Art, Philosophy, Contemporary Practices

The Bachelor of Arts in Art, Philosophy and Contemporary Practices at the University of Dundee offers an innovative interdisciplinary approach, allowing students to explore the dynamic intersections of visual arts, philosophical inquiry, and contemporary cultural practices. This programme is designed to cultivate critical thinking, creative expression, and analytical skills, equipping graduates with the ability to engage thoughtfully with complex ideas and artistic practices in a rapidly changing world. Throughout their studies, students will have the opportunity to examine a diverse range of topics, including modern art movements, philosophical theories, digital and interactive media, performance art, and socially engaged practices. The curriculum combines practical studio work with theoretical modules, encouraging students to develop their own artistic voice while grounding their practice in philosophical understanding and contemporary debates. Students will benefit from access to state-of-the-art facilities, expert faculty from multiple disciplines, and opportunities for exhibitions, collaborations, and internships that enhance their professional development. The programme emphasizes independent research, critical reflection, and participatory learning, fostering an environment where students can experiment with new ideas and innovative methodologies. Graduates of this programme are prepared for a variety of careers within the arts sector, academia, cultural management, and beyond, or for further postgraduate study. The programme also aims to develop socially and culturally aware individuals who can contribute thoughtfully to contemporary society through art and philosophical dialogue. With its flexible modular structure and emphasis on experiential learning, the Bachelor of Arts in Art, Philosophy and Contemporary Practices offers a comprehensive educational experience that prepares students for the dynamic landscape of contemporary cultural production and critical thought.

Detailed Course Facts

Application deadline January 15 Tuition fee

The fees you pay will, in most cases, depend on your current country of residence.

The fee shown is annual, and may be subject to an increase each year.

Fee category

Fees for students starting September 2015

Scottish students

£1,820 per year of study (for Sept 2014 entry). Fees for September 2015 will be confirmed by the Scottish Government in early 2015.

Rest of UK students

£9,000 per year, for a maximum of 3 years, even if you are studying a four year degree. See our scholarships for rest of UK applicants.

EU students

£1,820 per year of study (for Sept 2014 entry). Fees for September 2015 will be confirmed by the Scottish Government in early 2015.

Overseas students (non-EU)

£12,950 per year of study. See our scholarships for international applicants.

Not specified Start date September 2015 Course begins in September Duration full-time 36 months Languages Take an IELTS test

• English

Delivery mode On Campus Educational variant Full-time

Course Content

Teaching & Assessment

The programme is centred upon a productive dialogue between art practice and theory within, across and beyond individual academic disciplines.

At Levels 3 and 4 you will increasingly engage in self-directed research supported by technical and idea based workshops, lectures, seminars, group and individual tutorials.

What you will study Level 1

Students can enter Art, Philosophy, Contemporary Practices after successfully completing our Art and Design (General Foundation) course (apply for course WW12) or on successful completion of a recognised Foundation Course or equivalent (apply for course WV15). This is normal for many art and design courses.

In the Art and Design (General Foundation) course you will learn the core values which will enrich and expand your personal visual language as well as a module in Philosophy that will introduce you to key thinkers and themes from the history of philosophy, and build skills of critical reading and thinking.

Level 2

• Foundations of Contemporary Practice 1 (Towards a Vocabulary of Practice)
• Contemporary Practice 2 (Towards a Personal Voice)
• Hume and Recent European Philosophy
• Aesthetics and Kant

Level 3

• Independent Creative and Professional Practice 1
• Independent Creative and Professional Practice 2

plus two of the following:

• Love and Desire in Plato
• Film and Art
• Foucault
• Questions of Vision in Art
• Spinoza
• The Aesthetics of the Sublime
• Vision, Literature and Art
• Optional one semester of exchange study at an international institution

Level 4

• Honours Creative Practice
• Dissertation
• Oral presentation
• Degree show exhibition

Level 4 takes a similar shape to Level 3. The studio practice module provides you with a period of sustained visual enquiry and practice which will culminate in the presentation/exhibition of your work for Degree Show examination at the end of the year. Depending on your individual strengths and interests you have the option to write a dissertation that either closely reflects on your creative practice or engages in a philosophical argument.

How you will be assessed

At all levels assessment will reflect the interdisciplinary nature of the programme and will typically include a combination of presentation of your studio work, essay and oral presentation. The final examination for Honours students takes the form of a major presentation/exhibition and a dissertation.

Requirements

See course Homepage for Full Details

Work Experience

No work experience is required.

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Want to improve your English level for admission?

Prepare for the program requirements with English Online by the British Council.

• ✔️ Flexible study schedule
• ✔️ Experienced teachers
• ✔️ Certificate upon completion

📘 Recommended for students with an IELTS level of 6.0 or below.

Enroll in the course

Related Scholarships*

• Academic Excellence Scholarship

  "The Academic Excellence Scholarship can provide up to a 50 % reduction in tuition per semester. These scholarships will be renewed if the student maintains superior academic performance during each semester of their 3-year Bachelor programme. The scholarship will be directly applied to the student’s tuition fees."

• Access Bursary

  Bursary for UK students all subjects where the variable tuition fee rate is payable.

• Alumni Bursary

  Alumni Bursary for UK Undergraduate students

* The scholarships shown on this page are suggestions first and foremost. They could be offered by other organisations than University of Dundee.

The University of Dundee offers a comprehensive programme in Art, Philosophy, and Contemporary Practices designed to explore the intersections of visual arts, philosophical inquiry, and modern creative practices. This interdisciplinary degree aims to develop students' critical thinking, artistic skills, and theoretical understanding, preparing them for diverse careers in the arts, education, academia, and cultural sectors. The curriculum incorporates a wide range of modules that cover contemporary art theories, philosophical concepts, and practical skills related to visual arts, digital media, and new media practices. Students engage with contemporary issues through both practical and theoretical lenses, fostering an innovative approach to artistic creation and philosophical reflection. The programme encourages students to challenge traditional boundaries, explore new media and technologies, and develop a critical perspective on current cultural and artistic debates.

Lecturers and faculty members at Dundee are experienced professionals and scholars dedicated to supporting students in developing their individual artistic voices and critical insights. The degree combines lectures, seminars, workshops, and independent projects, allowing for a flexible yet rigorous learning environment. Students are also encouraged to participate in exhibitions, collaborative projects, and community engagement initiatives, enhancing their practical experience and professional development. The university emphasizes a supportive academic community that values diversity and creativity, fostering an environment where students can experiment, critique, and refine their ideas.

Throughout the programme, students are given opportunities to exhibit their work in campus galleries and external venues, and they are encouraged to engage with contemporary debates through research and discourse. The course serves as a foundation for those wishing to pursue postgraduate study or careers in areas such as art curation, gallery management, arts education, philosophical research, or independent artistic practice. The University of Dundee’s Art, Philosophy, and Contemporary Practices programme is committed to producing reflective, innovative graduates capable of making meaningful contributions to the cultural and intellectual landscape. The programme’s structure and content are regularly reviewed to ensure relevance to current trends and developments within the arts and philosophy fields, making it an exciting and dynamic choice for prospective students.