Putney School of Art and Design

Background

The courses provide specialist, structured study for students interested in contemporary visual arts. You will be guided by a team of tutors to make the most of your studies with the aim of producing work of a high standard. It will be a chance to find out your strengths and aptitudes and give you a grounding in the basic elements, concepts and materials of fine art and design practise. The courses will encourage experimentation and allow for exploration of a range of media and approaches, giving you the opportunity to develop your interests and your artistic "voice".

1 Year Certificate

This programme is intended for those who wish to explore their visual arts studies in a structured teaching environment over a one year period. Flexibility is built-in with the option of either specialising from the beginning in your chosen area or exploring a range of media. You may wish to continue your studies into a second year to complete the Diploma in Art and Design.

2 Year Diploma

This programme is designed for those wishing to develop their artistic practice over a sustained period of time. In the first year you will be encouraged to explore a range of media, and in the second year there will be the chance to specialise in a chosen area. By the end you will have put together a professionally presented portfolio, suitable for gaining entry to a BA degree course.

Modes of study

The Certificate and Diploma in Art and Design are offered part-time. You will be required to attend two core subjects plus a third subject of your choice each term. The time commitment is nine hours per week in course time and up to three hours study at home per week in order to complete projects.

The certificate is a one-year course and the diploma lasts two years.

Entry requirements

You will be asked to attend a short interview, to discuss your previous experience, and examples of work, though your enthusiasm and commitment will be the most important entry criteria. At the interview please be prepared to discuss how you will manage your existing commitments to enable you to attend the course.

Course details

You will be required to attend two core courses - the visual studies course on Tuesdays and the contextual studies course on Thursdays - which will equip you with the fundamental theories and practices of art and design. You will be offered guidance on your own areas of specialism from a list of options, which include:

• Printmaking - etching
• Screenprinting
• Stone lithography
• Oil painting
• Life drawing
• Life painting
• Introduction to drawing and painting
• Watercolour
• Experimental media
• Digital art and design
• Digital photography
• Desktop publishing
• Book illustration
• Ceramics
• Ceramic sculpture
• Contextual studies/art history

Courses are taught by a team of tutors with professional specialist knowledge in the subjects. The courses include regular visits to contemporary exhibitions and collections. Each term you will be offered an individual tutorial and a group seminar to discuss your progress with the course tutor. At the end of the course you will take part in a group exhibition.

How much will it cost?

Course fees are paid termly and vary according to your circumstances, with special reductions offered to residents in the borough.

Comments on the course from previous students

"A liberating course that opens new avenues for self expression and creativity."
Rachel Parker

"The course offers opportunities for me to experiment with different art media, styles and techniques, providing an all round curriculum which makes sense ... I'm learning so much on route and certainly enjoying the journey."
Kate Pettit

"A fantastic experience giving me loads of confidence and filling the gaps in knowledge that I longed to fill for so long."
Claudia Cliff

"My mind has been opened up to so many new and exciting possibilities and ideas. I look forward to every class."
Abi Lipski