Situated in the newest University Campus in London, BA (Hons) Contemporary Art and Visual Media is a unique and innovative programme. It builds on the research excellence and scholarly expertise of the staff team and offers an opportunity for students to gain a breadth of knowledge and understanding of the contemporary art scene.

• 240 UCAS tariff points or equivalent

Qualifications should normally be in humanities subjects. We welcome applications from mature students with non-standard qualifications who have a lively interest in the historical and theoretical study of contemporary visual arts.

• develop a wide and detailed knowledge of many forms of Contemporary Art and Visual Media
• become familiar with a range of past and contemporary theories about art, cinema and visual media in general
• study the impact of social, historical and cultural forces on contemporary art, cinema and visual culture

Knowledge and understanding

• develop a wide and detailed knowledge of many forms of contemporary art and visual media
• become familiar with the historical and contemporary frameworks for discussing and analysing art, design, film and new media

'Thinking' skills

• learn to articulate and structure complex ideas and arguments convincingly
• evaluate sources and ideas critically and make informed decisions about their relevance and worth

Subject-Based Practical skills

• gain sophisticated techniques of observation and visual analysis
• elaborate in an informed and convincing way how contemporary art and visual media have been discussed and theorised by leading historical and contemporary writers

Skills for life and work

• acquire a range of research and analytical skills
• communicate effectively using your research and reading as well as first-hand observation to articulate proposals that are convincing and well informed

The typical duration of this programme is three years full-time or five years part-time. It is possible to move from full-time to part-time study and vice-versa to accommodate any external factors such as financial constraints or domestic commitments. Many of our students make use of this flexibility and this may impact on the overall duration of their study period.

The teaching year begins in September and ends in June. It is also possible to commence in semester B in February. A typical full-time student will study the equivalent of 120 credits over the year. A typical part-time student will study for one day and one evening per week and will complete 60-80 credits.

This programme is part of a modular degree scheme. A typical full-time student will take six 20 credit modules per year. An honours degree student will complete six modules at level one, six at level 2 and six at level 3.
It is possible to bring together modules from one subject with modules from another to produce a combined programme. Subjects are offered in a variety of combinations:

• Single - 120 credits at levels one, two and three with minimum of 40 credits drawn from University wide options
• Major - 80 credits at levels one, two and three with a minimum of 20 credits drawn from University wide options
• Joint - 60 credits at levels one, two and three with a minimum of 20 credits drawn from University wide options
• Minor - 40 credits at levels one, two and three.

Modules are defined as:

• Core - Must be taken
• Option - Select from a range of identified modules within the field
• University wide option - Select from a wide range of modules across the University

In order to gain an honours degree you will need to obtain 360 credits including:

• A minimum of 120 credits at level one or higher
• A minimum of 120 credits at level two or higher
• A minimum of 120 credits at level three or higher

In order to gain an ordinary degree you will need to obtain a minimum of 300 credits including:

• A minimum of 120 credits at level one or higher
• A minimum of 120 credits at level two or higher
• A minimum of 60 credits at level three or higher

In order to gain a Diploma of Higher Education you will need to obtain at least 240 credits including a minimum of 120 credits at level one or higher and 120 credits at level two or higher
In order to gain a Certificate of Higher Education you will need to obtain 120 credits at level one or higher.
In order to gain a Foundation Degree you will need to obtain a minimum of 240 credits including:

• A minimum of 120 credits at level one or higher
• A minimum of 120 credits at level two or higher

(A foundation degree is linked to a named Honours degree onto which a student may progress after successful completion of the Foundation degree.)

Knowledge and understanding is developed through

• Lectures, seminars and tutorials
• Independent study and research
• Study visits to art institutions, galleries, exhibitions and museums and film screenings

'Thinking' skills are developed through

• Classroom discussions and group presentations
• Research and writing assignments and essays
• Reading and critical analysis

Practical skills are developed through

• Class exercises and pairwork/ groupwork
• Written assignments and essays
• Presentations and study visits

General skills are developed through

• Assignments, projects and essays
• Collaborative presentations

Knowledge is assessed by

• Essays and written assignments
• Individual and group presentations
• Examinations
• Discussions

Thinking skills are assessed by

• Essays and written assignments
• Group analysis and discussions
• Research studies
• Examinations
• Tutorials

Practical skills are assessed by

• Presentations
• Study visits to art exhibitions, museums, galleries and archives
• Screenings
• Group projects

Skills for life and work (general skills) are assessed by

• Essays and written work
• Group activities and pairwork/group work
• Presentations