainability and should be read
alongside the Green Travel Policy 2010.
Whilst striving for excellence in teaching and learning, Craven College aims to
manage its activities, buildings and estates to promote environmental sustainability,
to conserve and enhance natural resources and to prevent environmental pollution
and to bring about a continual improvement in its environmental performance. All
members of the college have a responsibility to monitor and attempt to reduce any
adverse environmental impact caused by their activities. The college also embeds
the Single Equality Scheme and Action Plan: Strategy for Equality and Diversity. The
scheme confirms the commitment of Craven College to the principle of equality of
opportunity for all and provide an over-arching statement, which forms the basis of
our Age, Disability, Gender Reassignment, Marriage and Civil Partnership,
Pregnancy and Maternity, Race, Religion or Belief, Sex, Sexual Orientation
statements and action plans.
Further Information:
For further information, please check Craven College’s HE Directory or Central
Admissions.
Central Admissions (HE)
Craven College
High Street
Skipton
BD23 1JY
+44 (0)1756 791411
http://www.craven-college
The contents of this programme specification may change, subject to the
University's regulations and course approval, monitoring and review
procedures.
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