PG Cert in Arts Practice

Connect is a part time postgraduate level course, which gives you a Certificate in Arts Practice from the University of Derby. The course is taught at The University of Northampton. It is designed to run within a calendar year, and is structured and delivered around four key modules:

• Professional Practice, Planning and Presentation
• Beyond the Gallery
• Exhibiting
• Reflection and Evaluation.

Each module is made up of two assignments. You'll be assessed by coursework, which usually includes written assignments, presentations and an exhibition.

Professional Practice, Planning and Presentation

This module prepares you for working in the visual art and craft environment, providing you with strategies for presenting your work in a professional way. You will reflect on the current position of your practice as well as investigate contemporary artists who provide the context for your own work. Assessment will focus on a Research based Assignment File, which should include appropriate research, contextual information, analysis, evaluation as well as weekly documented progress regarding your practice/art/craft etc using both written and image based input.

Beyond the Gallery

This module focuses on the various ways and contexts in which artists and makers operate, away from the traditional exhibition/gallery format. You will be introduced to, or refocus on alternative modes of operation such as: community arts, educational contexts, commissions, public art, artist-led organisations, non-gallery display and residencies etc.  You will be introduced to the advanced concepts and complex structures of marketing work and to successfully manage your finances as professional artist/makers.
Subjects to be addressed will include: costing and pricing, traditional and e based marketing, skills in financial management including cash-flow planning, simple profit and loss accounting and sources of financial advice and funding bodies.

Exhibiting

This module focuses on the development of the aesthetic, practical and communication skills needed when displaying art works and mounting an exhibition in a public gallery space. You will prepare work for exhibition, and working with others, design, schedule, promote and exhibit your work. You'll explore the writing of artists' statements and be introduced to photographing your work for portfolio and catalogue purposes. Practical activity will be supported by an exploration of relevant case studies as well as evaluation, analysis and critical reflection of your own experience.

Reflection and Evaluation

The final module enables you to reflect upon your preparation for projects and this exhibition, and to reappraise your professional position. It's an opportunity to reflect on your learning and development through the programme. It includes evaluation of the aesthetic, economic and practical domains of
professional practice in art and craft making. You will use this module to reflect on your own practice and that of other professional artists and makers.

Start dates

This course starts in January.