Visual Arts
The MA in Visual Arts, validated by the University of Sussex, can be taken at West Dean College by the extension of certain Postgraduate Diploma programmes, thereby extending the duration of study from one academic year to a full calendar year.
Students registered on any of the following programmes may apply to transfer their registration to the MA VISUAL ARTS: -
Mid way through the academic year (February), successful applicants on the postgraduate programmes listed above commence MA units of study in addition to the remainder of their Postgraduate Diploma programme. On successful completion of the full academic year (July), students will have finished their Postgraduate Diploma while at the same time completing a modest amount of MA introductory study.
In July, students then commence their major projects for the MA degree which involves a further 10-week period of full-time study with a final assessment toward the end of September. Projects for the MA in Conservation Studies can be undertaken on-campus at West Dean with residential accommodation provided, or off-campus at an agreed location with supervision and tutorial support based at the College.
Successful candidates who transfer their registration from one of the above Postgraduate Diplomas and who subsequently fulfil the requirements of the MA component are awarded the appropriate MA degree of the University of Sussex. Such candidates are also eligible to receive the West Dean College Postgraduate Diploma for which they originally registered.
Tutors
Tutors at West Dean continue in Edward James’s tradition of creating a sense of magic and wonder through art and technique. These experts help prepare you for professional life after the programme by providing advice on setting up studio spaces, pricing your works and making contacts with galleries and agents suited to the promotion of your work. Teaching across all Visual Arts programmes at West Dean are:
Programme Leader - David Stent
Dr. David R J Stent is an artist, writer, curator and musician. His diverse practice draws on various media including drawing, photography, digital and print publishing, film and video, sonic and sculptural installation. His most recent work has been concerned with the the role of writing in art practice, particularly in association with artists’ publications, relations between image and text, and the use of theory and philosophy in contemporary art. He holds a PhD from The University of Reading.
Painting & Drawing and Sculpture Assistant Tutor - Marcus Rees Roberts
Marcus Rees Roberts read English at Cambridgebefore taking postgraduate study in Film Theory at The Slade School of Fine Art. He then took a further postgraduate programme in Printmaking. He has taught at The Slade and was Head of Printmaking at Edinburgh College of Art. He now makes paintings, prints, artists' books and short films, exhibiting regularly in Britainand in the United States. He is represented by Pratt Contemporary Art.
MA Visual Arts Tutor - Dr Roger BownHaving studied at Leeds, Brunel and CardiffUniversities, Dr Roger Bownis a qualified teacher who has also achieved BA, MPhil and PhD degrees. He is a specialist in critical and cultural theory relating to Visual Arts and has held senior posts in a number of specialist colleges and universities before joining West Dean as Head of Academic Affairs in 2002.
Principal - Robert Pulley
Robert Pulley studied Furniture Design at the Royal College of Art after which he set up his studio and workshop in Londonwith help from the Crafts Council.He was a Senior Lecturer in Three-Dimensional Design at Ravensbourne College of Design and Communication from 1989 to 1994 when he moved to Falmouth College of Arts as Dean. In January 2001 he was appointed Principal at West Dean Collegewhere he continues to practise as a furniture designer and lecture on the MA Visual Arts programme.
Candidates registered on any of the Visual Arts postgraduate diplomas will have fulfilled the entry requirements for the MA and MFA degree programmes. Progression to the MA will depend upon identifying and agreeing a suitable individual project to be undertaken.The MFA students will sustain a primary focus upon their studio practice and continue for a second year of full-time study.
Entry requirements
Candidates for the MA degrees should normally, in addition to fulfilling the entry requirements for the Postgraduate Diploma, possess a good honours degree or equivalent in a relevant subject. They will also be expected to have achieved a high overall grade profile throughout the first half of their Postgraduate Diploma.
ENQUIRIES
Telephone: +44 (0)1243 818208 or 811301 Email:diplomas@westdean.org.uk
