Central Saint Martins
College of Art and Design
BA (Honours) Criticism, Communication and
Curation: Arts and Design
Course Information
Contents
Page
1 Why study at University of the Arts? 1
The College and its location 1
2 Entry requirements and selection process 2
• Minimum entry requirements 2
• English language requirements 2
• International applicants 2
• What we look for 3
• Student selection criteria 3
• Interview advice 4
• How to apply 4
• What happens next? 4
• International applicants 5
3 About the Course 5
• Distinctive features of the course 5
• Course structure 6
• Outline of the course 6
• Developing your skills 7
• Resources 7
• Future careers and graduate prospects 7
• Frequently asked questions 8
• Financial information: fees, additional costs and funding 8
• Open days and prospectus 10
4 Contact us 10
5 About this Institution 10
• Disability access 10
• Learning resources 11
• Careers advice and guidance 11
• Student Services 11
• Students’ Union 11
This leaflet is intended to provide course information to prospective applicants, parents, guardians
and teachers or advisors. Please note that, whilst every care has been taken to ensure accuracy at
the time of production, the information contained in this leaflet may be subject to change.
University of the Arts
London
Course Title BA (Honours) Criticism, Communication and Curation: Arts and Design
Study level Undergraduate
Study mode Full Time
Course length 3 years
Start date September
Course terms Autumn: Monday 26 September - Friday 9 December 2011
Spring: Monday 9 January – Friday 15 March 2012
Summer: Monday 16 April – Friday 22 June 2012
1. Why study at The University of the Arts London comprises six world-class Colleges situated
University of the Arts in prime sites across London. Drawing upon more than 150 years of
London? experience from these colleges it is Europe’s leading University for art, design,
fashion, communication and the performing arts. The University and its
Colleges are committed to advancing our standing as a world-class centre for
teaching, learning and research into the arts and creative disciplines and to
further strengthening our areas of specialisation, pushing the boundaries of the
arts and design in the UK and internationally.
The course is run at CENTRAL SAINT MARTINS COLLEGE OF ART AND
DESIGN. In 2011 the College will be relocated to Granary Building, Kings
Cross Tel: +44 (0)20 7514 7022
The College and its The College and its location
location
Central Saint Martins brings together the former St Martin’s School of Art and
Central School of Art and Design, plus Drama Centre London and Byam Shaw
School of Art. The London Studio Centre is a connected institution.
Central Saint Martins has a distinguished international reputation. It provides
specialist education and research in the fields of fine art, fashion, textiles,
graphic and communication design, 3D design, including specialist courses in
product design, ceramics and jewellery, and performance, acting and directing,
interdisciplinary art and architecture.
It offers the opportunity to study from foundation through undergraduate and
postgraduate to research degrees across one of the most diverse and
comprehensive ranges of art and design courses in the country.
Central Saint Martins' alumni have a profound impact on our lives. Successful
students have created the iconic designs of London's red Routemaster buses
and the chopper bike, as well as theatrical productions like Phantom of the
Opera and exquisite fashion at Dior and Chloé in Paris.
Tutors are active creative professionals or researchers, who are practicing
artists, designers, performers, curators and writers in the creative industries.
Students come from diverse cultural backgrounds, over 90 different countries
and all age groups, bringing with them a broad experience of life.
To help us ensure an education at Central Saint Martins remains a very special
experience, the University of the Arts London is investing in a landmark project
that brings the three largest Central Saint Martins sites together in one
building. Located at the heart of a 64-acre development within easy reach of
King’s Cross and St Pancras stations (and just 10–15 minutes’ walk from our
present site), the new building will deliver unique opportunities in specialist arts
and design education at a time of significant cultural regeneration locally.
BA (Honours) Criticism, Curation and Communication: Arts and Design – page 1
What we envisage is nothing less than a new creative quarter in this part of the
capital – a vibrant hub to which we make the fullest contribution.
The move is planned for summer 2011. If you join us you’ll play an important
part in helping us realise this ambitious project, contributing directly to the
college’s future. Students who begin the course in 2011 will begin their studies
at our impressive new home.
2. Entry requirements Opportunities for all
and selection process
We are committed to making studying at the University a more viable option for
a wider range of people and to ensuring that all our students are successful,
both during and after their courses.
Selection to this course is determined by the quality of the application, meeting
the minimum entry qualifications and how well the written work meets the
selection criteria.
Typical successful applicants achieve A and B grades at A level in humanities
essay based subjects. After initial consideration of the application potential
applicants may be invited to submit examples of written work and be invited to
interview.
Minimum entry requirements
• Passes in 3 GCE A Levels (120 UCAS tariff points normally including one
single award), two of which are in essay-based humanities subjects such
as History, History of Art, English Literature, Philosophy, Government and
Politics, Classical Studies.
• Passes at GCSE level in 5 subjects (grade C or above)
or
• A Foundation Course in Art and Design
• Passes in 2 GCE A Levels (80 UCAS tariff points normally including one
single award), one of which is in an essay-based humanities.
• Passes at GCSE level or equivalent in 5 subjects (grade C or above)
including 3 passes in academic subjects
This educational level may be demonstrated by:
a) possession of the qualifications named above;
b) possession of equivalent qualifications;
c) prior experiential learning, the outcome of which can be demonstrated to
be equivalent to formal qualifications otherwise required, or;
d) a combination of formal qualifications and experiential learning which
taken together can be demonstrated to be equivalent to formal
qualifications otherwise required.
English language requirements
All classes are conducted in English. If English is not your first language you
will be asked to provide evidence of your English language ability at enrolment.
The standard English Language requirement for entry is IELTS 6.5 with a
minimum of 5.5 in any one paper. For further information visit:
www.arts.ac.uk/languagecentre
International applicants
The International Office at Central Saint Martins is your first point of contact for
any questions you may have regarding courses, programmes, admissions, or
who to contact in other parts of the University of the Arts London. Feel free to
contact us and if you’re in London – we offer a special service to advise you on
BA (Honours) Criticism, Curation and Communication: Arts and Design – page 2
your chosen course. To make an appointment, please email us at least two
weeks before your visit.
Early application by 15 January, the UCAS deadline, is recommended.
International Office
Central Saint Martins
Southampton Row
London WC1B 4AP
tel: +44 (0)20 7514 7027
fax: +44 (0)20 7514 8013
email: international@csm.arts.ac.uk
UAL has a dedicated team to help prepare you for your studies. For help on
visa requirements, housing, tuition fees and language requirements visit:
http://www.arts.ac.uk/international.htm
The Language Centre offers international students language training from
qualified and experienced teachers. The Pre-sessional Academic English
Programme is available to all international (non-EU) students who have been
offered a place on a full-time course at the University of the Arts London. For
further information visit: http://www.arts.ac.uk/languagecentre.htm
We also offer a number of short courses that enable students to improve their
portfolios and English skills before applying to their chosen course. For further
information visit: www.csm.arts.ac.uk/shortcourse
What we look for
We look for students who are passionate about the arts, from fine art, fashion,
theatre and performance to graphics, design, architecture and film.
We look for students who may have studied GCSEs and A levels that included
the history of art, English literature, history, classical civilisation as well as
practice-based subjects and are thinking of taking degrees in history of art,
design and architecture; film studies; media and cultural studies; history;
English literature; American studies.
We look for students on foundation courses who decide not to pursue a
practical art or design degree but who want to stay at a college offering art and
design study.
Student selection criteria
Applicants are selected according to their demonstration of potential and
current ability to:
• work imaginatively and creatively with the written word and visual
presentation
- engage with experimentation and invention
- show imagination and ambition in proposals for your work
- take informed risks
• demonstrate a range of skills and technical abilities
- through examples of written work, demonstrate a range of
approaches to writing, originated from personal experience or
- textural and visual research and progressed through logical stages
to a finished outcome
- demonstrate an awareness of planning and time management
skills
BA (Honours) Criticism, Curation and Communication: Arts and Design – page 3
• provide evidence of intellectual enquiry within your work
- demonstrate relevant research skills
- evidence your ability to critically reflect and evaluate your
achievements
• demonstrate cultural and historical awareness and/or contextual
framework of your work
- evidence an interest in contemporary culture
- identify social, historical and/or cultural influences on your work
• articulate and communicate intentions clearly
- discuss your work in individual and group situations
- present your work, concepts and ideas appropriately and
effectively
• demonstrate commitment and motivation in relation to the subject
and the course
- develop your own ideas and address both set and personal briefs
- show willingness to collaborate
- show initiative
- reflect your knowledge of this course
Interview advice
Both in terms of your writing and at interview we are interested in you as a
creative and enquiring individual. Your personal interests, motivation, creativity
and initiative in developing an awareness of art and design are what matter to
us.
You don’t need a portfolio to apply for this course. If you want to you can
present a portfolio of relevant visual work to support your application at the
interview.
How to apply
Apply through the University and Colleges Admissions Service (UCAS) online
at www.ucas.com. From the UCAS home page go to 'Apply', where you’ll be
able to register and create a password that gives you unique access as you
complete your application form.
The University code is U65.
Course Code – W294 BA/CCCADa
The deadline for equal consideration is 15 January 2011
Deferred entry
Entry can only be deferred in exceptional circumstances. Please contact us
before submitting your application if you’re considering applying for deferred
entry.
What happens next?
We read and consider all application forms and personal references. If you
meet the entry requirements, you may then be invited for interview. In
preparation for interview you’ll be expected to post in advance the following
evidence of your writing ability:
a) a humanities type essay from a course already done (A level history,
literature etc).
b) a short piece, c.500 words: 'BACCC aims to provide students with the
BA (Honours) Criticism, Curation and Communication: Arts and Design – page 4
knowledge and skills to work in the arts, taking in museums and galleries, the
heritage sector, the media and arts events, writing and postgraduate study.
Why do you think the course is right for you? What differences might there be
between study in a college of art and design like CSM and a 'traditional'
university?'
c) a short piece: 'Describe in 200-300 words a cultural project that you have
done or would like to do. This can be supplemented with images or any kind of
media'.
If you can’t attend the interview please contact the Registrar, School of
Fashion and Textiles, Central Saint Martins College of Art and Design, 107-109
Charing Cross Road, London WC2H 0DU.
The result of your application will be communicated to you via UCAS through
UCAS track. You’ll only receive further communication directly from the college
if your application has been successful and this will be in the form of a full offer
pack.
International applicants
If you’re applying from abroad you can make a postal application. If you’re
currently in the UK you’ll be invited to attend a portfolio review.
Postal portfolios should be sent to the International Office, Central Saint
Martins College of Art and Design, Southampton Row, London WC1B 4AP.
For further help with our application process for international students visit:
http://www.csm.arts.ac.uk/csm-international.htm
Those from outside the EU who wish to apply to Central Saint Martins and who
will not be submitting a UCAS application can apply direct to the college at any
time throughout the year. To do this you must complete an International
Application Form. You can download this from our web site –
www.csm.arts.ac.uk – follow the link for International Students and click
‘application’.
3. About the course Distinctive features of the course
BA (Honours) Criticism, Communication and Curation gives you a very wide-
ranging, humanities-based arts education. Content spans the history and
theory of art, design, architecture, fashion, film, popular culture, performance,
media and literature.
Criticism, communication and curation refer to bodies of knowledge, skills,
outcomes and opportunities within the arts. They are interrelated. Critical
thinking, research, intellectual rigour and creative problem solving are at the
core of the course.
Criticism relates to critical writing (the history and theory of arts criticism), as
well as the critical thinking at the heart of cultural practices. Critical writing and
thinking are key skills that help our students develop successful futures as
organisers of, or commentators on, the arts, as writers and as teachers.
Communication refers to today’s media, including television, radio, print
journalism, publishing, the web and other technologies. It asks how different
arts communicate in different contexts. To develop an approach to
communication, you’ll take practical courses in photography and web design,
and in how to use these tools within your assignments. You’ll be introduced to
journalistic writing. And you’ll consider how to communicate narratives and
BA (Honours) Criticism, Curation and Communication: Arts and Design – page 5
ideas to your audiences when curating exhibitions or planning public events.
Personal communication skills – key to success in every professional field –
are central to the course and developed within every unit.
Curation refers to the specific skills and knowledge needed to ‘curate’
exhibitions – for example, historical research and the contextualisation of art
practice. It also takes in the wider meaning of curating as applied to arts events
organisation, from planning film festivals to hosting local street events.
Curation is linked to critical writing and to communication through publicity,
journalistic reviewing and other activities.
Course structure
The course runs for 90 weeks full time over three year and is divided into three
Levels (or Stages), each lasting 30 weeks.
The whole course is credit-rated at 360 credits, with 120 credits at each Level
(Stage).
Under the Framework for Higher Education Qualifications the Levels for a BA
are: Level 4 (which is Stage 1 of the course), Level 5 (Stage 2) and Level 6
(Stage 3).
There’s a progression point at the end of each Level and, in order to progress,
all units of the preceding Level must normally have been passed.
If you’re unable to continue on the course, a Certificate of Higher Education
(Cert HE) will normally be offered following the successful completion of Level
4, or a Diploma in Higher Education following the successful completion of
Level 5.
To gain a BA (Honours), students must successfully complete 360 credits. The
final award consists of marks from Level 6 units only, weighted according to
their credits.
Outline of the course
BA (Honours) Criticism, Communication and Curation has three distinct stages
(years). Each stage consists of three 10-week terms. Knowledge and skills,
history and theory are the threads running through the course.
Stage One provides a foundation in the histories and theories of western art
and culture, and an introduction to skills appropriate for the course (e.g.
journalism, photography, web design). During this stage we encourage you to
begin to research, explore and develop your individual strengths and
approaches to your subject.
Stage Two continues to explore criticism, communication and curation
practices. You’ll also begin to develop a variety of approaches that demand
individual and experimental responses in order to complete an extended piece
of research and writing. Through a combination of tutorial guidance, seminars,
lectures, personal research, independent study and team projects, you’ll
explore the full reach of your subject and develop your individual talents in
relation to it.
Stage Three focuses on developing and refining your independent approach
while you complete your dissertation and London Project. You’ll also engage in
further formal study of a chosen topic (elective seminar) and work
collaboratively with your year group towards the degree show, a major
opportunity to curate an exhibition.
Personal and Professional Development (PPD)
BA (Honours) Criticism, Curation and Communication: Arts and Design – page 6
PPD helps to prepare you for employment and career development by
providing you with skills to enable you to take responsibility for your own
learning. The core study of Criticism, Communication and Curation also helps
develop many of these transferable skills, which play their part in equipping
you for a professional career and the generic activities of creative practice.
PPD is integral to the Course and is embedded in many aspects of both the
studio and cultural studies programmes as a planned part of their structure and
learning content. PPD activities take place in all Stages of the Course and aim
to improve your capacity to understand what and how you are learning and to
help you to review, plan and take responsibility for your own learning. A
considerable number of the skills learned in the academic context of the
Course have a wider value and use in other areas of life. These transferable
skills are highly valued by employers.
Developing your skills (external activities, transferable skills)
We maintain active collaborations with key cultural institutions, venues and
commercial enterprises to introduce you to an international network of creative
practice: current collaborations include work with Mango (the Oxford Street
branch), the Foreign Office, Leighton House Museum, staff of the Evening
Standard and the Guardian.
Resources (accommodation, staffing, staff profile etc)
Versatility and adaptability are vital for careers in the arts; they are also at the
centre of BA (HONS) CCC. Through the programme of guest speakers, and
the varied roles and experiences of the staff team, you will encounter a range
of approaches to the arts which we feel is unparalleled in higher education.
London is important to the course. BA (HONS) CCC approaches the history of
the capital within project briefs and you are encouraged to explore its varied
arts institutions from Tate to Brick Lane.
The Course will be located in the new, purpose built campus at Kings Cross,
the largest specialist building of its kind, ever created in central London,
bringing together over 4,000 of the world’s most creative students, alongside
the professional designers, artists and performers who work at the College.
There will be dedicated studios and seminar rooms for group work and
tutorials, supported by an extensive library and IT facility.
The course team consists of the Course Director Professor Caroline Dakers,
Dr Roger Sabin (Reader) and Dr Alison Green. These permanent members of
staff are supported by a number of Associate and Guest Lecturers who are all
practising professionals in their various fields.
Future careers and graduate prospects
The course develops your knowledge and skills so that you can look for work in
contemporary galleries and at cultural events; in arts and heritage
management and administration; in museums, collections and archives; as
researchers within academic, commercial and not-for-profit organisations; in
television, radio and new media; in theatre and cinema; and in teaching and
arts entrepreneurship.
You might also want to pursue postgraduate study. Many of our students have
taken MA courses in a range of fields, including curating contemporary art and
design, art history, the theatre in London, business and the arts, cultural
theory, and historicism.
BA (Honours) Criticism, Curation and Communication: Arts and Design – page 7
Alumni activity demonstrates the breadth of student activity within the
subject.
Graduates are working with:
Bristol City Council
an architectural practice in Hatton Garden
an on-line fashion business
National Trust oral history collection in the British Library
Graduates have also gained places on MA programmes at:
The Courtauld Institute of Art
Goldsmith’s
Chelsea
Kingston
King’s College London
Birkbeck
University College London
Frequently asked questions
How is this course different from other similar courses?
BA (Hons) CCC has been designed to offer an experience that combines
elements from humanities degrees (art history, history, English literature) and
from practice-based degrees in colleges of art and design. While students
follow academic programmes and undertake research, essay writing and, in
the final year, a long dissertation, they also take ‘projects’ related to real
situations and scenarios. For example, students develop ideas for exhibitions
in specific galleries, they interview designers and write proposals for national
newspapers and develop ideas for events and festivals, and for television and
radio programmes.
How often do I see a tutor?
Contact teaching is similar to humanities degrees across the country (about six
hours per week), however students also receive a formal one-to-one tutorial
every term (three per year).
As the number of students on BA (HONS) CCC is quite small, about 40 in each
year, students have the chance to get to know one another very quickly, and
also to get to know the staff team.
How will I be assessed?
Unlike most humanities degrees, there are no written examinations. You are
assessed through essays, presentations and project work. Only the final year
counts towards your degree, and the work comprises the elective essay and
presentation, a dissertation and the major London project.
Financial information
Tuition fees for 2010 – 2011:
Please note these fees are given as guidance only and are subject to review
for 2011 - 2012
Home / EU applicants £3,290
If you already hold a qualification that is equal to or higher than the course to
which you are applying please look at the important information about
Equivalent and Lower Qualifications (ELQ) fees on the University of the Arts
website, www.arts.ac.uk/42965
ELQ Fee £8,300
International applicants £12,700
BA (Honours) Criticism, Curation and Communication: Arts and Design – page 8
www.arts.ac.uk/tuition-fees
www.arts.ac.uk/fees_money.htm
Additional costs
There are no materials fees, but you will need to cover the costs of studying for
your course above and beyond the basic workshop or studio provision. In order
to help you budget for these costs the list below indicates what previous
students have spent, but please note that some have spent less, some more; it
all depends on how you choose to research and realise your work. Other costs
include entry to museums, theatres, travel and research related activities. Also,
where possible, courses hope to attract sponsorship to cover project costs and,
as a student, as part of your course, you will be encouraged to raise
sponsorship too, especially for your final year.
Recommended purchases:
Digital camera
Laptop
Recommended through whole course:
Regular visits to museums and galleries special exhibitions £150 a year
Buying key books *but course provides photocopies of key
essays and libraries of UAL will have small number of books –
also recommended you join British Library and National Art
Library (free) £50 a year min
London Transport student travel card £90 per month
Course/Unit requirements:
Course reader all 3 stages £10 a year
Film, developing, etc for stage 1 photography units £20
Trips to museums, houses (coach) for stage 1 and 2 £20-30 a year
Photocopying, images, presentation materials for essays
and presentations in stage 1 and 2 £100 per year
Dissertation binding and London Project production stage 3 £20-150
Individual items for degree show stage 3 £25-200
Funding your course
If you are from the UK, you may be entitled to help with fees or be able to take
out a loan to help meet living costs and tuition fees, with repayments linked to
your income after leaving Higher Education.
If you live in England you should apply to Student Finance England:
www.direct.gov.uk/studetfinance tel 0845 300 5090
If you live in Wales you should apply to Student Finance Wales:
www.studentfinancewales.co.uk tel 0845 602 8845
If you live in Scotland apply to Student Awards Agency for Scotland (SAAS):
www.student-support-saas.gov.uk tel 0845 111 1711
If you live in Northern Ireland apply to Student Finance ni:
www.studentfinanceni.co.uk tel 0845 600 0662
If you live outside the UK, you can get advice on funding your course from your
BA (Honours) Criticism, Curation and Communication: Arts and Design – page 9
local British Council office. See www.britishcouncil.org.uk for a list of British
Council offices worldwide or contact the British Council Information Centre: tel
+44 (0)161 957 7755 email general.enquiries@britishcouncil.org
If you live in an EU member country you may also be entitled to financial
support for fees and living expenses. You will need to complete an eligibility
form and should apply to Student Finance Services European Team:
www.direct.gov.uk tel +44 (0) 141 243 email EU_Team@slc.co.uk
If you are an International applicant you should look for funding advice
provided by the British Council and UKCISA www,britishcouncil.org
www,ukcisa.org.uk or download ‘Sources of Funding’ from
www.britishcouncil.org/eduk-sources-of-funding-2007-08.pdf
Please ensure that you contact the relevant funding organisation as soon as
possible after you apply for your place at college.
Open days
Open days are a great opportunity to meet staff and students and to find out at
first hand about courses, teaching and student life. Bookings can only be made
online – to book and find dates, times and locations please visit:
www.csm.arts.ac.uk/courses/open-days.htm.
Prospectus
To download a copy of Central Saint Matins prospectus visit
www.csm.arts.ac.uk/prospectus2011
4. Contact us? Information Office
Central Saint Martins
Southampton Row
London WC1B 4AP
tel: +44 (0)20 7514 7022
fax: +44 (0)20 7514 7254
email: info@csm.arts.ac.uk
International Office
Central Saint Martins
Southampton Row
London WC1B 4AP
tel: +44 (0)20 7514 7027
fax: +44 (0)20 7514 8013
email: international@csm.arts.ac.uk
5. About this institution Please follow the links below for further information:
Disability access
At University of the Arts London, we aim to provide equal opportunities for all
our students. We encourage applications from disabled people. We are
committed to break down any barriers that prevent fulfilling learning, and aim to
respond positively to the needs of disabled students.
At Central Saint Martins we have a Disability Officer who will arrange specific
disability support for you during the application process and whilst you are
studying at the College.
Disability Officer
Central Saint Martins
BA (Honours) Criticism, Curation and Communication: Arts and Design – page 10
10 Back Hill
London EC1R 5EN
tel: +44(0)20 7514 7143
fax: +44(0)20 7514 7199
m.moscoso@csm.arts.ac.uk
www.arts.ac.uk/student/disability/ss-dis-welcome.htm
Learning resources
Central Saint Martins will have an extensive library at Kings Cross. For detailed
information of the resources available across the University of the Arts, please
follow the link - www.arts.ac.uk/library
Careers advice and guidance
www.arts.ac.uk/545.htm
Student Services
www.arts.ac.uk/student.htm
Students’ Union
www.arts.ac.uk/su
Accommodation
Housing Services
University of the Arts London
272 High Holborn
London WC1V 7EY
tel: +44(0)20 7514 6240
fax: +44(0)20 7514 6247
email: accommodation@arts.ac.uk
www.arts.ac.uk/housing
BA (Honours) Criticism, Curation and Communication: Arts and Design – page 11