Drawing Practices: Contemporary Approaches

This course explores contemporary approaches to drawing as both a creative and research-based practice. You will experiment with a range of traditional materials alongside digital software tools for image manipulation.

Through a series of directed and self-led projects, you will investigate processes such as image transfer, working on transparent surfaces, and combining analogue and digital techniques. The course encourages an exploratory approach, supporting you to expand your understanding of drawing and develop a personal visual language.

You will be taught in specialist art and design studios and through practical demonstrations, one-to-one tuition, group discussions and critiques.

Learners are responsible for purchasing their own materials. You may be required to bring some materials to your first, and subsequent classes. Learn more about the materials required for this course here. Please do not purchase any materials until your course is confirmed to run. You will require access to a device with an internet connection.

Learning in this course is hands-on, and your skills will develop through practice, discovery, and engagement with materials and techniques.

If you have fully engaged with all the learning activities and have attended regularly, by the end of the course, you should be able to:

• Demonstrate a range of exploratory drawing approaches, combining traditional and digital techniques
• Research, test, and communicate visual ideas through sketchbooks and iterative making processes
• Apply critical thinking, reflection, and decision-making to refine and communicate ideas effectively across creative contexts

It is recommended that learners have some previous experience in drawing.

Learners with an enthusiasm for creative exploration or who have a natural appreciation for colour, texture and form may find this course particularly rewarding. A willingness to experiment and express ideas visually is encouraged.

We welcome all and are committed to fostering a positive culture and sense of community among learners and staff. We expect learners to treat others with dignity and respect. Learners must be aged 16+.

If you have a disability, learning difficulty, health condition, or personal circumstances which may affect your learning, please let us know so that we can make appropriate adjustments in accordance with the Equality Act 2010.

Wherever possible, we mainstream adjustments in line with the University’s Accessible and Inclusive Learning Policy.

Learners will have limited access to the University’s student support services who will signpost appropriate local sources of support.

This course welcomes those with a vivid imagination and enthusiasm for creative exploration. This hands-on course requires no formal background in art or design. It is recommended that learners have some previous experience in drawing.

There is no recommended reading with this course; however, your course teacher will guide you to relevant sources.

Reading, listening and communication skills are essential. You must be comfortable learning in English. You will need basic digital skills, such as using a computer and navigating a website, to access the learning materials.

Booking is available until 23:59 the day before the course start date, unless the course is full or cancelled.