Stage 1: University Foundation

Portfolio Requirements

Modules

Click below for more information on each module

• Creative Workshop*

  During this module you will develop and demonstrate imaginative and flexible approaches to different art and design techniques. You will develop your ideas within the creative studio environment.

  This module is assessed entirely through the production of a portfolio.

• Critical Thinking*

  You will be introduced to the basic fundamentals of critical thinking. You will learn how to examine and comment on components of an argument, so that you can develop a structured and analytical response.

  You will be assessed via a variety of methods: three 1-hour tests in class, and one 2-hour closed book exam.

• Extended Media Experimentation

  You will explore your own ideas while experimenting with processes and techniques and discovering the characteristics and properties of selected media.

  You will be assessed through three pieces of coursework:

  • A report of research, experimentation and application
  • A self-reflective journal
  • The presentation of your work

• Information Research, Recording and Responding In Art & Design

  During this module you will learn how to undertake in-depth research, while exploring many ways to record your findings. You will also discover how to respond to problems, enabling you to develop your skills, self-confidence and studio practice.

  There will be three pieces of coursework:

  • A personal statement of intent
  • A final research journal, made up of weekly submissions
  • A final portfolio of art, design and media work – including statements of self-reflection

• Interactive Learning Skills and Communication*

  Throughout this module you will learn about:

  • Time management
  • Public speaking techniques
  • Listening skills
  • Appropriate language styles
  • Clear writing techniques (plain English, factual and persuasive writing)
  • The importance of writing style
  • How to create appropriate and effective document layouts
  • Professional communication and presentation
  • Examination techniques and skills
  • How to communicate effectively to a variety of audiences
  • How to work effectively as a team member and as an individual
  • How to apply basic research and referencing techniques to formulate reasoned academic opinion so as to avoid plagiarism

  You will be assessed via a variety of methods, including:

  • A research project – referencing a topic and using a variety of techniques and resources
  • An individual presentation
  • Two group presentations
  • A listening assessment
  • A 2-hour closed book exam

• Interactive Learning Skills and Communication & Preparation and Progression in Art and Design

  During this module you will learn about:

  • Techniques and strategies to manage speech anxiety
  • Enhancing your grammar and vocabulary
  • How to think critically under pressure
  • How to research and deliver logical and persuasive communication in a variety of formats
  • Understanding cultural and gender differences
  • Methods for planning, preparing and producing a major art and design project
  • Preparing for exhibition

  You will be assessed via a variety of methods, including:

  • An individual presentation on intent and planning of the final major art project
  • The project itself (40%)
  • Exhibition and presentation of the project

• Knowledge & Understanding Of Creative Practice In Art & Design

  You will develop an understanding of contemporary, cultural, social and historical contexts in art and design. This will help you develop your creative practice and make informed decisions about your pathway choices.

  You will be assessed through three pieces of coursework:

  • A research project around contextual influences on art and design practice (50%)
  • A group presentation
  • A self-reflective log

• Mass Communication*

  This module will introduce you to the core concepts and principles relevant to mass communications – including some of the major theories.

  There will be three pieces of coursework:

  • A close analysis of the film Fight Club
  • An analysis of an advertisement from a magazine or newspaper
  • A group presentation

• Media Experimentation in Art and Design

  You will have the opportunity to explore a wide range of media – experimenting with both traditional and contemporary processes and techniques. You will gain an understanding of the potential and limitations of media, using critical review and reflection in the planning and development of your own ideas.

  You will be assessed through your log of experiments and research, and your portfolio of experimental work.

• Personal Combined Experimental Studies In Art & Design

  During this module you will learn about:

  • Exploring and reviewing a range of skills, materials, processes and techniques
  • Reviewing and reflecting on your own work
  • Challenging previous thoughts, ideas and beliefs
  • Health and safety requirements
  • Record-keeping

  You will be assessed through three pieces of coursework:

  • A group project around problem-solving, research, experimentation and selection of materials
  • An individual presentation
  • A log of experimentation

^* Additional four modules in the three semester programme.

Stage 2: First Year Degree

Modules

Click below for more information on each module

• Introduction to Art & Design Practice 1: The Workshop

  This module introduces students to art and design methodologies. You will experience a range of specialist workshops, develop a variety of technical skills, and explore the media and processes associated with these.

  You will be assessed through a practical project and an online blog submission.

• Introduction to Art & Design Practice 2: The Studio

  This module helps you develop an understanding of interdisciplinary practice, introducing you to some of the approaches, methodologies and strategies for making work in a studio context. It emphasises the importance of ‘making’ through appropriate mediums in order to resolve creative problems. The module also requires you to consider the effect of medium and materials on the communication of ideas and information.

  You will be assessed through a practical project and an online blog submission.

• Introduction to Art & Design Practice 3: The World

  During this module you will consolidate your learning through making skills, research skills, creative problem-solving, self-organisation and management, communication skills, analysis and evaluation, decision-making and refinement. You will also explore beyond the studio as a key factor in understanding diverse cultural contexts for practice and developing a global outlook in art and design practice.

  You will be assessed through a practical project and an online blog submission.

• Introduction to Contemporary & Historical Contexts

  This module will introduce you to current debate affecting the interdisciplinary creative practitioner, examined through various lenses, examples and case studies. The module covers a range of concepts, themes, approaches and methodologies, and helps you to develop the skills to confidently articulate an informed point of view in verbal and/or written forms.

  You will be assessed through a practical project and an online blog submission.

• Discourse

  Building on key principles articulated in previous modules, this complementary contextual studies module will explore seminal design movements and practitioners of the 20th and 21st centuries. It will supply you with a broad contextual framework that will underpin your design practice, both at university and in the future.

  You will be assessed in a variety of ways: a visual seminar presentation, lasting 10 minutes, plus a short Q&A; and a 2000-word essay.

• Practice of Graphic Communication

  This module will focus on aspects of Typography, Motion Graphics, Visualising, Wayfinding, Digital Platforms, Advertising and Branding, and examine how we can communicate ideas in new and imaginative ways.

  This module will help you to gain confidence in your chosen discipline, and you will define your own unique place within the field of graphic communication, to prepare you to respond to creative challenges within the creative industries.

  You will be assessed in a variety of ways: a visual seminar presentation, lasting 10 minutes, plus a short Q&A; and the presentation of a Portfolio, demonstrating a practical output with reflective, critical and contextual material.

• Practice of Illustration

  As illustrators, what we see around us shapes our visual vocabulary and inspiration. The compulsion to collect and record has always been part of the methodology of the illustrator; it provides the starting point from which to build images to communicate ideas and develop narratives.

  The practical and technical workshops during this module will strengthen specific skills learned in previous modules, and group discussions and seminars will reinforce conceptual knowledge.

  You will be assessed through the presentation of a Portfolio, demonstrating a practical output with reflective, critical and contextual material.

• Collaborative Practice 1

  This module is an opportunity to learn and critically reflect on the skills of collaboration by working with students from complementary disciplines in order to create an interdisciplinary project.

  The module is an early opportunity for you to develop knowledge and skills which will contribute to the acquisition of key Birmingham City University graduate attributes: creative problem solvers, enterprising, professional and work-ready.

  You will be assessed through the presentation of an interdisciplinary project in response to a set brief.

Disclaimer : This programme must have a minimum number of students enrolled to ensure a high-quality student experience.

Stage 3: Second Year Degree

Stage 4: Final Year Degree

Birmingham City University Degree Pathways

Click below for more information on each pathway

• BA (Hons) Art and Design

  • You will have the freedom to pursue their particular interest – whether it be photography, installation, print, digital media, sculpture, illustration, textiles, graphic design or three-dimensional design.
  • Graduates have previously showcased their work at Birmingham Museum and Art Gallery.
  • Work experience placements have led to employment with companies including BBC, Cadbury, Channel 4, Saatchi & Saatchi, and TBWA Worldwide. Find out more

• BA (Hons) Fine Art

  • This course is based in Birmingham School of Art – a Grade I listed Venetian Gothic building with original stained glass windows and mosaic floors.
  • There are no set pathways to learning, so students have genuine freedom to experiment in any media appropriate to their ideas – painting, sculpture, printmaking, drawing, photography, installation or film and video.
  • You will benefit from the University’s close links with the Ikon Gallery, Ort Gallery, New Art Gallery Walsall, and Birmingham Museum and Art Gallery.
    Find out more

• BA (Hons) Graphic Communication

  • The Faculty of Arts, Design and Media runs an in-house agency that will prepare you for entering the world of design.
  • Cultural trips are planned* for exhibitions and museums in London, Berlin and New York, and students will engage with live project briefs with companies such as NHS, The Times and Saatchi & Saatchi.
  • Former students have gone on to work in roles such as Creative Director and Graphic Designer.
    Find out more
    *This would incur an additional cost

• BA (Hons) Illustration

  • The course is professionally accredited by Creative Skillset.
  • There will be opportunities to exhibit at high-profile London graduate shows.
  • Former students have gone on to work in roles such as Art Director, Buyer, Illustrator and Designer.
    Find out more

Important:

All students accessing the 3D workshops, plaster room, glass room, water-jet cutting room and the kiln room will need to wear safety footwear that has toe caps. Such footwear can be purchased from any safety footwear provider – including Sports Direct – and can be as cheap as £12. The shoes should be S1P and comply with EN 20345.

There is no long-term storage facility for personal items in the workshops, so students are advised to bring the safety footwear with them each day they are accessing the workshops.

Special entry requirements

• Students entering the two-semester Foundation or First Year must produce a portfolio.
• Students without an academic qualification in Art and Design must submit a portfolio.