Art on the edge - Degree opportunities in the Outer Hebrides
‘Being able to study for a degree through the UHI in Uist has been a lifeline. It is the only way I could have come this far, and I fully intend to carry on to the end of fourth year….’ - Third year student.
The art and design courses have been steadily developing and expanding. The latest initiative has seen students able to progress to a BA Fine Art at degree level, and in 2011 to complete an Honours fourth year. Students can undertake this course while living and working on the islands through the successful partnership of Lews Castle College with Moray College in Elgin (Partners in the UHI). A flexible ‘blended’ delivery of new information and communication technology allows students to study in Uist with short block attendance at Moray during the two semesters. They get the best of all worlds, able to use the distinctive environment of the Uist as a springboard for their work; they enjoy the stimulus of meeting other students and staff. This year there are 20 Fine Art degree students studying at the vibrant art centre Taigh Chearsabhagh. Another 10 students are taking the National Certificate in Art and Design.
Fundamental to the teaching and learning is the location of the islands. A strong environmental focus underpins all aspects of the course, the Uists provides a unique and inspiring place to work. The natural environment and strong cultural heritage are important areas of research, and this year 11 students relocated to Uist to study, and this looks like continuing with 4 recent applications, one from Bulgaria. Students can develop their own creative response, using traditional and contemporary media, with workshop facilities available in printmaking, photography and film. The opportunity to take a BA in Fine Art with honours is important for both residents and for those choosing to come and study in this exciting and creative place.
NATIONAL CERTIFICATE IN ART AND DESIGN
After 11 years the NC Art and Design course continues to provide an excellent introduction to art studies. This one year programme welcomes all levels of ability and teaches a variety of skills from Drawing and Painting through to Photography and Textiles. On successful completion students can apply on to Higher Education, and have gained confidence in handling a range of media. This year 3 students are applying on to Glasgow, London, and Edinburgh as well as to our own degree. It is possible to attend on a part time basis, selecting individual SQA units. Both young and mature students enjoy the variety and creativity of this course.
BA in Applied Music at the University of the Highlands and Islands
