Module manager: Dr Anna Douglas
Email: a.f.douglas@leeds.ac.uk
Taught: Semester 1 (Sep to Jan) View Timetable
Year running 2026/27
This module is not approved as a discovery module
In this module you will be introduced to a range of concepts, materials and methods that are relevant to contemporary art making. Through studio sessions, technical workshops, professional practice activities and field trips you will explore different approaches to art practice and consider the variety of roles artists might assume today. You will have opportunities to experiment with a range of media and present your work in group contexts, extending your experience of exhibition practices and technical installation.
The learning activities in Introduction to Practice encourage you to develop innovative and experimental approaches to art making. A variety of technical processes and conceptual approaches are introduced to enable you to initiate your own creative responses and develop as an independent artist. Professional practice activities aim to build awareness of the structures and networks that support contemporary art practice and the wider contexts in which art making takes place.
On successful completion of the module you will be able to:
1. Apply a range of concepts, materials, and methods within a contemporary fine art context, demonstrating creative risk taking.
2. Identify a range of social, cultural and historical contexts, developing an awareness of the diverse ways an artist can practice in society today.
3. Use relevant research and analysis skills, including material research, to support and develop practice-based responses.
4. Discuss ideas effectively in group contexts through making, installation, and presentation formats.
5. Recognise independent aspirations as artists and researchers and identify personal competencies to achieve these.
6. Demonstrate active learning and the ability to engage with effective practice-based learning strategies.
Details of the syllabus will be provided on the Minerva organisation (or equivalent) for the module
| Delivery type | Number | Length hours | Student hours |
|---|---|---|---|
| Supervision | 1 | 0.2 | 0.2 |
| Lecture | 10 | 1 | 10 |
| Seminar | 20 | 2 | 40 |
| Private study hours | 349.8 | ||
| Total Contact hours | 50.2 | ||
| Total hours (100hr per 10 credits) | 400 | ||
Student progress is monitored through individual and group feedback in the context of studio groups, and the exhibition/display of practical work.
| Assessment type | Notes | % of formal assessment |
|---|---|---|
| Coursework | Portfolio | 100 |
| Total percentage (Assessment Coursework) | 100 | |
Normally resits will be assessed by the same methodology as the first attempt, unless otherwise stated
Check the module area in Minerva for your reading list
Last updated: 30/04/2026
Errors, omissions, failed links etc should be notified to the Catalogue Team