University College Isle of Man (UCM) has launched two new art degrees which have been validated by the University of Chester.
Students who want to study an art degree on-Island can select from two pathways which have been designed to not only meet the interests of students, but also to match the skills identified for the local creative industry which aims to ensure students can find employment in their desired industry, without having to leave the Island.
The two degree courses are BA (Hons) Creative Practice Fine Art, which lead to art careers such as art director, community arts worker, freelance artist and exhibition designer, and BA (Hons) Creative Practice Visual Communication, which lead to areas such as marketing, branding, graphic design, illustration, photography and animation.
Throughout the three year, full time course students hone their skills in their preferred medium and also learn important commercial skills such as creating identity and critical practice.
The focus for the courses is on fostering innovation and creativity within a context of entrepreneurship and professional practice, working as teams, cultivating reflective practice, and developing a personal creative identity.
In the first year students on both courses study the foundation elements of the degrees together, then during the second and third years students specialise in their chosen pathway.
The students are taught and supported by lecturers who have significant experience as creative industry practitioners.
(Miss) Gail Corrin, UCM’s Higher Education Manager, said: “We’re really excited to be launching two new degrees for students who want to join the creative industry sector and the many associated creativity based careers. We’ve designed the course, which is validated by our partner, the University of Chester to enable students, from the outset, to establish connections with potential employers, creative professionals and associates, to make themselves aware of all the opportunities for graduates in Creative Practices and so facilitate the building of their professional reputation.
“Studying a specialist degree through this approach will greatly enhance students’ employability and readiness to enter the workplace. This is ideal for students who have completed their A levels and who want a degree but don’t want to leave the Island, and also for mature students who want to move into this exciting industry.”
The aim of the two degree programmes align with the Isle of Man Government’s ambitions for culture and the arts, as highlighted in the National Development Strategy for Culture and the Arts, 2017-2027 which was approved by Tynwald in 2017.
Students can apply online at www.ucm.ac.im now. Anyone looking for financial support with their qualification can apply for a Student Award grant at www.gov.im by the 31st July.