Module Information

This module embeds both employability and enterprise skills into the core curriculum for Fine Art practitioners. The key skills developed through this module support second and third-year studies, in addition to establishing future career paths and employment goals.

Students are introduced to a wide range of career possibilities within the arts sector and put into effect self-promotion, job application and reflective practice techniques. Authentic assessment design provides a real-world experience, effectively preparing students for future employment opportunities. Reflective writing assessments help students to articulate and present ideas including their artistic intentions clearly and persuasively. Whereas the vocation focused assessments prepare students professionally for a career in the arts. Such authentic, vocation-oriented training encourages students to develop an ethos of professionalism as artists.

Students will be introduced to the principles of exhibition organisation and self-promotion in addition to professional social media use, effective website design and its management. Students will develop professionalism in all areas of practice, from reflective writing to professional photographic capture of artwork, developing vocational skills essential to sustain a career as an artist.

Students will learn through interactions with professional practitioners, both external and internal and apply this knowledge through career focused, authentic assignments. Students will produce a professional artist’s website, complete an authentic job application, and write a reflective article on their art practice. In addition, the module provides a supportive environment to discuss and resolve problems that occur for students and professionals regardless of their fine art discipline.

Through a blended learning approach in combination with authentic assessment design, students will discover and develop key vocational skills essential for a successful career in the arts. As a core module for Fine Art single honours students, the flexibility provided through a blended approach enriches and deepens their learning experience.
‘Meet the Professional’ sessions are a series of external talks from past and present students, local artists, and professionals within the arts and heritage sector. A broad selection of specialisms are represented in the schedule, introducing students to a variety of career possibilities as a Fine Art graduate. On module, 8 hours will be dedicated to ‘Meet the Professional’ sessions.

Assessment workshops focus on the application and development of key skills required to succeed in the authentic module assessments. Each workshop is tailored to provide an interactive, assessment focused learning experience, preparing students for the module assessment future real world experience. Each assessment has a dedicated workshop and dedicated Q and A session effectively supporting students learning and development. Workshops will account for 4 hours of timetabled content.

Over the module, 6 hours of asynchronous online lecturettes and video demonstrations support the in-person workshops and ‘Meet the Professional’ talks, effectively supporting the students learning experience. A wide range of topics are covered including time management, approaching galleries, website design, digitisation of artwork, artist statements and postgraduate study. The content will naturally develop and change in line with the learning outcomes, module aims and everchanging graduate employment needs.