Bachelor of Arts (Hons) in Fine Arts with Foundation Year

at Wrexham Glyndwr University - Wrexham Campus United Kingdom

 With its special focus on comics, this degree will provide you with the technical and creative skills to develop both your illustrative style and flair for storytelling. The programme introduces a broad range of creative skills, from the generation of ideas to their technical production through printmaking, bookbinding, 3D materials, life drawing, traditional and digital media, with an emphasis on drawing and the development of a unique personal style. 

Students will

• Work with experienced and industry active staff, learn how to write stories, draw comics and produce a professional portfolio
• Have opportunities to explore visual sequencing, narrative imagery, anthropomorphism and character development
• Gain personal, professional and entrepreneurial skills, learning about the business of working as a freelance artist
• Be encouraged to work on live briefs and competitions

Key Course Features

• You will be part of a vibrant and creative community of commercial artists including children’s book artists, illustrators, animators, game artists and designers.
• You will be taught by a teaching team with a broad range of experience working professionally in the comics and illustration industries.
• We encourage our students to self-publish and learn how to produce high-quality production prototypes to pitch to the publishing industry through the use of our in-house Bindery.
• Our students have won illustration prizes and awards such as the Oxford University Press Illustration competition, the Macmillan Children’s Book competition, the Caldecott Society and D&AD awards and been nominated for prestigious Eisner and Silver Reuben Awards.

Studying Social and Cultural History at Wrexham Glyndwr University will introduce you to themes such as family, fashion, crime, art, politics and propaganda – from the Roman era through to the modern age. 

Alongside regular class-based teaching, there are also visits to country houses, historical archives, and sites of historical importance.  These provide a strong practical element to the degree and encourage engagement with a wide range of sources and experiences. We also offer a work placement module in a historical setting of your choice. 

Our degree is designed to be diverse and enjoyable, with a focus on the investigative and analytical elements of historical study.  This focus opens up a wide range of careers.  Our students have gone on to work as teachers, writers, researchers, financial analysts and members of the legal profession. 

*Our history subject area has been rated first in Wales and in the top 10 in the UK for student satisfaction, Complete University Guide 2021. 

The Foundation Year in Humanities will introduce students to a diverse range of themes and activities from the disciplines of History, English Literature, Creative Writing, Theatre and Media.

Key Course Features

• Wide-ranging degree – from Ancient Rome to Modern Britain - connected by important social and cultural themes
• Work experience opportunities - Placements are available in archives, libraries and heritage centres
• A blend of theory and practice -  Visits to aristocratic homes and other sites compliment class-based learning
• Develop your research, analysis, interpretation, communication and presentation skills
• Analyse primary documents from the past
• Study local, national and international history
• *Our history subject area has been rated first in Wales and in the top 10 in the UK for student satisfaction, Complete University Guide 2021. 

This degree in Illustration will help you develop both your illustrative style and flair for creative image-making. The course covers the practical, professional and artistic sides of working as an illustrator with an individual artistic voice. The programme will equip you for a successful career in the creative industries.

Working with experienced and industry active staff, you will learn how to create compelling images, work to professional standards and understand how your work fits into the industry.

You will be introduced to professional creative processes and encouraged to expand your abilities through workshops and practical projects. You will learn how to interpret a brief, identify and solve problems, develop creative individuality and produce a professional portfolio.

As well as gaining personal, professional and entrepreneurial skills, our programmes introduce a broad range of creative skills, from the generation of ideas to their technical production through printmaking, bookbinding, 3D materials, life drawing, traditional and digital media, with an emphasis on drawing and the development of a unique personal style.

High-quality artwork and a unique illustrative voice are at the heart of the course. Opportunities to explore your style, the applications of your work, your use of media and technology are consistent throughout the programmes.

The business of working as a freelance artist is an important aspect of the course, covering practical advice from marketing and self-promotion to contracts, invoices and working with clients. Working on live briefs and competitions are available and encouraged.

Key Course Features

• The School of Creative Arts at Wrexham Glynd?r University was named as the best place in Wales to study Art in the 2017 Guardian University League Table.
• You will be part of a vibrant and creative community of commercial artists including children’s book artists, illustrators, animators, game artists and designers.
• You will be taught by a teaching team with a broad range of experience working professionally in the illustration and creative industries.
• We encourage our students to self-publish and learn how to produce high-quality production prototypes to pitch to the publishing industry through the use of our in-house Bindery.
• Our students have won illustration prizes and awards such as the Oxford University Press Illustration competition, the Macmillan Children’s Book competition, the Caldecott Society and D&AD awards and been nominated for prestigious Eisner and Silver Reuben Awards.

The cost of mental ill health to the Welsh economy is estimated to be £7.2billion each year (Mental Health Foundation, 2016). It is recognised that mental ill health can arise from a combination of factors at any point across the lifespan and that people living with mental health issues may require support from a range of services such as housing, social enterprise and community organisations in conjunction with statutory health and social care services. There is therefore a need for suitably knowledgeable practitioners to fulfil a range of emerging roles which will help to reduce the stigma, disadvantage and inequality experienced by people living with mental health issues and to work within communities to promote good mental health and wellbeing.

With a prevention and recovery-focused orientation, this dynamic programme combines theory with work based learning to ensure that our graduates are perfectly placed to access a variety of careers in this ever-developing sector. There are a range of assessments across the programme which ensure that each graduate has a full CV – students on the programme will develop anti stigma campaigns, produce health promotion leaflets and give presentations, reflecting the real life skills needed by future employers. Students will also develop their self-awareness and emotional literacy, alongside reflective and interpersonal skills – all of which are key to becoming an effective and competent practitioner.

The course is taught on two full days per week but students are expected to engage in both directed and independent study outside of these hours. Students will be assigned a personal tutor on enrolment who will support them throughout their time on the programme. The department operates an open door policy, meaning that students do not have to make an appointment in order to be able to access their personal tutor but are welcome to pop in. We also offer an established peer mentor system, so students can access support from fellow learners.

This course is also available to study as a three year degree (without a foundation year) BSc (Hons) Mental Health & Wellbeing

Key Course Features

• Includes a foundation year to prepare you for further years of study
• The programme team work with local employers to ensure that the theory taught is relevant to current practice in the sector
• Delivered by academics from a range of backgrounds, which means that you will be part of a diverse community of practice
• Established peer mentor scheme, so you can obtain support from students already undertaking the programme
• Innovative and flexible teaching methods are embedded throughout, including interactive lectures, tutorials, case studies, workshops, online activities and learning resources.
• Work based experience which you can tailor to your own area/s of interest in years two and three of the programme
• Opportunities to take part in additional relevant events and volunteering within the wider University, giving you a full portfolio of experience on graduation

This Applied Art course focuses on the high-quality craft skills needed to be a professional maker. Develop your material and design skills through Ceramics, Metal, Jewellery and mixed media.

Students will

• Be able to understand the importance of high-quality making, originality and how to generate personal responses to materials and processes.
• Develop creativity, innovation and entrepreneurial skills
• Be able to combine their conceptual and technical skills in applied arts with the professional skills needed to be a successful maker.
• Develop interpersonal skills through collaborative projects and teamwork
• Study on a course in a subject area rated 94.4% for satisfaction with learning opportunities (WGU analysis of unpublished National Student Survey data 2020)

Key Course Features

• Excellent gallery and commercial links, with the focus on craft skills to enable you to become exceptional makers.
• 1st in Wales and 6th in the UK for overall satisfaction in the area of creative arts and design (WGU analysis of unpublished NSS 2019 data).
• Focus is placed on developing your business skills in areas such as pricing, publicity and marketing; we are consistently praised by external examiners for how well prepared our students are for professional life.
• You will be taught by a dedicated team of research-active practitioners who exhibit their own work both nationally and internationally.
• Work on live projects, exhibitions, competitions and commissions for public and private clients; this will give you confidence for your future career, for example, when approaching galleries and retail outlets with your work.

You can also choose to study this course as a foundation year BA Hons Applied Art (with foundation year)

This course offers a practical programme of study, enabling you to bring characters to life. This specialised Animation programme will transform you into a versatile creative in the art of the moving image. Designed and developed from the ground up with employability as the core aim, you will develop skills in 2D, 3D and stop motion animation.

You will finish your studies with the professional skills and creative thinking strategies to pursue a career within animation studios, work as a freelance artist, or start your own studio.

Students will

• learn the principles of visual communication and drawing and apply them to character design, background design, storyboarding and scene layout
• explore the principles of animation with a focus on 2D techniques
• work in teams on an informative motion graphic project for a real client
• practice character animation using 3D techniques to build up a show reel
• specialise and develop a final degree project

Your studies will see you gain experience in digital skills and techniques used to bring your imagination from ideas to screen through, 2D Animation, 3D Animation, and stop motion animation, depending on which you choose to specialise in.

You can also choose to study this course as a four-year integrated masters option MDes Animation or as a foundation year BA (Hons) Animation (four years including foundation year)

Key course features

• Official partnership with http://TechUpandGo.com. With direct links to live 3D Animation projects.
• Latest industry standard software used such as Autodesk Maya, Toon Boom Harmony, Dragon Frame and the Creative Cloud suite.
• Access to Wacom Cintiq tablets and a purpose built stop motion studio.
• Industry-focused visits to gain first hand insight into how creative media companies function and the variety of employment opportunities that are available in the development of your career aspirations. There are also other study trips to festivals and expos.
• Opportunities to enter competitions.
• There is strong pastoral care within a friendly creative community with an emphasis on team building and collaborative work. Contact hours with tutors is high with enthusiastic and supportive sta? who are knowledgeable, research-active practitioners.

You will gain experience and develop knowledge of a broad range of graphic design and multimedia techniques throughout the course enabling you to successfully fulfil roles within this fast expanding industry.

Areas covered will include advertising, typography, editorial, packaging, branding, web design, installation design, mobile communications and motion graphics. As the course advances there will be opportunities to work on ‘live briefs’ through our industry contacts enabling you to develop your problem solving skills fto fulfill a client. 

You can also choose to study this course as a three year programme (without a foundation year) BA (Hons) Graphic Design or  or as a four year integrated Masters MDes Graphic Design

Key Course Features

• Includes a foundation year to prepare you for further years of study
• Experience a wide variety of learning opportunities throughout your study.
• Opportunities to visit design exhibitions and museums, attend conferences such as Offset in Dublin and visit design companies throughout the UK.
• Opportunity to enter your work for national and international design competitions, like the D&AD, YCN, The Roses and ISTD.
• State of the art facilities in our new Centre for the Creative Industries
• Small, friendly community of students and lecturers at our own campus in Regent Street
• Teaching staff who are knowledgeable practitioners and research-active in the Creative Industries.

Digitally enabled technologies and services support most aspects of modern life. Ensuring information is safe and services are kept running is the responsibility of cyber security practitioners and computer security experts.

The subject area is first in Wales for learning opportunities and academic support (WGU analysis of unpublished 2019 NSS data).

This course

• Addresses the advances in cyber security through an in-depth understanding of IT security, hacking, forensics, and the future and emerging technologies associated with this rapidly changing field
• Provides opportunities to undertake real-life projects, preparing you for work within the industry
• Provides opportunities to build and configure computer and networked systems, as well as the necessary support systems, to enable them to work effectively in a range of employment environments
• Explores the issues associated with managing these types of systems and in particular the necessary aspects of network security

Key Course Features

• Hands-on teaching of a range of cyber security skills, techniques and tools, such as: cryptography; authentication; access control; viruses and malware; penetration testing; risk management; and forensic investigation.
• The optional Industrial Placement Year gives students the opportunity to experience the workplace first-hand and gain valuable employment experience for the future.
• Extensive PC and networked computer facilities with Internet access.
• The course team have strong links to the North Wales Cyber Security Cluster, an industry-led forum for cyber security practitioners and employers, and students on the programme have opportunities to attend and be involved with their meetings and events.
• The University is home to ARCLab, which specializes in research in the field of Computing and Computer Science.
• Subject area is 1st in Wales for learning opportunities and academic support (WGU analysis of unpublished 2019 NSS data).

You can also choose to study this course as a foundation year BSc (Hons) Cyber Security (four years including foundation year) or as a degree apprenticeship route.

This popular degree is ideal for those interested in working with children and young people in informal and formal education settings. You'll learn the statutory requirements of curricula for primary education in both England and Wales, explore learning dispositions, and discover how to support pupils both academically and pastorally.

The course:

• Has a long history of providing a well-respected, successful and alternative pathway into mainstream primary teaching via a Postgraduate Certificate in Education (PGCE – Primary Education) or Post-compulsory qualification (PcET – Adult and Further Education ).
• Keeps options open for a range of other career opportunities that involve work with children and young people.
• Is predominantly geared towards working with children between the ages of 3-13 years of age.
• Combines academic study and work experience.
• Draws upon theoretical perspectives from a wide range of disciplines including education, sociology, psychology, philosophy, health and social welfare/justice.
• Considers educational policies, processes and perspectives relating to the statutory requirements of early years’ curricula and Key Stage 2 of the National Curriculum in both England and Wales.
• Covers factors that impact the wellbeing and learning dispositions of children and young people.

Key Course Features

• Includes a foundation year to prepare you for university-level study.
• Study contemporary topics which are directly related to the education of children.
• Experience extended placements within the children’s workforce.
• Engage in research whilst out on placement, guided by experienced practitioners.
• Use your current relevant employment as your placement or seek exciting new experiences.
• Receive support from an experienced staff team and academic tutorial system.

Our programme tackles a fascinating array of questions from why people commit crime to how it affects society, historical landmarks in the justice system and high-profile cases which had a ground-breaking impact on the legal arena.

Students will

• Study criminology from a range of perspectives including social, political and psychological, focusing on modern methods of policing, development of policy and the workings of magistrates and crown courts
• Examine criminal law and the role and work of the agencies that make up a modern criminal justice system
• Take part in site visits
• Have a variety of voluntary work opportunities
• Learn from visiting lecturers such as judges, police, probation and youth justice staff
• *Study in a subject area rated first in the UK for student satisfaction and first in the UK for graduate prospects, Complete University Guide 2021, and first in Wales for student satisfaction, (WGU analysis of unpublished National Student Survey data 2020).
• Leave ready to enter a wide range of sectors including youth justice, probation, prison, the police and voluntary organisations
• Take part in our annual real-time training exercise

Key Course Features

• 3rd in the UK for criminology (Guardian University Guide 2020)
• You will have the opportunity to become involved with the active Criminology Society
• The lecturers in this area have wide and on-going experience of working in the criminal justice sector and are research active in the areas of youth justice, prisons, homelessness, terrorism, and substance misuse.
• Good links with all criminal justice agencies and employers such as police, probation trusts, prisons, magistrates courts and the youth justice service.
• Innovative and flexible teaching methods are used with part of the course being delivered online.
• Face to face lectures take place two days a week.
• Staff are experienced practitioners and academics who bring issues to life through case studies
• *1st in the UK for student satisfaction and 1st in the UK for graduate prospects in anthropology related courses (including criminology & criminal justice), Complete University Guide 2021
• *1st in Wales and third in the UK for teaching, assessment and feedback and academic support, National Student Survey 2019 (WGU analysis of unpublished NSS 2019 data).