Introduction

The Form and Design study programme may be taken as a separate one-year study programme or as the first year of the Bachelor’s degree programme in Visual Art and Design. Students will develop a basic understanding of visual communication and design issues. Creative activities and practical problem solving will be focused on. Students will learn skills in aesthetic work and acquire knowledge of product development and aesthetic theory. Knowledge of communication, art and design history provides a basis for reflection and communication, and a perspective on their own work. In the third year of the Bachelor study programme students will create their own professional profile by choosing a specialisation area in wood, metal, textiles, ceramics, drawing or digital image creation.

Target Group and Admission Requirements

General admission requirements.

It is not possible to apply for admission on the basis of prior experiential learning.

Aim of the Programme

Students will:

• Acquire knowledge of basic image elements such as form, colour and composition
• Be able to apply key instruments related to the two-dimensional image expressions and to the reproduction of three-dimensional forms related to design
• Demonstrate the ability to form ideas and visualise solutions
• Be able to work with ideas and solve problems involving different topics, working methods and approaches
• Be able to analyse their own and others’ solutions in product development and design
• Be able to evaluate, select and apply materials on the basis of knowledge of their properties and applications
• Gain insight into the main trends in the history of art and learn about art and design, as an expression of ideas in culture and society
• Develop versatile aesthetic evaluation skills through arts orientation and work with different impressions, experiences and reflection
• Be able to reflect on and make choices in relation to the social aspects of design and production, such as the consequences of the use of resources to the environment
• Develop proficiency in the use of current software in the subject area

Curriculum and structure

The three-year Bachelor’s degree programme in Visual Art and Design may be taken entirely at the Department of Arts and Design, but it may also be supplemented in the third year of study with subjects from other departments at Telemark University College, or other university colleges or universities.

1st year Form and design

• Image Creation; Design, Image theory and Analysis (17.5 ECTS)
• Form, Material and Product (10 ECTS)
• Art Project (10 ECTS)
• Graphic Design (10 ECTS)
• Art and Design Culture (10 ECTS)
• Scientific Theory, R&D (2.5 ECTS)

2nd year Visual Art & Design 2

• Design, Design Theory and Analysis; Art Project; Image Creation Activities and ICT (37.5 ECTS in total)
• Scientific Theory, R&D, (2.5 ECTS)
• Student Enterprise (20 ECTS)

3rd year

Select one of the following 60 ECTS specialisation courses:

• Digital Images and Visual Communication
• Clay – Art and Design 2
• Drawing and Image Communication
• Textiles
• Wood and Metal – Art, Crafts and Design
• Norwegian Folk Art

5 ECTS scientific theory is also included in the courses. Students may also study other relevant subjects in other departments at TUC, or other university colleges or universities, but these must be approved before a Bachelor’s degree can be awarded.

Teaching and Learning Methods

The study programme is characterised by an interaction between theory and practical work in materials. Students develop their skills and their ability to justify their professional practice. Relevant forms of instruction include lectures, demonstrations, seminars, colloquiums, project work and visual presentations. The use of exhibitions and other cultural activities are also included in the study programme.

Theory and Practical Training

No practical experience period has been planned for the first year of study.

During the second year, students will work with student enterprises throughout the academic year.

The third year will involve training in an enterprise, but other types of practical training may also be selected.

Assessment Methods

The faculty intends to create a balance between aims, content, teaching and learning methods and assessment methods in the study programme. The assessment will be an aspect of the learning itself, as well as a means by which the individual students may gain insight into their own potential for further studies and future employment.

The assessment during the course of the programme is intended, in part, to guide the students. This guidance involves work-processes, results and the students’ ability to cooperate. Both students and teachers participate in assessing the study programme with the objective of improving it. This assessment must therefore involve the content and the organisation of the programme as well as the students’ individual work and working methods throughout the year. The forms of assessment and examination are described for each individual course.

Minor adjustments may occur during the academic year, subject to the decision of the Dean