Department of Design
Umbúðahönnun 2014, Erla Eyþórsdóttir, 1. verðlaun fyrir EldfjallIn the Department of Design are the following study programmes that prepare the students for university studies in design, handicraft and arts:
Design. General design: Preparation for university studies in design and arts. Ceramics: Preparation for university or other studies in design and arts. Textile (pending)
A two year diploma study (additional credit units for university studies) in: ceramics, textile and drawing, with a possibility of a third year towards a BA-degree at a university in another country. Design - Each of the elected fields of the design study programme is a three year preparation study on the upper secondary educational level, with a graduation in design. Elected fields are: general design, ceramics or textile, in all 21 to 24 credit units in specialised fields. Students have the option of graduating with a matriculation certification by adding general academic subjects to their vocational studies. Applicants who have already completed a matriculation examination or an equivalent vocational study programme, can apply to complete their studies in a shorter time. Ceramics as an elected field is run in cooperation with the Reykjavik School of Visual Arts and is taught in their workshops. Education within the fields of design and arts provides a wide variety of job possibilities, but can also be a hobby that gives fulfilment from childhood to old age. Diploma programs in: Ceramics, Textile and Drawing, two year study programs. To enter the diploma studies the students must have completed education on the upper secondary level or comparable, from an art- or design branch, or a vocational study program. The diploma program is run in cooperation with the Reykjavik School of Visual Arts and is taught in their workshops. By adding a third year to the studies the student can graduate with a BA degree. The third year study must be pursued at a foreign university. Currently there is an agreement with the University of Cumbria in England, Glasgow School of Art and Heriot Watt University, School of Textile in Scotland, The Royal Danish Academy School of Design Bornholm. Students who have graduated from the Diploma programs have been accepted in many other academies of art in Europe. Each programme takes two years of full day-time study and is divided into four independent modules: A, B, C and D. The programmes offer practical training, which can also form part of a BA degree with a European partner school. Classified as Diploma at higher education level (ISQF level 4 / EQF level 5) the programmes fall under the category of BTEC level 5 HND Diploma (QCF) as defined by UCAS - The Universities and Colleges Admissions Service in the UK. The courses are taught by active artists, designers and professionals and create the framework for a fruitful dialogue, in which experts and professionals are called upon to share their insights into the various subjects being discussed and to shed some light on the professions' possible applications in society. The advantages of having a small population are tapped to pave the way for new and interesting links between various professionals, institutions and economic sectors. Emphasis is placed on Iceland's unique culture and nature. Students will acquire knowledge about employment opportunities and companies and foster links with the Icelandic working environment. There are also field trips abroad to give students an opportunity to explore the work environment and production possibilities in their fields that are to be found in other European countries.
