module specification

FA6002 Final Project marks the summation of the BA Fine Art programme of studies. It comprises a major piece of independent study, produced under supervision and guidance. The purpose of the final project is to demonstrate the application and integration of the skills and knowledge gained throughout the course. 

The module requires the student to submit an initial project proposal (in the companion module FA6001) for approval by the teaching team, followed by a period of research and development, culminating in the submission of a final body of work determined by the scope and character of the initial aims and objectives of the proposal.  The module will be supported by a series of project planning workshop. On this basis, the module will require the student to frame the project in contemporary discourse and be able to justify the methods employed in its execution, including the conceptual and practical aims of the project and its intended audience/reception. Students are also required to keep an illustrated reflective journal documenting the history of the project.

The Final Project and Project Development module are delivered holistically in the final degree level. Students are expected to reflect upon and represent the complexity of critical and creative relationships between and across the body of work undertaken in degree level.

Pass & Completion of preceding level

The main module aims are to:

• Afford students the opportunity and environment in which to undertake a sustained piece of project work under guidance and in response to structured feedback.
• Realise degree-level technical and conceptual knowledge and understanding consistent with the aims and objectives of the final project
• Integrate the various elements of the project, practical, aesthetic, conceptual and contextual in a professional manner.

Indicative Content:

• Outline of Module: Project Proposal and research methodology
• Guided Independent Study
• Research, experiment, testing
• Reflection, Revision, formative assessment (in-class presentation)
• Structured Feedback & Guidance
• Work in progress
• Presentations/folio review
• Reflection, Revision
• Submission of project and critical commentary.

Intensive studio practice supported by individual and group tutorials, research clinics, seminars, and project planning workshops. Formative supervisory guidance is provided to encourage production of an appropriately evidenced research proposal and folio equivalent to a professional standard.

On completing the module, the student should be able to:

1. Devise, manage and produce a coherent body of art work based on research explorations;
2. Identify and develop appropriate technical skills and processes to support the realisation of their art practice;
3. Demonstrate an ability to organise and sustain their own learning and practice to manage workloads and meet deadlines;
4. Apply informed critical judgement in relation to their art practice and its resolution;
5. Employ research, resourcefulness and entrepreneurial strategies to support their practice and ambition.

The strategy is to provide an iterative and developmental model of assessment.  Formative assessment feedback is immediate and advisory. Tutorials provide opportunities to discuss learning objectives and routes to improvement. These are discussed, determined and recorded with each student. These will inform the student of their progress through the course and go forward to inform the assessment panel at summative assessment.

Summative assessment feedback takes place at the end of the module. Written feedback addresses the strengths and weaknesses of individual presentations in relation to the grading criteria. Assessment and evaluation are viewed as significant learning tools with students engaging in peer and self-evaluation.

Work will be assessed against the learning outcomes in relation to the following criteria:

• Appropriate use of research methods
• Quality of analysis and interpretation
• Subject knowledge and relevance
• Quality of communication and presentation
• Appropriate use of problem solving, testing and experimentation
• Management of own learning and personal professional development

As required by scope and character of the final project.