Art

An art research degree is not a continuation of studio practice or a residency, but instead asks you to place your work in relation to that of other practitioners in a contemporary and historical context. In this respect, new knowledge and originality can consist of different combinations of existing knowledge as a means of demonstrating and proving original practice. Typically, we enable you to focus and refine detailed aspects of your practice that you locate very specifically in a range of knowledge fields that may or may not previously have been associated with fine art. It encourages you to explore more critically – and make connections with and between – the thoughts and actions of others, and your own imperatives as a practising artist. Through developing dialogues and exchanges within your supervisory team, and external connections made as part of your research, you will then be able to put forward your completed research project and take the first steps in expanding your connections with a larger artistic and academic community. Research students are encouraged to present conference papers, participate in seminars, public exhibitions and other forms of critical exchange, as part of the research process. You will write a thesis in parallel with the practice-based research, that should demonstrate an original contribution to knowledge. We will help you focus on the appropriate practice for pursuing your research, and refine appropriate forms of discourse and dissemination. Research Areas Staff specialisms include:

• Art and biblical interpretation

• Ethiopian artistic and architectural heritage; curatorial practice

• Socially engaged practice

• Curation in a community context

• Contemporary painting

• Modernism re-explored in contemporary fine art practice

• Agendas around art and wellbeing

• Concrete poetry

• Artists’ publishing

• Contemporary drawing practice and pedagogy

• Sculpture

• The extended field in relation to performance and video.

Students travel from around the world to study at the university and there is plenty of help and advice on offer to ease their transition. Before arrival, there is country specific information on a range of topics and once in England there is help for matters such as immigration and visas, working between classes and evening bringing family members to the country. There is help with English language skills for those who don’t already speak the language and even advice about matters such as faith and religion in the UK to help international students feel at home and comfortable. At the heart of life outside the classroom is the Students Union. The union operates a number of venues as well as organising annual events such as the Summer Ball and providing support and guidance for students. It also operates some 30 different sports teams that range from rugby and hockey to equestrian disciplines and even trampolining. In particular, there are seven focus sports in both classroom and social levels – rugby league and union, hockey, football, tennis, volleyball and netball. There is an annual competition with the University of Worcester covering a range of different sports. In addition, there are a range of subject and interest based societies and also volunteer and charity work opportunities as well as student run media outlets such as the radio station and a newspaper called SPACE.