Contemporary art involves a boundless diversity of creative practices, which are reflected in the open approach you will find at the University College. You will be able to explore the use of materials, media and processes and, in doing so, will participate in critical discussion and debate around the work you produce. You will be part of a stimulating environment in which you will be able to bring together ideas, processes and cultural theory in order to discover and develop your own position within the community of fine art.

The course encourages ambitious individual practice and is underpinned by three strands: studio practice, cultural theory and professional development. Your work in the studio will be supported by a dynamic programme of related theoretical studies; you will be encouraged to analyse your own work and question your role as an artist and how your work is understood. You will be stimulated to develop your own creative problem solving abilities and to apply them in a multitude of situations.

How does Short Courses Study Abroad work?

Year 1  builds upon your previous learning and you will experiment and acquire further skills and knowledge. Towards the end of this year, you will begin to define your practice and determine which media areas you wish to specialise in.

Autumn Term Modules: 3 October 2011 - 9 December 2011
Maximum Credit Points available: 60
Maximum Study Time: 600 Hours

• Recording Interpretation and Transformation
• Possibilities of Process
• Fine Art: Histories and Contexts*
• Drawing: Theories and Practice

* The unit 'Fine Art: Histories and Contexts' will continue until the Spring term 2012 with full credits awarded upon completion.

Spring Term Modules: 3 January 2012 - 23 March 2012
Maximum Credit Points available: 60
Maximum Study Time: 600 Hours

• Articulating Time and Space
• Defining Practice 1
• Fine Art: Histories and Contexts

Year 2 will encourage and enable you to examine the context of your work and its relationship to audience. You will continue to refine your ideas and the concepts which drive your work and will develop your research into theory and practice. There will be opportunities to participate in challenging projects and exhibitions within traditional gallery space and non-traditional sites. Some work experience is encouraged in this year and research into career options and professional practice begins.

Autumn Term Modules: 3 October 2011 - 9 December 2011
Maximum Credit Points available: 60
Maximum Study Time: 600 Hours

• Defining Practice 2
• Negotiated Practice
• Contemporary Practice*

* The unit 'Contemporary Practice' will continue in the Spring and Summer Term with full credits awarded at the end of the Summer term 2012.

Spring Term Modules: 3 January 2012 - 23 March 2012
Maximum Credit Points available: 60 
Maximum Study Time: 600 Hours

• Content and Context
• Contemporary Practice

Study Abroad Short Course students at the Arts University College Bournemouth pay £3,650 per term for tuition fees (2011/12).