Grays Undergraduate brochure 2015

Gray’s School of Art Undergraduate courses

BA (HONS) COMMUNICATION DESIGN BA COMMERCIAL PHOTOGRAPHY BA (HONS) FASHION AND TEXTILE DESIGN BA (HONS) THREE DIMENSIONAL DESIGN

DESIGN

BA (HONS) CONTEMPORARY ART PRACTICE BA (HONS) PAINTING

FINE ART

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Gray’s School of Art

Contents Introduction 1 Our course structures 4

BA (Hons) Communication Design 6 BA Commercial Photography 10 BA (Hons) Fashion & Textile Design 12 BA (Hons) Three Dimensional Design 16 BA (Hons) Contemporary Art Practice 20 BA (Hons) Painting 24 How to apply 28 The Portfolio | Our Interview Process 30 Visiting Gray’s 32

Fig 1 Foyer Exhibition Space

BA (HONS) COMMUNICATION DESIGN BA COMMERCIAL PHOTOGRAPHY BA (HONS) FASHION AND TEXTILE DESIGN BA (HONS) THREE DIMENSIONAL DESIGN

DESIGN

BA (HONS) CONTEMPORARY ART PRACTICE BA (HONS) PAINTING

FINE ART

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Gray’s School of Art

introduction

Gray’s School of Art is situated within an iconic building in a beautiful riverside setting on the Garthdee Campus just south of the city centre. The city, its coastal edges and rural surroundings, provide a rich stimulus for creative development. Recognised globally as a centre for oil and gas expertise, Aberdeen and the region is also rich in agriculture and cultural heritage. These present a unique range of opportunities for students at all levels to develop their practice by working with communities, industry and heritage, as well as contemporary arts, craft and design organisations. We are one of the four historic art schools in Scotland. With approximately 700 students, we sustain a unique creative learning environment. Provision of individual studio spaces enables a personalised student journey within a dynamic creative community.

We take undergraduates from supported learners in year 1 to independent learners and emerging professionals in year 4 . Smaller student numbers allow significant one to one attention and tutorial support while group discussions develop critical skills and understanding of wider contexts.

Fig 2 Gray’s building set in landscaped grounds

Our curriculum is designed to challenge thinking and enable risk taking. We develop professionalism and capacities for employability and entrepreneurialism within the Creative and Cultural Industries by connecting our curriculum to contemporary themes, culture and societal c oncerns.

An established, internationally focused research culture provides further pathways for career development. Doctoral and postdoctoral work specialises in practice-led research across Art and Design. A newly expanded masters programme focuses on collaborative projects in partnership with the professional sector.

Members of the teaching staff are actively engaged in groundbreaking research and work alongside respected artists, designers and visiting scholars.

Gray’s is a significant player in the fast developing creative economy of North East Scotland and beyond, driving innovation in the region. Our annual degree show is a renowned cultural highlight of the city, bringing together the achievements of our creative community.

Fig 3. Gray’s quadrangle/external work space

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OUR COURSE CONTENT AND TEACHING APPROACHES ENABLE STUDENTS TO DEVELOP THEIR INDIVIDUAL CREATIVE IDENTITY AND CAPACITY TO BE A PROFESSIONAL; FROM A SUPPORTED LEARNER TO INDEPENDENT LEARNER AND EMERGING PROFESSIONAL…

how do we do that?

Clearly defined levels of learning that are progressively built on from years 1 – 4 allowing growing levels of independence and the identification of strengths and interests.

Development opportunities through live projects with external clients, arts agencies and external collaborators that embed professional practice and industry knowledge.

Opportunities for cultural and professional exchange through European placement, industry placement and overseas field study experience.

One to one tutorial support that delivers constructive feedback, encourages critical questioning and thinking. It stimulates personal challenge, reflection and action planning.

Subject / course content is contemporary, has a balance of the acquisition of practical skills and rigorous research and thinking skills that are needed to underpin practice. Courses are delivered through an understanding of the social and ethical challenges of today.

Opportunities for teamwork and collaborative activity develop through years 1 to 4 allowing for the development of skills in project management, negotiation, presentation and promotion, and leadership. Such activities cultivate self-confidence, resilience, and a professional attitude.

And finally…members of the teaching staff are actively engaged in groundbreaking research and work alongside respected artists, designers and visiting scholars. We continually learn and enhance our own practice alongside our students.

Fig 4 Wood and Metal workshop

Fig 5 Painting student at work

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Why come to Gray’s School of Art? 2015 marks a 130 year reputation for creative excellence.

Attention to the individual We have small cohorts within the year levels of each course. All students have individual one to one tutorials with their personal tutor; these are additional to class contact time and other group tutorial sessions. These points of contact are vitally important for discussion, individualised feedback and advice on the progress of work and approach to study.

Students have the provision of dedicated studio space.

Teaching quality Care is taken to ensure that our methods and approaches to the teaching of Art & Design are current, engaging, supportive and challenging.

Our approach to students’ learning We structure our courses very carefully to ensure that we take our students on a journey from supported learners to independent emerging professionals. This can be seen quite clearly in the descriptions of each year level on pages 4 and 5.

Employability The curriculum reflects the challenges that we see in the Creative and Cultural Industries.

Live projects, industry placements, field study trips, overseas placement in partner colleges, competitions, and learning through work provide real opportunities for students to test their developing skills and develop new ones in the workplace.

Robert Gordon University is the Best UK University for Employability (HESA, 2013) with 95% of our students at Gray’s in work or further study six months after graduation. (* source UNISTATS 2013) Being part of the bigger family of RGU Academically, professionally and socially, we are better together. The disciplines and practices of Art and Design draw upon many influences and rely on synergies between disciplines. We can collaborate, learn from, and be supported by those from other disciplines and fields of expertise allowing both our staff and students to benefit from an environment that encourages learning and sharing.

Fig 6 Ceramic student at work

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Our course structures Year one The supported learner Fundamentals of practice

Year two The developing learner Immersion in subject specifics

Our course structures rely on fundamental principles that underscore every year.

This year establishes the core knowledge and understanding of the specialist subject, providing challenging contemporary themes and approaches that will allow students to deepen research and practical skills whilst understanding the wider context of practice in contemporary culture and industry.

Coursework i s project-driven and again is supported by theoretical and technical inputs.

Project work will include the production of practical work, written work, presentations, contribution to discussion, and group work.

This year establishes the core understanding of the specialist subject within the practices of Art & Design. Developing key skills in visualisation, research, ideas generation and development, alongside critical abilities to evaluate and question, is core to all our creative activities. Work is both practical and theoretical.

Projects are themed and contextualised through the specialist subject. Project work includes the production of practical work, written work, presentations, contribution to discussion, and group work.

Key Features

Fig 7 Printmaking workshop

Fig 8 Drawing class

Fig 9 Contemporary Art Practice studio spaces

Fig 10 Photography darkrooms

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Key features

• Fundamentals of practice

• Depth of subject enquiry

• National and overseas field study trips

• Skills and knowledge development

STUDIO FUND: To provide materials for our students at the best possible prices, we have a Studio Fund for each of our courses. Depending on the course and year, students pay between £20 and £150 annually. This is common practice in art schools throughout the UK. The Studio Fund will be collected at the beginning of the academic year when students enrol on their course.

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Year three The knowledgeable learner Industry and international contexts of practice

Year four Independent learner: emerging professional

This year is about testing skills and abilities and encourages the development of students’ own specific interests in the context of external projects and experiences.

The final year starts with the production of two proposals for study; one for practical work and one for written critical work. The research in the written critical work often supports and informs the practical work. Over the course of the year, the practical work will develop and evolve in line with the research and practical experiments. This work will culminate in a body of professional work and will be exhibited at the Degree Show.

Students will experiment with more selfdirected work; projects will now offer a greater opportunity for customisation to suit personal interests or are written by students themselves.

Live project work, competitions and placement opportunities are core. Project work will include the production of practical work, written work, presentations, contribution to discussion, and group work.

Year three is also the point at which we encourage students to start to develop expertise in writing proposals for both practical projects and written research projects. This is in readiness for Year four.

Key Features

Fig 12 © Aberdeen Inspired Fashion manufacturing workshop

Fig 13 Typography class in Communication Studios

Fig 14 Kiln unloading in Ceramic workshops

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Key features

• National and overseas field study trips

• Degree Show

• Industry placement option

• Graduate Fashion Show

• European placement option

• New Designers/New Blood graduate exhibitions in London

• Live projects / external exhibition work

Fig 11 Fabric screen print workshop

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A student of COMMUNICATION DESIGN can graduate with the following awards

BA (hons) Communication Design The course enables the development of the creative, critical and technical skills necessary to pursue a career within today’s ever evolving communication design disciplines across a wide range of industry sectors. The structure of the course is flexible enough to allow students to undertake a broad cross-disciplinary path of study or alternatively specialise in graphics, illustration or photography.

Our philosophy is student centred and aimed at supporting creativity and independent thought within a studio environment where emphasis is placed on critical thinking, professionalism, team working and the development of core practical and technical skills. This is facilitated via design projects that explore narrative and the communication of central, social and current affairs that often shape our perceptions of modern culture.

BA (Hons) COMMUNICATION DESIGN BA (Hons) COMMUNICATION DESIGN (GRAPHICS) BA (Hons) COMMUNICATION DESIGN (Photography) BA (Hons) COMMUNICATION DESIGN (ILLUSTRATION) Guests @ Gray’s In addition to our course lecture programme, we also have our Guests @ Gray’s lecture programme. Here, we invite national and international artists and designers to the School to speak about their work. We have had a phenomenal list of speakers that have visited the school in the last few years.

Why not visit our blogsite to review them. www. graysartschoolaberdeen.com/ category/guests-grays/

Fig 15 Caterina Bianchini. 2014

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CCS Critical and Contextual Studies

Course Structure and Content

Year 1 enables students to develop competency in the fundamental elements of the creative process including research, ideas generation and development, resolution and reflection. Students develop a broad range of core skills and knowledge that enable informed choices and decisions to be made as the curriculum progresses.

Projects are directed by staff, and students work within prescribed parameters. Design briefs are delivered through a combination of studio and workshop activity. Students are introduced to new ideas, concepts and working approaches through seminars, critiques, discussion forums and tutorials.

Year 2 curriculum provides students with the ability to understand and apply knowledge of key theoretical principles through the provision of integrated projects; these include a broad range of practical and technical skills associated with the communication disciplines.

Projects are predominantly directed by staff, and design briefs are delivered through a combination of studio and contextual and critical study activity that enable focus on outputs that connect with personal interests.

Subjects include: design principles, processes and methods; drawing and visualisation; graphics, illustration and photography; typography and print; editorial, book and advertising design; branding; packaging; 3D visualisation; information and motion graphics; video; moving image and web design.

Year 3 challenges students to consider their own creative direction and personal voice within studio. Students further develop their insight into their professional context, considering external opportunities and potential career pathways. Students explore the requirements of new business start-up and explore the skills to pursue a career as an independent practitioner.

Studio practice is underpinned at all stages by a contextual and critical studies programme.

This allows students to critically engage with history, theory and contemporary practice within each studio specialism. The CCS programme is delivered through blended learning, including lectures, seminars and group tutorials. Students engage with research, analytical critical thinking and are offered various models of communication for assessment, from essays to multimedia digital submissions. In Year 4 students propose their own topic that leads to the submission of a professionally presented body of research.

Students undertake increasing levels of self-directed study and studio project work enabling a greater focus on developing specialist interests in preparation for Year 4. Opportunities to participate in a range of external collaborative projects and placement activities develop students’ professional a ptitudes.

Year 4 provides the opportunity to undertake a sustained period of independent self-directed study at the threshold of professional practice.

Students develop their own design brief in response to personal interests, researching subjects, themes and design questions that will underpin their study and final design outcomes.

Students will apply their critical design skills to a range of projects while collaborative design briefs and competitions will provide an opportunity to promote work externally at a national and international level.

Honours year is largely characterised by externally facing and socially engaged practice and the further development of individual specialism in line with career aspirations.

Fig 16 Jennifer Humphreys. Illustration. 2014

Fig 17 Calligraphy/typography class

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Student Placements External Engagement

Fig 18 Eilidh Dunsire. Illustration /Animation. 2014

Fig 19 Michael Traquair. Illustration. 2014

Fig 20 Michael Traquair. Illustration. 2014

Students have the opportunity to participate in a diverse range of external activities throughout the duration of the course including international field study trips, national competitions and live collaborative projects with a wide variety of external partners.

We  offer the opportunity to participate in the Erasmus European Exchange Programme and industry-based placements with leading companies and designers. There are also a number of university clubs and societies and local creative collectives including Offset 57 (student business initiative) that offer a range of extra-curricular activities.

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What our graduates go on to do

A Case Study of Alumni

The course has a strong employment record; graduates are employed in a variety of professional roles across all sectors, many employed by local companies while others work nationally and internationally for leading design agencies.

Graduates develop careers in graphics, illustration, photography, publishing, web design and advertising with a number establishing their own design consultancies or working as freelance illustrators and photographers for prominent publications.

Scott Alistair Henderson | Digital Creative | Location: Edinburgh, UK

Postgraduate study provides further opportunities for specialisation and diversification of graduates’ portfolios; our students have been successful in securing places on a range of prestigious postgraduate courses.

Recent graduates can apply to our Graduate in Residence (GiR) scheme that supports the next stage of the professional journey whether this involves setting up a business, applying for post-grad or building a portfolio. GiR’s input into the course curriculum and will gain valuable experience of teaching and learning.

Fig 21 Rory Davenport. Photography/Graphic Design. 2014

“I work as a digital creative for the Leith Agency in Edinburgh. I’ve worked with clients including; Tennants, The Scottish Government and the Cello Group creating Web Design; Touchscreen Applications & Motion Graphics.

I thoroughly enjoyed my four years at Gray’s School of Art and I knew instantly I would miss it the second I left. For me, the most important thing during my time at Gray’s was the freedom to hone my skills as a designer, especially with regard to my understanding of aesthetics.

The lecturers on the Communication Design course have wide ranging experience across many disciplines; making it easy for me to receive the advice and critical feedback that I needed to improve. If I was to give current applicants one piece of advice it would be, consistently drive yourself to be better, step outside of your comfort zone and you will reap the rewards”.

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BA Commercial Photography

This is a one-year course designed to improve students’ photographic skills in a professional and student-centred environment. Students will have the opportunity to test their skills within a choice of supported topic themes that are linked to live projects and industry liaison.

Students have the opportunity to take elective modules that will allow articulation to BA (Hons) Communication Design to specialise on the photography pathway.

Guests @ Gray’s In addition to our course lecture programme, we also have our Guests @ Gray’s lecture programme. Here, we invite national and international artists and designers to the School to speak about their work. We have had a phenomenal list of speakers that have visited the school in the last few years.

Why not visit our blogsite to review them. www. graysartschoolaberdeen.com/ category/guests-grays/ Fig 22 Orlando Anderson. 2014

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Course Structure and Content

What our students go on to do

Course Content Commercial Studio Projects will allow students to expand upon practical and technical abilities in studio and location-based projects linked to live projects, industry and commerce.

Self-directed work enables concentration on students’ core strengths to build a professional portfolio of work.

After completing the course students have predominantly gone on to start up new photographic businesses and gain employment with local photography companies; they have also secured employment within Higher Education institutions.

Critical and Contextual Studies in Photography will support the understanding of photography through historical, cultural and economic dimensions, exploring the work of key practitioners.

A Case Study of Alumni

Students have re-located to work in London with major fashion photographers whilst others have travelled to secure internships in New York and London after graduation.

Almost 40 % of current students have now articulated with the BA (Hons) Communication Design (Photography).

John Prince

Business Start-up in the Creative Industries and Management Studies will develop sound business awareness to support business development ideas.

“My early career life was spent mainly within the sports & fitness industry but in 2010 I developed an interest in photography that resulted in a life changing career move.

In 2011 I enrolled onto the HND Photography course at Aberdeen College (now North East Scotland College) and then progressed onto the BA Commercial Photography course at Robert Gordon University.

This course is designed to articulate from HND Photography programmes and Gray’s School of Art has an articulation agreement with North East Scotland College. This course is taught at Gray’s School of Art, North East Scotland College, and Aberdeen Business School and marks a new and innovative approach to course design and the integration of business and creative practice.

The BA Commercial Photography course was very well delivered with a huge support mechanism, both at the University and the College. The critical and contextual modules of the course were especially stimulating exploring photography through discussion.

I found upon completing the course that it has provided me with the confidence to take my photographic journey to the next stage”.

External Engagement / Live Projects Live projects are a major part of the course due to the nature of commercial photography and students work with various local and national companies. These have included National Trust for Scotland, Topshop, F8 Magazine, RGU Sport and a number of local enterprises and charities.

Fig 23 John Prince. HANNAH MILEY. 2014

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BA (hons) Fashion & Textiles

A student of FASHION & TEXTILE DESIGN can graduate with the following awards BA (Hons) Fashion & Textile Design BA (Hons) Fashion & Textile Design (Fashion) BA (Hons) Fashion & Textile Design (Textiles)

The Fashion & Textiles degree enables students to explore the concept, process and realisation of fashion and/ or textile design construction.

The course encourages students to discover their own individual pathway by providing the opportunity to explore the interactive relationship between the two disciplines.

The course offers three named pathways of Fashion Design, Textile Design and Fashion & Â Textile Design. Each pathway encompasses subject specialist knowledge, which assist both breadth of enquiry and subject specialist expertise. Our course enables the combination of both traditional craft skills with digital technology where students learn all the practical skills for following a successful career in fashion and/or textiles and related fields.

Fig 24 Catwalk image: Fashion Show. 2014

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CCS Critical and Contextual Studies

Course Structure and Content

Year 1 provides a series of challenging experiences that will enable understanding of the fundamental creative principles and methods that underpin Fashion & Textile Design study. Students explore a wide range of visual methods, processes and media.

Both computer assisted design technologies and photography, alongside traditional handdrawing and mixed media methods, play an important role. Students work in an open plan studio environment together with other disciplines creating a vibrant and interactive learning experience. First year delivery includes lectures, seminars, one-to-one tutorials, group crits and peer learning. A team of design experts alongside fashion and textile specialist staff will be involved in developing students’ creative skills.

Year 2 builds upon the first year experience and further develops understanding of Fashion & Textile design through a series of dynamic studio projects and workshop based activities.

Emphasis is placed on a practical approach encouraging the translation of design ideas through making. These include: pattern cutting, drape and garment construction together with knit, print and mixed media textiles. On-going research and development skills are developed through students’ own personal interpretation of project themes using a broad range of media. Live projects with clients and field study trips deepen knowledge and practical skills alongside opportunities to become involved in the organisation of the course fashion show.

Year 3 provides focus for professional practice activities; the curriculum focuses on a range of external contexts, which underpin design skills and their application in the real world. Competitions and live projects with external clients, together with a series of professional practice lectures and activities, enable students to learn how to target their design abilities within different commercial parameters. Advanced workshops develop specialist skills, based on students’ individual interests and strengths. Students will have the opportunity to undertake a work placement or an exchange to one of our European partners.

Students become more self-directed, moving towards the final year. Field study trips and the course fashion show are key aspects.

Studio practice is underpinned at all stages by a contextual and critical studies programme.

This allows students to critically engage with history, theory and contemporary practice within each studio specialism. The CCS programme is delivered through blended learning, including lectures, seminars and group tutorials. Students engage with research, analytical critical thinking and are offered various models of communication for assessment, from essays to multimedia digital submissions. In Year 4 students propose their own topic that leads to the submission of a professionally presented body of research.

Year 4 enables students to select a named pathway determined by their own individual, personal interests and potential. Through this focus, students’ explore the creative parameters of their specialism in depth by developing a self-directed proposal for work.

The proposal and its work plan is guided over the course of the year by the student’s academic/personal tutor. This occurs through a series of one-to-one tutorials, reviews, peer learning and group presentations, and ends with a final Honours assessment and degree show. Depending on students’ chosen specialist route they will take part in a number of graduate events including the graduate fashion show and New Designers in London.

Guests @ Gray’s In addition to our course lecture programme, we also have our Guests @ Gray’s lecture programme. Here, we invite national and international artists and designers to the School to speak about their work. We have had a phenomenal list of speakers that have visited the school in the last few years.

Why not visit our blogsite to review them. www. graysartschoolaberdeen.com/ category/guests-grays/ Fig 25 Fashion Collection. 2014

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Student Placements External Engagement

What our graduates go on to do

Student placements, European exchanges and live industrial projects are an integral part of our course.

We have graduates working for major design studios: as knitwear designers; print designers, stylists; merchandisers and as freelance designer/makers. These include Burberry, Erdem, Mary Katrantzou, Donna Wilson, Johnstons of Elgin and Habitat to name just a few. A number of our graduates have established their own design companies such as Donna Wilson (www.donnawilson. com), and Saunt & Sinner (https://twitter.com/ SauntAndSinner). Some go on to extend their academic experience though postgraduate study; our students have been successful in securing places on a range of prestigious postgraduate courses.

International designers and companies that the course has established links with include: Jonathan Saunders, J.W Anderson, Johnstons of Elgin, The Cashmere Club, Harris T weed, Saunt & Sinner, Doll, Iris Van Herpen, Folk, Donna Wilson. The course has strong European partners where students have the opportunity to study abroad as part of their 3rd year study.

Students take part in live projects with a range of design studios, manufacturers and external organisations. Live project briefs enable students to gain first-hand experience of the dynamic commercial world and diverse opportunities of fashion and textiles and give a real insight into professional practice.

Fig 26 Letty Bishop. Collection 2014

Fig 27 Kim Norrie / woven textiles. 2013

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Fig 28 Emma Cantlay. Collection 2014

Fig 29 Kathryn Fuller. Textile collection 2013

Fig 30 Hannah Sture. Collection 2014

Fig 31 Stephanie Davidson. Textile collection 2013

A Case Study of Alumni

Donna Wilson

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“I think the main thing I loved about being at Gray’s was the tutors, they were so diverse in skills and opinions. I also got the opportunity to do an exchange which really shaped me.”

Donna Wilson is one of the UK’s most exciting textile designers. In 2010, Donna was awarded ‘Designer of the Year’ at Elle Decoration’s British Design Awards. Inspired by everyday oddities and peculiarities in life, her designs have a playfulness and tactility that win her a cult following around the world. Donna set up her company in 2003 and has since established a studio in London, designing and making eccentric products for the home.

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A student of THREE DIMENSIONAL DESIGN can graduate with the following awards

BA (hons) Three Dimensional Design

BA (Hons) Three Dimensional Design BA (Hons) Three Dimensional Design (Jewellery) BA (Hons) Three Dimensional Design (Ceramics & Glass) BA (Hons) Three Dimensional Design (Product Design)

The Three Dimensional Design degree enables students to explore the contexts, concepts and production processes to realise ideas for work within the Product Design, Jewellery, Ceramic, and Glass pathway areas.

The course encourages students to discover their own individual pathway by providing the opportunity to explore connections and interactions between disciplines.

Project briefs focus on technologies, materials and processes to turn concepts into realities. Ideas are at the heart of what we do, and learning to develop ideas through a clear design process, through digital and physical prototyping and real world production methods is how students learn to affect change through design.

Our graduates emerge with confidence, multi-disciplinary design experience and a clear understanding of professional networks.

We aim to ensure that students emerge as designers with a commercial and professional edge that is relevant to the chosen area of study.

Fig 32 Cara Walker. Glass. 2014

Fig 33 Yvette Estelle Jeffrey. Accessory/body adornment. 2013

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CCS Critical and Contextual Studies

Course Structure and Content

Year 1 develops the core research, design development and making skills; it challenges perceptions and thinking skills. In this year we help students explore the foundations of three d imensional design processes through practical, creative, critical thinking and making.

Students are guided by staff throughout activities in the studio and workshops; they are introduced to new ideas, new concepts and new ways of working and thinking through the projects briefs and technical inputs.

Students will participate in seminars, critiques, design forum discussions and tutorial sessions.

Year 2 will build on previous knowledge and experience gained in Year 1 whilst further exploring core skills within 3D Design practice.

Projects are detailed and varied with more potential for self-direction.

Project briefs are delivered within both studio and workshop environments with further introduction and direction on more advanced creative thinking methods and systems, materials and making processes.

New technologies and computer aided design and visualisation are core within the curriculum.

Year 3 is more externally focused through engagement with live projects, external contacts, and competitions. Students will take part in cross-disciplinary projects, working in teams from across the design departments with Communication Designers, Fashion & Textile Designers and 3D Designers working together on common design projects with external clients.

Studio practice is underpinned at all stages by a contextual and critical studies programme.

This allows students to critically engage with history, theory and contemporary practice within each studio specialism. The CCS programme is delivered through blended learning, including lectures, seminars and group tutorials. Students engage with research, analytical critical thinking and are offered various models of communication for assessment, from essays to multimedia digital submissions. In Year 4 students propose their own topic that leads to the submission of a professionally presented body of research.

Students undertake increasing levels of self-directed study and studio project work enabling a greater focus on developing specialist interests in preparation for Year 4. Opportunities to participate in a range of external collaborative projects and placement activities develop students’ professional aptitudes.

Year 4 is all about working independently; with guidance from staff, students will develop their self-directed proposal for work.

This relates directly to areas of specific interest and questions of research. Staff will guide students in scoping out this field of study and provide on-going support. This occurs through a series of one-to-one tutorials, reviews, peer learning and group presentations, and ends with a final Honours assessment and degree show.

Guests @ Gray’s In addition to our course lecture programme, we also have our Guests @ Gray’s lecture programme. Here, we invite national and international artists and designers to the School to speak about their work. We have had a phenomenal list of speakers that have visited the school in the last few years.

Why not visit our blogsite to review them. www. graysartschoolaberdeen.com/ category/guests-grays/

Graduating students have the opportunity to present their work amongst their peers from other UK institutions at ‘New Designers’ graduate shows in London.

Fig 34 Vicki Shennan. Jewellery collection. 2013

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Student Placements External Engagement

What our graduates go on to do

Students have the opportunity to participate in a diverse range of external activities throughout the duration of the course including international field study trips, national competitions and live collaborative projects with a wide variety of external partners. We offer students the opportunity to participate in the Erasmus European Exchange Programme and industry-based placements with leading companies and designers.

There are also a number of university clubs and societies and local creative collectives including Offset 57 (student business initiative) that offer a range of extra-curricular activities.

Our 3D Design graduates leave with a lifelong understanding of the power and reach of design. Due to the multi-disciplinary nature of the course, our graduates are employed in a variety of sectors with many of them finding roles as designers within agencies and studios locally, nationally and internationally.

A number of graduates have founded new design companies and successful businesses in areas such as consumer products, industrial design, furniture, ceramics, glass, and jewellery design.

Along with business and vocational success stories, our graduates have enjoyed success in securing post graduate study at masters and PhD level in some of the most prestigious institutions in the UK and abroad.

Recent graduates can also apply to our Graduate in Residence (GiR) scheme which supports the next stage of their professional journey whether this involves setting up a business, applying for post-graduate study or building a portfolio.

Fig 35 Ewan Gray. Ceramic Collection 2014

Fig 36 Cara Walker. Glass. 2014

Fig 37 Clare Bevis. Product Design/ Interactive Design. 2013

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Fig 38 Ewan Gray. Ceramic Collection 2014

Fig 39 Jamie Brown. Product Design/ User customisation/table. 2014

Fig 40 Vahid Smart. Product Design/ Commuter’s portable scooter. 2014

A Case Study of Alumni

Nick Ross | Product Designer | Location: Stockholm Fig 38

Fig 39

Nick Ross studied design at Gray’s School of Art, where he was awarded the Arts & Heritage prize for his graduation project, Stray, in 2008. In early 2009, he moved to Rotterdam to work under Tomá Gabzdil Libertíny and in spring 2010 he moved to Stockholm to work for FRONT. Nick became a tutor at Gray’s School of Art, and continued to work there until enrolling in the Master’s program in interior architecture and furniture design at Konstfack in Stockholm, where he received his Master’s in Fine Arts in 2013. Immediately after graduating, he began working as an assistant to Swedish designer Matti Klenell until establishing his own selfnamed, Stockholm-based studio in 2014.

Fig 40

His work has been included in numerous exhibitions, including Design Anima at Spazio Rossana Orlandi, Milan, Wood Punk at Scandic Anglais, Stockholm, and Ung Svensk Form at Designersblock, London (all 2013); Design for a Liquid Society at Spazio Rossana Orlandi and Ventura Berlin at Qubique, Berlin (both 2012); and The Shape of Things to Come at the Gin Palace, Glasgow (2009).

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A student of CONTEMPORARY ART PRACTICE can graduate with the following awards

BA (hons) Contemporary Art Practice

The course enables students to evolve a fine art practice through the development of skills relative to their personal strengths, interests and ambitions.

Contemporary Art by its very nature is a broad and ever-expanding subject: students typically develop skills in the main areas of photography, sculpture, printmaking and video but may also explore other media such as sound, light, text, and performance.

Studio and workshop practice is complimented through the Critical and Contextual Studies programme and Professional Skills modules, both of which embed interaction, dialogue, and critical reflection as key aptitudes in the production and consumption of contemporary  art.

Fig 41 Eilidh McCormick. Digital Installation. 2014

BA (Hons) Contemporary Art Practice BA (Hons) Contemporary Art Practice (Printmaking) BA (Hons) Contemporary Art Practice (Photography) BA (Hons) Contemporary Art Practice (Sculpture) BA (Hons) Contemporary Art Practice (Moving  Image)

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Fig 42 Caitlin Hynnes. Printmaking. 2014

Course Structure and Content

CCS Critical and Contextual Studies

Fig 43 Meryl Forsyth. Printmaking. 2014

Year 1 challenges students to understand their skills and in what ways these can be applied (whether coming from school, college, or mature). Studio projects in Semester 1 focus on the core activities of research and idea development: expanding students’ understanding of what research can be and in what ways the thinking inherent within idea development can become visible. Semester 2 sees students apply this learning through a series of projects around photography, sculpture, printmaking and moving image.

A Drawing and Visualisation module compliments all aspects of the above: research, idea development and studio.

Year 3 is characterised by a growing awareness of the interests and concerns that begin to shape practice. Approaches to research and application of methods and processes become distinct to the individual as they continue to develop and bring together technical, conceptual and contextual activity.

Opportunities to test the outcomes of selfdirected projects through both in-house and external venues leads to an understanding of the various contexts and forms in which an audience may encounter contemporary art: exhibition, installation or art in public space.

Studio crits once again form the spine of critical reflection and dialogue.

Year 2 remains predominantly project based with an emphasis on learning new processes and techniques whilst simultaneously responding to a given theme or context, the outcomes of which are presented and discussed in ‘studio crits’. Towards the end of Semester 2 students write their own project brief – the beginning of self-directed study.

Drawing and visualisation is embedded within studio activity and ‘the personal workbook’ becomes central to the student’s practice.

Complimentary activities include working in groups to research the key contemporary arts organisations in Aberdeen and the North East.

Year 4 gives full responsibility to the student to engage in the sustained research, development and creation of artworks as they move toward an independent yet critically reflective practice. Regular studio crits (both in-house and in external venues) punctuate the year, enabling the testing of resolved outcomes prior to the presentation of a major body of work in a public exhibition at the end of the year. Studio practice informs and in turn is informed by the theoretical concerns of the dissertation. Professional skills focus on the representation and communication of a practice to others.

Studio practice is underpinned at all stages by a contextual and critical studies programme.

This allows students to critically engage with history, theory and contemporary practice within each studio specialism. The CCS programme is delivered through blended learning, including lectures, seminars and group tutorials. Students engage with research, analytical critical thinking and are offered various models of communication for assessment, from essays to multimedia digital submissions. In Year 4 students propose their own topic that leads to the submission of a professionally presented body of research.

Fig 42

Guests @ Gray’s

Fig 43

In addition to our course lecture programme, we also have our Guests @ Gray’s lecture programme. Here, we invite national and international artists and designers to the School to speak about their work. We have had a phenomenal list of speakers that have visited the school in the last few years.

Why not visit our blogsite to review them. www. graysartschoolaberdeen.com/ category/guests-grays/

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Student Placements External Engagement

What our graduates go on to do

There are many opportunities to become involved with life outside of the immediate Gray’s environment. International study trips are available in all four years. Visits are organized to relevant local and national exhibitions and events. In Year 3 you may apply to go on European or North American exchange or negotiate a work placement.

There are optional live projects and competitions and Professional Skills modules in Years 3 & 4 to facilitate your awareness and attainment of the skills necessary to present artworks in public contexts. In short, we expect our students to be actively involved in the cultural landscape of Aberdeen and beyond.

Our graduates are equipped with a solid foundation in the unique skill-set, knowledge, professionalism, experience and contextual awareness that artists require to flourish in our modern world. Traditionally many graduates will base themselves in studio culture and go on to engage in solo and collaborative exhibitions, public art residencies, and a wide range of arts related projects. Postgraduate study is also available up to PhD level. Equally, our alumni successfully apply many of these transferable skills and experiences across a diverse range of contexts finding lucrative and stimulating work and careers in the realms of publishing, design, media, film, consultancy, the gallery network, music, healthcare and community work, schools and higher education.

Fig 44 Kerr Rodgie. 2014/Sculpture

Fig 45 Dagmar Vyhnalkova. 2011/Photography

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Fig 46 Kristin Clark. Performance Practice. 2014

Fig 47 Caitlin Hynes. Printmaking. 2014

A Case Study of Alumni

Fig 47

Hannah Harkes | Artist / Entrepreneur Location: Estonia

Fig 46

“After graduating, I became resident at Polymer Culture Factory in Tallinn, where I mainly made video works. I returned to Scotland to exhibit at RSA: New Contemporaries then moved to Finland and worked at the Nelimarkka Museum, resuscitating stone lithography facilities and making comics. Following an invitation to be artist in residence at Novia Fine Art School in Finland, I formed an art school band, released one cross-genre album, disbanded and returned to Estonia, where I now co-run Ptarmigan project space atop Tallinn’s tallest mountain and simultaneously work below ground in Grafodroom Printmaking Workshop & Studios.”

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BA (Hons) Painting

The Painting course offers its students a challenging opportunity to study both the technical and contextual aspects of Drawing and Painting in a dedicated and spacious studio  environment.

Through a sequence of both objective and subjective projects, which explore the grammar and various forms of painting, the course offers an informed context that allows for the development of a personal visual language, as  well as a fuller and critical understanding of the subject.

Drawing is at the core of the Painting course and is embedded within the programme in a variety of ways.

Fig 48 Catherine Ross. BP Fine Art Award. 2014

Fig 49 Jack Dunnett. 2014/Year 1

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CCS Critical and Contextual Studies

Course Structure and Content

Year 1 will challenge students’ understanding of their skills; it will explore how and in which ways those skills can be applied.

Studio projects in Semester 1 focus on the core activities of research and idea development.

The curriculum seeks to expand the understanding of what research can be, and in what ways the thinking, inherent within idea development, can become visible. Semester 2 sees the students apply this learning within two studio projects that run over the course of the semester.

These projects act as an introduction to both the technical and conceptual aspects of the visual language of painting.

Year 2 will build on the foundation provided in Year 1. Students are allocated their own specific studio space and assigned an academic / personal tutor who will provide support and challenge on a ‘one to one’ basis throughout the session.

Over the course of the year students undertake a sequence of projects that act as an introduction to the visual language of Drawing and Painting. These equip students with a variety of methods and procedures essential to the study of Painting. There is a weekly drawing programme and a series of illustrated talks spaced throughout the session.

Year 3 of the Painting course demands a significantly different form of engagement than that of the previous two years; projects become more self-directed and engaged with external contexts. In Semester 1 students undertake intensive and wide-ranging research, which aims to extend knowledge and understanding of current practice in Painting and Drawing.

The development of conceptual thinking as an individual is an important aspect of this process.

Studio practice is underpinned at all stages by a contextual and critical studies programme.

This allows students to critically engage with history, theory and contemporary practice within each studio specialism. The CCS programme is delivered through blended learning, including lectures, seminars and group tutorials. Students engage with research, analytical critical thinking and are offered various models of communication for assessment, from essays to multimedia digital submissions. In Year 4 students propose their own topic that leads to the submission of a professionally presented body of research.

In Semester 2 students have the opportunity to develop and apply their research towards a resolved body of work in readiness for selfdirected study in Year 4.

Year 4 places the emphasis on self-directed learning. Students provide a proposal for study and a structure for a study programme.

This culminates in the submission and presentation of a body of work for the Degree Show assessment and exhibition.

There will be opportunities prior to the Degree Show to experience a professional approach to presenting and exhibiting work, most notably the annual pre-degree exhibition in Edinburgh.

Guests @ Gray’s In addition to our course lecture programme, we also have our Guests @ Gray’s lecture programme. Here, we invite national and international artists and designers to the School to speak about their work. We have had a phenomenal list of speakers that have visited the school in the last few years.

Why not visit our blogsite to review them. www. graysartschoolaberdeen.com/ category/guests-grays/ Fig 50 Painting studio space

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Fig 51 SPD Awards

Student Placements What our graduates External Engagement go on to do The Painting department actively engages with the thriving business community in Aberdeen and has collaborated with a number of companies on a variety of projects. In the past, these have included commissions, exhibitions and support for placements and scholarships.

The last few years has also seen Painting graduates from Gray’s enjoy outstanding success in national competitions including the John Kinross Florence Scholarship and the RSA New Contemporaries Exhibition.

Among several prizes presented to Gray’s Painters at the 2013 Exhibition was the premier Painting prize awarded by the Academy, the prestigious Stevenston Award for a Painter of Merit.

Fig 52 Tomasz Wrobel receives the Stevenson Award for a Painter of Merit

Our Painting graduates will have acquired a wide range of transferable skills that equip them appropriately for employment in a diverse range of careers within the Creative and Cultural Industries.

Many sustain individual studio practices, determining their own directions and are actively exhibiting, curating and furthering their careers as professional artists.

Some go on to extend their academic experience though postgraduate study; our s tudents have been successful in securing places on a range of prestigious postgraduate courses.

Fig 51

Fig 52

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Fig 53 Luke Vinnicombe. 2014/Year 2

Fig 54 Neda Ghaffar. 2014/Year 3

A Case Study of Alumni

David McDiarmid | Painter Location: Glasgow

Fig 54

Fig 53

David McDiarmid graduated in 2013 with a BA (Hons) in Painting, with First Class distinction. Since then he has been included in a number of solo and group exhibitions including ‘Megalmomania’, a solo exhibition at Inverness Museum and Art Gallery, and the RSA New Contemporaries Exhibition in Edinburgh. He has participated in several public engagement projects including the Coast festival in Banff, Aberdeenshire and was awarded a place as an information assistant for the Scotland + Venice exhibition at the Venice Biennale in 2013. In addition to this, David has had the opportunity to travel and study in Europe through the Cross Trust Scholarship to Berlin. He has won, and been nominated for several local and national awards including the Interview 11 ‘Paint Like You Mean It’ prize 2014.

Currently, David lives and works in Glasgow and is collaborating with the charity ‘Sense’ which supports children and adults who are deaf and blind. davidmcdiarmid.wordpress.com

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How to Apply

If you are interested in applying to Gray’s and becoming part of our community, the following pages will provide you with some key information.

There are six undergraduate application routes into Gray’s courses.

Four of these routes allow for the customisation of the award to reflect the different pathways within the curriculum. These are identified within the individual course descriptions.

You may apply to more than one course.

The informal interview process is organised so that you are invited to one interview only.

Interviews will be held with experienced staff who teach on the courses you have applied to.

ENTRY REQUIREMENTS

The six courses are as follows:

For all courses, a portfolio plus the following qualifications are required:

DESIGN COURSES (4 years)

YEAR 1 ENTRY SQA HIGHER BBC to include Art/ Design and English (or a subject requiring the use of English).

• BA (Hons) Communication Design (UCAS WW26) • BA (Hons) Fashion and Textile Design (UCAS W291)

GCE A LEVEL BC to include Art/ Design and English (or a subject requiring the use of English).

• BA (Hons) Three Dimensional Design (UCAS W290)

IRISH LEAVING CERTIFICATE HIGHER B2B2C1 to include Art and English (or a subject requiring the use of English).

DEGREE-LINK PROGRAMME • BA Commercial Photography (UCAS WW641)

IB DIPLOMA 24 to include Higher Level Visual Arts and English (or a subject requiring the use of English).

(1 year course, recruits from HND [or equivalent] to Year 3.This course is partly delivered by North East Scotland College).

All suitably qualified applicants will be interviewed for year 1 entry. Portfolio guidance can be downloaded from the RGU website at www.rgu.ac.uk/portfolio.

FINE ART COURSES (4 years) • BA (Hons) Contemporary Art Practice (UCAS WW61) • BA (Hons) Painting (UCAS W120)

Fig 55 Year 4 student preparing their folio

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Applying to different stages of the courses

NON STANDARD ENTRY

APPLICATION DEADLINES

Those who may not hold the standard qualifications are encouraged to apply if they can evidence other appropriate life and work experiences. Such candidates are advised to contact the University during Open Days or the Visit Afternoons for further advice and guidance. A folio of work is still a requirement for this type of candidate.

UCAS should receive your application to your chosen course/s by January 2015 for equal consideration alongside all other applications (please consult dates on UCAS website).

YEAR 1 ENTRY AND ADVANCED ENTRY Most of our courses are four years in duration.

You can apply to any stage of the course.

Successful entry to years 1-4 is determined by qualifications/ experience, portfolio and interview.

All applicants applying to Year 1 that have the appropriate qualifications or the potential to gain such qualifications prior to entry in September 2015, will be interviewed for Year 1 entry.

Applicants will be invited to an informal interview at a later stage when their portfolio is more fully developed. This is most likely to occur in early to mid March 2015.

Advanced entry applicants should submit their mini-folios by 9th February 2015.

Those selected for interview will be interviewed in March/April 2015.

Entry to years 2-4 is called ‘Advanced Entry’.

A proportion of students will apply for Advanced Entry because they have equivalent experience either through industry or prior educational experience.

NB All applications to the Degree-Link course (BA Commercial Photography) are interviewed.

No mini-folio is requested.

Suitable qualifications for entry to Year 2 or above may include a relevant HND or Diploma in Foundation Studies ( Art & Design, Art, Design & Media).

Students wishing to apply to years 2, 3, or 4 will be required to submit a mini-folio. The minifolio will be used as a tool to select candidates for interview.

Portfolio guidance can be downloaded from the RGU website at www.rgu.ac.uk/portfolio

Fig 56 Year 1 drawing class

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THE PORTFOLIO

OUR INTERVIEW PROCESS

When we assess portfolios for entry, we always look at these with an awareness of the context of the educational environment that applicants are currently studying in. This means that we are considerate of the learning experience that has enabled the work in the folio to develop. At the interview applicants are able to speak about their work and the context of its development.

The process is a round robin system, which basically means that during the session students will converse with at least two members of staff in one-to-one situations, one after the other. Applicants have around five minutes with each member of staff and therefore need to be prepared to discuss their work for at least ten minutes or so.

The interview with the portfolio allows us to consider the person as an element in the whole package. The folio isn’t just about finished and resolved work, it should show us how an individual thinks and develop ideas.

Help or guidance on the development of the folio can be found at www.rgu.ac.uk/portfolio

Don’t be stressed, our feedback from applicants has been very positive. They indicate that it’s an enjoyable period of time that flies by. Equally our current students say it was a positive and affirming experience because of its relaxed, informal nature. They saw it as a chance to meet and chat with some other applicants, to visit the School and meet staff that they would be taught by.

Fig 57 Students in year 1 discussing their work

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VISITING GRAY’S

APPLICANTS’ DAYS/ FOLIO GUIDANCE EVENT

The next step … is to talk to us

OPEN DAYS Come along to one of our Open Days: Wednesday 8 October 2014 Saturday 1 November 2014

Applicants’ Days provide the opportunity to visit Gray’s to find out more about the courses and receive guidance on preparing the folio for interview.

Applicants’ Days will include a presentation, illustrated talk on folio preparation and a specific question and answer session for each c ourse.

Apply to one of our courses and you will be invited to one of our Applicants’ Days in early 2 015.

We can answer any questions you may have.

Simply call us on 01224 262728 or email ugoffice@rgu.ac.uk

VISIT AFTERNOONS If you are unable to attend an Open Day, come along to one of our monthly Visit Afternoons.

To register go to: www.rgu.ac.uk/visitafternoons SEE 2014 DEGREE SHOW Why not visit our website to see our Degree Show video 2014. You’ll find several other videos including our Fashion Show. www.rgu.ac.uk/degreeshow

Have you seen our current prospectus?

This gives valuable additional information about student life in Aberdeen and the wider University. Request a prospectus or download it at www.rgu.ac.uk

DISCLAIMER This publication is intended as a guide for applicants for courses delivered by Robert Gordon University.

In compiling it, the University has taken every care to be as accurate as possible, and the information in this brochure is correct at the time of going to print, but this publication must be read as subject to change at any time and without notice. The University undertakes to make every reasonable effort to provide the teaching and academic facilities necessary for applicants’ programmes of study. However, the University reserves the right, if such action is considered to be necessary, to make variations to fees and/or to vary the content or delivery method of any course at any time. In addition, the University may, at its sole discretion, discontinue or amalgamate any course(s). In these rare cases, the University will notify applicants as soon as possible and reasonable steps will be taken to provide a suitable alternative to a discontinued course.

Gray’s School of Art Undergraduate courses

BA (HONS) COMMUNICATION DESIGN BA COMMERCIAL PHOTOGRAPHY BA (HONS) FASHION AND TEXTILE DESIGN BA (HONS) THREE DIMENSIONAL DESIGN

DESIGN

BA (HONS) CONTEMPORARY ART PRACTICE BA (HONS) PAINTING

FINE ART