Belfast School of Art

The Belfast School of Art, is a School in the Ulster University Faculty of Arts, Humanities and Social Sciences and is physically located at the Belfast campus. Following the results of the Research Excellence Framework 2014 Ulster is ranked within the top ten for research in Art and Design in the UK.[1]

Belfast School of Art
(Ulster University School of Art)
Established1849 (1849)
FocusArt, Research, Design
Head of SchoolLouise O'Boyle
FacultyFaculty of Art, Design and the Built Environment
OwnerUlster University
Location
Belfast
,
Northern Ireland, United Kingdom
Website

The School hosts an exhibition of graduating students work annually at the beginning of June each year. This exhibition is open to the public and free entry.[2]

History

The school was established in Belfast in 1849; it moved to the current location in Cathedral Quarter later. After the millennium, the Belfast campus was reconstructed as part of a multi-million pound refurbishment which saw the School's floorspace expanded and significant investment.[3] The schools now resides in a purpose built complex of studios, workshops and social spaces. It benefits from views of the Cathedral Quarter, the Titanic Quarter and the £250 million new Ulster University Greater Belfast City Campus development that will usher in a thrilling new chapter in the development of the University, the city and province. https://www.ulster.ac.uk/news/2013/march/250m-belfast-campus-will-usher-in-new-chapter-for-city.

Academics

The Belfast School of Art is the largest Art and Design facility on the island with a wide range of disciplines and staff who are active in their creative and professional careers and closely networked in Ireland, the UK and internationally. As the main Art and Design provider for nearly 170 years, many leading artists and Designers have passed through its doors including John Luke, TP Flanagan and, more recently 2 Turner prize winners. The School has a number of Undergraduate degrees, Masters programmes and Doctoral provision.

Programmes include:

  • BDes (Hons) Animation
  • BA (Hons) Art & Design (Foundation Year for specialist degrees)
  • BA (Hons) Ceramics, Jewellery and Silversmithing
  • BDes (Hons) Graphic Design and Illustration
  • BDes (Hons) Interaction Design
  • BA (Hons) Fine Art
  • BA (Hons) Photography with Video
  • BA (Hons) Product Design
  • BA (Hons) Textile Art, Design and Fashion
  • MA Animation
  • MSc Art Therapy
  • MFA Design
  • MSc Fashion & Textile Retail Management
  • MFA Fine Art
  • MA Games Design
  • MFA Photography
  • MFA Photography [online]

The School is regular host to international artists and visiting scholars; it offers the opportunity for excelling students to study abroad and welcomes students from other places for courses, exchanges and summer schools.

Unique, a Students' Union led initiative, opened a shop on campus in September 2017 to allow the public to view and purchase art and design made by students, staff and alumni. The custom made shop interior was also designed by students and it staffed by placement students. There is also a gallery on campus and the School's staff play an active role in civic and cultural life in Belfast and beyond.

Around 50 Phd researchers investigate subjects relevant to art, design and the creative industries in a recently refurbished Doctoral student Hub. The School has over 3 decades experience in successful supervision of PhD with art practice. The School has had 37 successful doctoral students between 2008 and 2013, together these students amassed £4.25 million in research fundraising. The Doctoral College supports all doctoral students in the Faculty and School.[4]

Research

The Research Institute for Art and Design, RIAD, was established in 2004 at Ulster University. It supports research in a wide range of Art and Design disciplines. Recent research grants have includes societally relevant research into design for health and creative industries. Art works by staff and alumni are in leading museums and collections around the globe.

2014

In the Research Excellence Framework (REF) 2014 for Art, Ulster University, was ranked third overall in the UK for 4* research and sixth in the UK in the quality index.[1]

Governance

The School is led by the Acting Head of School Louise O'Boyle, who reports to the Executive Dean of the Faculty of Arts Humanities and Social Sciences in Ulster University. The Head of School works closely with the Research Director for Art and Design Dr Justin Magee and with the School Officer, supported by a team of Course Directors. The School makes effective use of industry and real world advisory groups and networks to ensure that programmes and staff are relevant. Students are encouraged to undertake placement experience.

Heads of School have included:

  • Louise O'Boyle (Acting Head of School, October 2019 - ongoing)
  • Professor Karen Fleming (2017 - 2019)
  • Professor Paul Seawright (2013 - 2017)
  • Professor Barbara Dass
  • Professor Ian Montgomery

Associate Heads of School have included:

  • Louise O'Boyle (4 July 2018 - ongoing)
  • Rachel Dickson (1 June 2014 - 1 June 2018)[3]
  • Deborah Fraser

Research Directors have included:

  • Dr Justin Magee (2017 - ongoing)
  • Professor Karen Fleming (2008 - 2017)

References
  1. "Research Institute for Art and Design REF 2014 Results". REF, Ulster University. 2014. Retrieved 29 December 2014.
  2. "ADBE Annual Exhibition". Ulster University. Archived from the original on 29 December 2014. Retrieved 29 December 2014.
  3. "About - Belfast School of Art". Ulster University. Retrieved 29 December 2014.
  4. "The Doctoral College at Ulster".

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