Higher National Diploma in Fine Arts (HND/HNC)

Introduction to the course

The HND in Fine Arts has been designed to equip students with the knowledge, understanding and skills required for success in current and future employment or for progression to an undergraduate degree.

Entry Requirements

Students will have normally completed a Diploma in Foundation Studies in Art and Design (level 3), a BTEC National Diploma in General Art and Design or Fine Art (merit profile), or an AVCE Double Award in Art and Design with commitment to Fine Art (C/C profile). We are also willing to consider applicants who possess a high level of experience in art and design but may not have formal qualifications. All applicants will receive an interview to ascertain their suitability for the programme.

Programme Aims

The programme provides a structured framework that focuses on the major areas of specialism in the field of Fine Arts and, after an introductory phase, allows students to develop an individual approach.

There is strong emphasis on the vocational nature of Fine Art within the programme and students gain an understanding of presenting and exhibiting work as well as an understanding of the diverse range of employment and progression opportunities within the Fine Arts.

Programme Content

There are seven Core units that provide students with an essential knowledge and understanding of the Fine Arts. These are as follows:

• Drawing in Fine Art
• Developing a Fine Art Language
• Developing a Fine Art Identity
• Historical and Contextual Referencing in Fine Art
• Critical Study in Fine Art
• Visual Arts Professional Practice
• Materials and Processes in Fine Art

Students then choose from a range of Option Units to extend their study. These include Painting, Sculpture, Photography, Printmaking, Installation and Performance, Presenting and Exhibiting Art Work, Curating and Participating in Exhibitions and Site Specific Art.

Mode of Delivery

The HND is a 16 unit qualification. This course is offered as either a 2 year full-time programme or a 4 year part-time programme. Students who attain 10 units will be awarded Higher National Certificate (HNC).

The programme combines a variety of teaching methods including formal lectures, workshops, seminars, group critiques and individual tutorials. Visits to exhibitions are included as part of the learning process.

First Year

This is an exploratory phase that introduces students to a variety of strategies and methodologies in the employment of visual languages within the Fine Arts. This stage is supported by a range of workshops that allow students to experiment with a range of media and processes. A Site Specific project introduces students to issues relating to specific placement and purpose. The culmination of the first year is a self-devised project that allows students to begin to develop a more individual approach.

Second Year

At this stage, schemes of work are tailored more closely to the individual student and projects are self-devised within the unit framework. Students will also extend their knowledge of professional practice and present and exhibit final work in a gallery space.

Historical, Contextual and Critical Studies underpin year 1 and year 2 of the course.

Method of Assessment

A range of assessment methods will be used, including presentations, academic essays and work-based projects.

Progression

Students have direct entry into the second or third year of the BA Fine Arts Degree course at the University of Wolverhampton with a merit/distinction profile and tutor's recommendation. Students can also progress to employment.

How to Apply

Full-time students should apply through UCAS route B only.

Part-time students should apply direct to the college.

Video clips for this course:

Printmaking (3 minutes)

Students on the HND Fine Arts course work on projects in the printmaking room.
View video... about printmaking |

Nigel Westwood Burgess (2 minutes)

Nigel Westwood Burgess, a student on the HND Fine Arts course, talks about his kinetic art project.
View video... about Nigel Westwood Burgess |