3-Dimensional Design FdA (Barnfield College)

Course title:	FdA 3-Dimensional Design
Apply:	via UCAS/ direct to the University for part-time
Code:	W290
Start (ft):	September
Start (pt):	September
Mode:	full-time/ part-time
Duration:	2 years full-time/ 3 years part-time
Location:	Barnfield College
Faculty:	Faculty of Creative Arts, Technologies & Science
Department:	Bedfordshire Institute of Media and the Creative & Performing Arts: Division of Art & Design

Summary

This vocational course is aimed at preparing you for a career as a designer/maker of three dimensional design crafts.

You will study in a stimulating environment with a wide range of resources including friendly, committed full and part-time staff, who are experienced professional designers, practitioners and teachers with links to industry.

We are dedicated to providing a creative learning environment and enabling our students to develop their particular interests and skills.

The course focuses on the design of artefacts within Ceramics, Glass and Jewellery. With an emphasis on nurturing the individual, students are encouraged to explore traditional techniques and innovative ways of working with a range of 3D materials.

This course aims to develop students’ creative and practical skills and introduce them to the fundamental principles of 3D Design practice through work related activities such as live projects, competitions, exhibitions and work placements.

The course is supported by contextual studies to underpin students’ understanding of the context of their practice.

Why choose this course?

Barnfield College was rated as an ‘outstanding’ college (Ofsted - June 2007) and has been awarded six centres of Vocational Excellence by the Learning and Skills Council.

The college has a strong and well-established reputation for 3D Design and established its first Higher Education course in Ceramics in 1996.

Barnfield College has been running Art and Design courses for over 40 years at all levels.

Career Opportunities

Career opportunities include employment within a design team as a designer, assistant designer, prototype maker, technician, or buyer; further study leading to a career as a teacher; or self-employment as a freelance designer or independent designer-maker.

Teaching/learning methods and strategies

The course is intensive and you will be expected to engage in private study, both inside and outside of the college, to maximise your potential.

It is expected that you will produce evidence of working for approximately 37 hours per week.

Assessment

There are two practical units and one written unit per year. Each unit has a set of project briefs with set deadlines and requires a substantial portfolio of work to be produced.

Assessment is conducted per unit.

Both practical and written assignments are assessed through a series of tutorials, group presentations and critiques, and assessment of final work.

Students are assessed at the end of each year and the profile of results will determine progression from one year to the next.

There is a comprehensive marking procedure, and a referral and repeat system is in place for any students who are unsuccessful in passing any unit.

Further details about the course

Year 1:
During the first year you will be introduced to the fundamental principles of 3D Design with the aim of developing skills and confidence.

A range of materials, tools and techniques are introduced, including clays, glazes, firing techniques, kiln formed glass, metals, plastics, mould making and model making techniques, drawing, printmaking, and CAD.

Written assignments involving research into historical, contemporary and visual art and design culture, link to the practical elements of the course.

Year 2:
During the second year you will have the opportunity to develop your interests and skills within your preferred specialist study area of Ceramics, Jewellery or Glass, or a combination of these.

You will expand upon the skills acquired in year one, and put them into context intellectually and professionally through work based learning, live projects, competitions, a final major project and public exhibitions.

You will write your own briefs, collaborate and work with employers, be encouraged to take risks, and continue to analyse your own and others’ work.

The course culminates in the college End of Year Show, in which all students participate.

Part-time students:
Part-time study over a longer period is offered by negotiation, but is only possible with some prior knowledge or experience of the subject area.

Equipment:
You will need to have your own art kit to study the course.

This kit will be added to, with specialist tools and equipment, as you progress through the course and identify a personal specialist subject area.

A basic art kit consists of:

Sketchbooks – hard back, good quality paper (4)
A4 Lever-arch files (4)
A4 lined paper or note book
Thin card (manila) assignment folders (2)
Range of drawing pencils (‘B’ range)
Paints
Paint brushes – range of sizes, both good quality and cheaper ones.
Oil pastels
Marker pens
Rubbers
Charcoal
Fine liner pen
Ink (black / blue-black ‘Quink’)
Glue stick
PVA adhesive
Masking tape
Fixative
Steel rule
Basic geometry set
Scissors
Stanley knife, scalpel and replacement blades
Scalpel and replacement blades

Recommended reading

Berger J, (1972), Ways of Seeing, Penguin, London
Junger H, (2003), Found Treasures, Thames and Hudson, London
Pipes A, (2007), Drawing for Designers, Laurence King Publishing, London
Urquiola P, (2007), International Design Yearbook, Laurence King Publishing, London
Craftworker’s Yearbook, (2007) White Angle Press, Crewe

Entry requirements

A portfolio of Art & Design work, GCSE English grade C or above and a 2 year full time level 3 qualification in art or design such as BTEC National Diploma , A levels, Art & Design Foundation Diploma.

Maths GCSE grade C or above preferred but not essential.

Alternative / equivalent vocational qualifications or experience will be considered, particularly for mature students.

Special entry requirements

All applicants will be required to attend interview before a place can be offered.

Overseas applicants can send work via email and CD.

Attendance

There are approximately 15 hours of taught sessions over 3 days per week.

Find out more

If you need any further information, please contact the Course Leader, Ruth Parsfield
E: ruth.parsfield@barnfield.ac.uk

Please bear in mind that lecturers will sometimes be away from the office, so if you have an urgent enquiry please contact us through our main enquiry portal:

E: highereducationenquiries@barnfield.ac.uk
T: +44 (0)1582 569654

Related Links

• Read the full course information (programme specification)
• Barnfield College

Further Study Opportunities

Providing you are successful in obtaining the Foundation Degree qualification you will be offered a place on the final year top-up BA (Hons) Degree in Art & Design at the University of Bedfordshire (Luton campus).

(Top-up students, based at the university are encouraged to return to Barnfield College for the use of our specialist 3D facilities where appropriate.)

• Art and Design BA Hons

General Enquiries

• www.beds.ac.uk/howtoapply for information about standard entry requirements, application routes, open days, fees and funding.
• T: +44 (0)1582 489286 UK/EU Admissions
• T: +44 (0)1582 489326 International Admissions
• Order a prospectus form. Enquire about courses and order a printed undergraduate or postgraduate prospectus.
• T: +44 (0)1234 400 400 University switchboard