Art, Philosophy, Contemporary Practices

Why study Art, Philosophy, Contemporary Practices at Dundee?

This interdisciplinary connection brings together excellence in research and teaching within a mainstream university environment. You will be taught by academic staff with national and international reputations as practising artists, theorists, philosophers and writers who contribute significantly to the shaping of contemporary culture and debate.

Our students come from a wide range of backgrounds. The quality of studio and workshop provision is high, with students having access to a digital imaging suite and the University's computing workstations.

The programme reflects current cultural practices integrating practical and theoretical studies beyond disciplinary boundaries. If you have a strong interest in philosophical issues but also want practical studio experience as an artist then BA (Hons) Art, Philosophy, Contemporary Practices is the course for you.

At the end of the course you will be able to:

• Combine making with reflection
• Express imaginative visual ideas
• Use critical thinking and analytical abilities in your creative work

Who should study Art, Philosophy, Contemporary Practices?

For examples of student work, staff profiles, and news from Art, Philosophy, Contemporary Practices , visit the DJCAD website and for details of philosophy modules, staff profiles, and news, visit the Philosophy webpage.

Art & Media Programme

Art, philosophy, contemporary practices is one of three courses that comprise the art & media programme (art, philosophy, contemporary practices, fine art, time based art & digital film). This programme has an already established reputation as the only interdisciplinary arts curriculum in Scotland. The bringing together of three distinct pathways under the art and media programme offers a broad educational experience and access to a wide range of staff expertise while also allowing you to gain deep knowledge and expertise in your chosen subject pathway of art, philosophy, contemporary practices.

Related courses

• Animation
• Digital Interaction Design
• Fine Art (Digital Media, Drawing & Painting, Printmaking, Sculpture)
• Graphic Design
• Illustration
• Interior Environmental Design
• Jewellery & Metal Design
• Product Design
• Textile Design
• Time Based Art & Digital Film

Teaching & Assessment

The programme is centred upon a productive dialogue between art practice and theory within, across and beyond individual academic disciplines

Careers

Our graduates are highly sought after professionals well equipped for a great number of professions. As articulate practitioners or theorists trained in creative practice they are resourceful and flexible. Possible careers include:

• Artist
• Arts administration
• Management
• Curation and cultural policy making
• Publishing
• Writing and journalism
• Criticism
• Research
• Consultancy
• Teaching profession

Postgraduate study

Some graduates choose to continue their studies at postgraduate level on our taught Masters degree or PhD programmes.

Enterprise/Freelance

Others have gone on to freelance and establishing their own successful businesses. Extra curriculum activities such as the Enterprise Gym help students cultivate entrepreneurial skills. The Greenhouse Business Pre-Incubator facility provides ambitious students with an office space to explore their business idea.

Entry Requirements

Students applying for Art, Philosophy, Contemporary Practices must successfully complete our 1 year Art and Design (General Foundation) course. In this instance you should apply using the UCAS code WW12.

Alternatively, if you have already completed a recognised foundation course or equivalent elsewhere then apply directly to Art, Philosophy, Contemporary Practices.

The following are the minimum requirements, please note qualifications have to be obtained at the first sitting of examinations.

Selection notes

All applicants must submit a comprehensive portfolio of art and design work. The qualifications listed below may be modified for an applicant presenting an exceptional portfolio.

Students are selected by assessing the contents of a portfolio of work that should convey a measure of creative, practical skill and intellectual/enthusiastic engagement in the practice of art and design.

Courses starting September 2013

BA/BDes Art & Design Specialisms Level 2 Entry

Qualification	Grade
SQA Advanced Higher	BB (Advanced Higher) + BB (Higher) in different subjects
GCE A-Level	ABB
IB Diploma	34 points (including 6, 6, 5, at Higher level)
Other	Foundation Degree in Art & Design
Other	HND in an Art & Design subject with BB in the Graded Units
Essential Subjects	Art and Design, or related subject (at SQA Advanced Higher, GCE A-Level, IB Higher Level), an appropriate literate subject (at SQA Advanced Higher, GCE A Level, IB Higher Level) and one other subject outside art & design subjects (at SQA Higher, GCE A Level, IB Higher Level).
All applicants must also submit a comprehensive portfolio of art/design/creative work.
Applicants may be invited to attend an interview and visit the course.

Other Qualifications

Qualification	Grade
SQA	A recognised Foundation Course or a relevant HND with BB in the Graded Units
Scottish Baccalaureate	Pass with BB at AH
EDEXCEL	A recognised Foundation Course or a relevant BTEC Extended Diploma with DDM
Advanced Diploma	Grade B with ASL A-levels in appropriate subjects at AB
Welsh Baccalaureate	Pass with A-levels in appropriate subjects at AB
All qualifications will be considered on an individual basis. All qualifications should include a relevant Art & Design subject & a literate subject. A comprehensive portfolio of creative work is required, and an interview may be required.
Applicants with alternative overseas qualifications should visit the relevant country page on our International website.

Fees and Funding

There have been many changes to the arrangements for funding students entering higher education in recent years, yet a degree from the University of Dundee, with its high rate of employment success, remains a cost-effective option.

The fees you pay will, in most cases, depend on your current country of residence.

Fee category	Fees for students starting September 2012	Scholarships & Bursaries applicable
Scottish students	£1,820 per year of study. You can apply to the Students Award Agency for Scotland (SAAS) to have your tuition fees paid by the Scottish government.	DJCAD Academic Scholarships Other Scholarships
Students from the rest of the UK	£9,000 per year of study. You can apply for financial assistance, including a loan to cover the full cost of the tuition fees, from the Student Loan Company.	University of Dundee Bursaries DJCAD Academic Scholarships Other Scholarships
EU students	£1,820 per year of study. You can apply to the Students Award Agency for Scotland (SAAS) to have your tuition fees paid by the Scottish government.	Other Scholarships
Overseas students (non-EU)	£11,461 per year.	DJCAD Academic Scholarships Other Scholarships

The fee shown is annual, and may be subject to an increase each year.

Living Costs

• Dundee is ranked as one of the most affordable places for students to live in the UK, and the cost of living is around 15% cheaper than the UK average.
• Increasing numbers of students are successfully undertaking part-time work to supplement their income. You can get advice from our Careers Service, both about job opportunities and how to find a suitable study/work/life balance. EU and international students are also allowed to work up to 20 hours per week.
• As a student in Scotland, you have free access to the National Health Service. Visits to doctors and hospitals, as well as prescriptions, sight tests and dental checkups, are available free of charge.

Your Application

All applications must be made through UCAS

UCAS Codes

Institution Code: D65

Degree	UCAS Codes	KIS data
BDes Art, Philosophy, Contemporary Practices	WV15	View KIS data for this course

UCAS Application Process

Portfolio & Interview

Suitable applicants may be called for interview. For interview, a comprehensive portfolio of visual artwork and an appropriate example of written work must be submitted.

What skills, qualities and experience do I need?

This truly interdisciplinary course requires abilities to think both creatively and analytically: you should feel equally comfortable making art in the studio, engaging with pencil, paint, ink, cameras or sculpture - as well as reading and writing. Both are required in this course which links the practice of making with the expression of critical understanding. Artists and philosophers teach this unique course, aided by academics in film studies, literature, art history and theory. A wide range of cross-disciplinary practices are reflected in the course content. Writing is an integral part of this course, as is the making of art. Students in Level 3 have the opportunity for foreign exchange if desired. An honours degree exhibition, a dissertation and an oral presentation of ideas and work are the culmination of four years of study.

Applicants should have the relevant qualifications listed in the 'Entry Requirements' section including English and Art/Design. A sound grasp of English is essential for textual analysis. Qualified applicants may be invited for interview on campus and will be asked to bring a portfolio and sample of essay writing.

Tips for your application

It is not the everyday student who is suited to this course: we look for that unusual individual who combines many interests and abilities. Reading, watching films, attending theatre, listening to music, engaging in performance, travelling, climbing and writing poetry might be the interests, for example, of the sort of person who also enjoys making art and discussing ideas through intellectual debate. What we look for is a natural curiosity about the world, evidence of reflection and contemplation, active participation in making and doing, and a willingness to encounter new ideas. Applicants might come from many backgrounds. We do not expect lengthy experience with either art or philosophy, but rather look for someone with creative visual skills (in a sketchbook, drawings, photographs, etc) balanced with an ability to write clearly (evident in an essay). The interview process is the chance for us to assess a potential student who will work hard and will equally be your chance to learn more about a challenging and multi-faceted course.

International Applicants

We have information specifically for international applicants on our International website:

• Your Home Country - including information about qualifications from individual countries
• Fees and Funding
• English Language Requirements
• International Student Support

Any questions?

If you have any further questions about the application process, please contact: