Fine Art - Graduate Diploma

West Dean College

Study at a specialist college with the assurance of a university qualification. Develop your passions and reach your potential in a small, welcoming environment within a community of like-minded people.**Why choose West Dean?**An international reputation for excellence in conservation and arts education94% of students studying at the College* felt the programme had enhanced their skills and abilities (*2019 student survey)A rich arts environment and a focus on craft skills with vocational applicationBe inspired by the unique historic character and beautiful South Downs settingLocated close to Chichester and the South Coast, with easy access to London**The Course**The Graduate Diploma in Fine Art is an interdisciplinary programme designed to provide a route into postgraduate study. As a concentrated form of an undergraduate degree, it gives graduates the opportunity to transfer existing skills. As you progress, you can work across disciplines or choose to specialise in areas such as Painting and Drawing, Sculpture, or Tapestry and Textile Art.**You can expect**Low student : tutor ratioDedicated individual studio space with access from 8.30am-9pm, seven days a weekAccess to advanced facilities, workshops and expertiseSupport in developing both interdisciplinary and specialist studio workSupport in developing critical thinking and contextual knowledgeOpportunities to display workSupport for developing transferable skills such as self-management, communication, collaboration, IT and research skills**Learning environment**A stimulating and supportive learning environmentA specialised programme of lectures, seminars and workshopsVisiting lecturers and artistsExpert support from a dedicated team of workshop techniciansGallery visits and other external eventsContact with professional artists-in-residence based in the studiosAn immersive environment with rich connections to art history, particularly Surrealism, through the legacy of College founder Edward James**Exceptional facilities**All full-time students get a large individual workspace. In addition to specialist spaces dedicated to Painting and Drawing, Sculpture and Tapestry and Textile-based work, the studios also include:Seminar roomMaterials and tool storeSmall photographic darkroomExhibition and research spacesIT suite with editing softwareOn-site Art and Conservation Library with thousands of specialist books and journalsA self-contained print room offers specialist facilities for etching, aquatint, monoprinting, woodblock and linocutSculpture Courtyard, which is also suitable for work in stone carvingAccess to West Dean Tapestry Studio, one of the world's leading producers of hand-woven tapestryEdward James Collection - An outstanding resource providing access to a range of significant, even iconic, works of art as a source of inspiration and researchExcellent short course programme, allowing access to a wide range of visiting tutors and specialist techniques.**Teaching**You are taught through a combination of lectures, seminars, practical workshops, individual and group tutorials, critique sessions, oral and written presentations, external visits and self-directed research. On the Graduate Diploma you typically have around 13-14 contact hours per week. **Independent learning**When not attending lectures, seminars, workshops or other timetabled sessions you will be expected to continue learning independently through self-directed study. Typically, this will involve:Working in the studioDeveloping supporting material and research portfoliosUndertaking research in the libraryReading journal articles and booksWorking on specific unit assignmentsPreparing presentations and self-assessments.**Overall workload**Graduate Diploma: 40% of your time is spent in scheduled teaching and learning activityScheduled teaching and learning: 480 hoursIndependent learning: 720 hours

School of Arts