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Fine Art
Diploma in Art and Contemporary Crafts
Diploma in Art and Contemporary Crafts
Duration: Two years of 10 three-day intensive blocks of study taken each academic year
Register now for Open Day on Friday 6 December.
Find out more about funding opportunities.
If you are looking to progress from a Foundation Diploma towards professional practice as an artist,
or to further your studies in higher education, the Diploma in Art and Contemporary Crafts is designed for you.
The two year part-time programme is focused on developing skills essential to the successful development of a sustainable studio practice, both practical and contextual.
You can work across disciplines or choose to specialise in areas such as Painting and Drawing, Sculpture, Printmaking, Textiles, Ceramics, Wood, Metal and Jewellery.
This course is designed to provide further development for students completing the Foundation Diploma and wishing to progress to professional practice as an artist or to the Graduate Diploma in Fine Art.
You can expect:
- To develop an understanding of the underlying concepts and principles of establishing a creative practice.
- To have gained relevant working knowledge of historical and theoretical contexts, and understood techniques of critical research, to inform the development of your own practice.
- To develop an understanding of processes and materials in relation to your chosen discipline(s).
- To learn from expert tutors who are practicing professionals and have creative arts industry experience and knowledge.
Programme Content
The curriculum is delivered through 10 three-day intensive blocks of study taken each year, attendance of short courses, further self-directed study blocks in the dedicated studio space and monthly tutorials with specialist tutors. Course modules cover a programme of critical, practical and theoretical studies across the broad field of contemporary arts and crafts.
Visiting teaching staff from different specialisms will support you in the development of your skills. Residential modules are supported by self-directed study offsite, and written assignments.
Contact Hours
Teaching
On the DACC you will typically have between 15 - 18 contact hours per study block, consisting of:
- Lectures and seminars
- Individual and group tutorials
- Group critiques
- Written and oral presentations
Students will also have the opportunity to have an individual
tutorial between study blocks either
on-site or remotely.
Skills development
To develop practical skills relevant to your area of interest each year you will attend short courses equivalent to a total of 84 hours.
Independent learning
Alongside attendance of study blocks and short courses, you will
be expected to undertake
independent learning to foster self-direction and autonomy. The
management of each set assignment provides a framework for
individual study and self-motivation.
You are also encouraged to read journal articles and books, visit galleries and exhibitions and to engage in group and peer collaboration and support.
Overall workload
Scheduled teaching and learning: 504 hours
Independent learning: 1614 hours
Programme structure
| Year 1 | |||||||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Sept | Oct | Nov | Dec* | Jan | Feb | Mar | Apr | May* | Jun |
| Intro 3 days | 3 days | 3 days | 3 days | 3 days | 3 days | 3 days | 3 days | 3 days | 3 days |
|
Induction Unit (comprising 4 days in attendance and 122 hours independent study) 15 credits Outcode completed - PROJECT ONE |
Skills Development (comprising 8 days in attendance, 12 days attendance on Short Courses and 410 hours independent study) 55 credits Outcome - completed PROJECT TWO and PROJECT THREE which will include a portfolio of work and a reflective journal |
Project Development Unit (comprising 6 days in attendance and 258 independent study) 30 credits Outcome - Completed PROJECT FOUR, final outcome development work and statement of intent (500 words) |
|||||||
|
Critical Studies (comprising 6 days in attendance and 158 hours independant study) 20 credits Outcome - ESSAY ONE, 500 word essay and research journal, ESSAY TWO, 1000 word essay and research journal |
|||||||||
| Year 2 | |||||||||
| Sept | Oct | Nov | Dec* | Jan | Feb | Mar | Apr | May* | Jun |
| Intro 3 days | 3 days | 3 days | 3 days | 3 days | 3 days | 3 days | 3 days | 3 days | 3 days |
|
Context Unit (comprising 5 days in attendance and 165 hours independent study) 20 credits Outcome - Completed PROJECT FIVE |
Skills Development (comprising 6 days in attendance, 12 days attendance on Short Courses and 220 hours independent study) 40 credits Outcome - Completed PROJECT SIX which will include a portfolio of work and a reflective journal |
Final Project Development Unit (comprising 9 days in attendance and 337 hours independent study) 40 credits Outcome - Completed SELF DIRECTED PROJECT, final outcome, development work and reflective statement (1000 words) |
|||||||
|
Critical Studies (comprising 4 days attendance and 172 hours independent study) 20 credits Outcome - ESSAY THREE, 1000 word essay and research journal, ESSAY FOUR, 2000 word essay and research journal |
|||||||||
* optional study block
Entry Requirements
West Dean Foundation Diploma in Art and Design (FDAD) or Arts Foundation course, or A Level 3 Arts Foundation course or equivalent.
Applicants can be considered if they can provide evidence of prior learning with an appropriate portfolio of work.
You will be invited to a Portfolio interview and will be asked to present a concise overview of the development and current focus of your practice, including sketchbooks, journals, documentation and an example of written work.
International applicants can provide a digital portfolio.
Fees and funding
Course fees are the same for UK and international students
- £5,110 per year
Additional costs
Lunch for DACC students costs £284 per year
Student bursaries
Bursary awards are available for students who have accepted an offer to study at West Dean College of Arts and Conservation. Applicants for a bursary award are required to demonstrate financial need.
Gallery
Tutors
Alison Baxter - Head of School of Arts
Alison gained a BA in jewellery at Middlesex University in jewellery and an MA in textiles at UCA Farnham. She has exhibited her jewellery and textiles internationally and has work in public and private collections including the Victoria & Albert Museum, London and Galerie Ra, Amsterdam.
Mark had an eclectic training which has influenced his broad range of media and working processes. He is particularly interested in colour and markmaking which he has explored in glass, textile, printed books, murals and traditional materials.
Frances completed a post- graduate teachers' training course at Goldsmiths' College and an MA in Printmaking at Wimbledon School of Art. Frances works on location with local materials and water based paints.
Louisa Taylor studied an MA in Ceramics and Glass at the RCA, London (2004-2006). She is based in Brighton where she produces her ceramic tableware range for shops, galleries and collectors in the UK and internationally. She is a Senior Lecturer at the University of Brighton and a member of the Crafts Potters Association and Contemporary Applied Arts.
DACC Programme and Contextual Studies Co-ordinator
Joseph Jones is an artist and lecturer based in London and Bexhill-on-Sea, East Sussex. He has taught at the University of the Arts London, Wimbledon College of Art, Brighton University, Falmouth University and University Centre Hastings. His academic research focuses on modern and contemporary art, investigating in particular aspects of late nineteenth and twentieth century art that relate to the emergence of modernism.
George Charman is an artist and lecturer based in London. Charman's practice-led research focuses on embodied social knowledge, exploring connections between dialogic social experiences and physical sensation in modes of creative production/fabrication.
How to apply
If you are interested in applying for this course or would like further information please contact admissions either by enquiring online or calling the number below. To make your application you will need to download and fill out our application form.
Student Information
Find out more about admissions, scholarships and bursaries, accommodation, student life and West Dean College of Arts and Conservation alumni
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International Students
We welcome students from around the globe on all our programmes and courses.
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Open Day - register today
Come and find out what makes West Dean College of Arts and Conservation such an amazing place to study. Explore the studios, take a tour with students, discuss your study options, and find out about funding at our next Open Day on:
Friday 6 December 2019
Register your place and find out more