If you want to learn more about modern art and improve your understanding, then this is the course for you. This is a general course so it is suitable for all.

The course content is based on current London exhibitions, both in public and commercial galleries and includes aspects such as curating, the art market, originality and pretence. Throughout the year we will visit a number of exhibitions as a basis for further exploration in the classroom sessions. Because of this, the course content will change each term and you may wish to enrol for multiple terms. You will consider the changes and events that led to the overthrow of representational art in favour of abstraction, experiment and conceptual art. You will discuss the international art market, the role of the curator and the audience. You will visit current exhibitions with your group and formulate opinions in subsequent classroom discussions. By the end of the course you will be able to: identify different movements within modern art and recognise their differences; evaluate a piece of art in its social, economic, political and historical context; discuss and interpret art and consider originality with increasing confidence; and carry out independent research, e.g. by visiting exhibitions independently, to report back to the class.

Approx. 3 times per term we will visit an exhibition as a basis for further exploration in the classroom. The classroom-based activities will include group discussions and pair work. You will be encouraged to do independent study, to contribute your opinions to discussions and debates and even give presentations. Visiting art exhibitions and doing wider reading and research will give you a greater depth of knowledge on the subject and expand your potential to gain from the course.

Visiting art exhibitions and doing wider reading and research will give you a greater depth of knowledge on the subject and expand your potential to gain from the course.

There is no exam or formal assessment for this course. However, you will complete an Individual Learning Plan (ILP) which will outline the learning objectives for the course. You will also be invited to set your own goals. You will receive feedback against the achievement of these outcomes during the course from your tutor, and in written form at the end of the course. There is no formal qualification attached to this course but you can receive a Certificate of Completion from the college on request.

There is no formal qualification attached to this course but you can receive a Certificate of Completion from the college on request.

Once you have completed the course, you may choose to enrol on a further term in this subject or another subject. Join one of our shorter, specialist Art History courses such as Art History: Migration and Identity in 21st Century British Art or Creative Art Appreciation. Join us for a Contemporary Art Walk alongside your studies. Advice and Guidance for all further study is available from the Curriculum Manager by request.

For more information, please contact the Learner Services Team via Live Chat or on 020 7255 4700 or email LearnerServices@wmcollege.ac.uk.

Teachers are supported to ensure their materials are inclusive to meet all learners needs. Provision of assistive equipment is available and access support can be provided through reasonable adjustments, subject to an assessment by the ALS team and/or the Disability Officer. Digital Learning support is available in the Learning Centre at our Camden site. Careers advice and guidance is also available to all learners.

WM College is able to provide financial support with course fees and you may be eligible based on prior qualifications, if you are on a low income or on benefits. For more information and to find out if you are eligible, go to the Fees & Finance page on our website or contact the Learner Services team via Live Chat or on 020 7255 4700.