Art and design
We are one of the oldest established art and design institutions in the UK – we've been teaching creative courses since 1843. As an art school for the 21st century we emphasise creative thinking through making.
Our excellent workshops, lab facilities and studio spaces enable you to work in a highly creative environment surrounded by other artists and designers.
We have one of the UK’s most respected art and design research centres and our leading academics are internationally recognised experts. All of our art and design courses are led and supported by specialist teachers and technicians who help provide a rich learning experience.
We are committed to helping you reach your creative potential and preparing you for a successful career in the creative industries.
One of our fine art graduates, George Shaw, has been nominated for the 2011 Turner Prize. Read more about it.
Find out about the Sheffield Institute of Arts (SIA) and view a 360 degree tour of the SIA gallery, where our students exhibit their work.
Read about the excellent facilities we have available for students to use.
Find out about Creative Spark, our annual graduate showcase of final year students' work, and Brightest Spark, an exhibition featuring projects completed by our elite students.
View the Creative Spark image gallery, taken from the 2010 graduate showcase of final year students' work.
We are one of the UK’s leading centres for research in art and design. Find out more.
View a 360 degree tour of our model making workshop used to make prototypes of students’ designs.
Find out why Sheffield is developing a reputation as one of the UK's leading cities for arts and culture.
Search results - 38 results found
On this broad graphic design course you can develop skills in • advertising • illustration • structural graphics • typography • motion design • interactive design, as well as traditional graphic design. There is also the option to have a specialist subject reflected in your award title. The specialist subjects are advertising, illustration, motion... More information
We designed this course for enthusiastic, innovative and ambitious fashion designers. It provides you with a broad base of skills to meet the needs of the fashion industry.We emphasise creativity, concept generation and your personal development to help you become a unique designer with high creative awareness. We encourage you to identify and... More information
This course gives you the skills and knowledge to design inventive interior spaces for private and public environments. Projects allow you to explore the design potential of existing buildings by offering conceptual and technical creative responses.As you develop your ability, we encourage you to initiate your own design projects to expand on your... More information
This is a dynamic and diverse course with a long history of producing ambitious graduates who have gone on to be highly successful in the cultural industries. Throughout the course we encourage you to question and challenge existing art practices while developing your own approaches, helping you to quickly become self-directed and independent. You... More information
We have a highly respected and lively jewellery and metalwork department. Our roots are based in Sheffield's historic traditions of silversmithing and metalwork. However, the course covers a broad range of approaches, and constantly aims to exploit new materials, technologies and ways of thinking. This course begins by equipping you with a strong... More information
Product design is a creative discipline which combines art and technology to improve our daily lives, protect our health and create new opportunities for industry. This course produces imaginative design ideas and solutions for small and large scale industrial production. You learn to develop designs that are • exciting • original • attractive •... More information
This is a studio and workshop-based course that explores traditional and contemporary methods of making visual arts. You develop expertise in 2D and 3D art forms ranging from painting and illustration to casting and construction, with drawing as a central part of the course. We encourage you to engage with new ideas, theories and contemporary... More information
The course is based on a design culture that considers all aspects of furniture and related product design; a philosophy that thrives on new ideas, new ways of doing things and the exploration of creative possibilities. We celebrate diversity and encourage our students to develop their own personal identities. We define furniture in its broadest... More information
This course for enthusiastic, innovative and ambitious designers combines undergraduate and postgraduate study. You graduate with a masters degree at the end of four years’ study. We emphasise creativity, concept generation and your personal development. Our fashion studios and workshops are equipped with state-of-the-art digital facilities,... More information
This course is ideal if you are an enthusiastic, innovative and ambitious designer. We emphasise creativity, concept generation and your personal development. You graduate with a masters degree at the end of four years’ study. The course gives you the skills and knowledge to design inventive interior spaces for private and public environments.... More information
This course is ideal if you are a graduate in graphic, industrial or packaging design.You develop your design skills and learn how to take a lead role in the international graphics industry. You complete a major research-based project under the supervision of our teaching team who are actively involved in high level graphic design research and... More information
The MDes combines undergraduate and postgraduate study into a single course. You graduate with a masters degree at the end of four years’ study. On this broad graphic design course you can develop skills in • advertising • illustration • structural graphics • typography • motion design • interactive design, as well as traditional graphic design.... More information
Product design is a creative discipline that combines art and technology to improve our daily lives, protect our health and create opportunities for industry. You develop • exciting • original • attractive • usable • functional • rational • manufacturable • affordable designs. Your work will be influenced by a clear understanding of social,... More information
The course is based on a design culture that considers all aspects of furniture and related product design; a philosophy that thrives on new ideas, new ways of doing things and the exploration of the creative possibilities. We celebrate diversity and encourage our students to develop their own personal identities. You develop your creativity by... More information
This course teaches you the traditional skills and techniques for designing and making silverware and jewellery, such as hand raising and forging. It also challenges your thinking about contemporary materials and design. You work with precious and non-precious metals and explore working with mixed media, wood, plastics and paper.You graduate with... More information
This course focuses on traditional art forms and practices. You develop your art practice using traditional media.Drawing is a central part of the course in levels one and two. At level one, you take workshops in • sculpture • painting • printmaking • photography. You study art, history and theory to help place your practical work in a wider... More information
Packaging design deals with • marketing and brand identity • big volume and low cost production • environmental impact • information design • 3D design. This discipline needs people who are not only highly creative but who can also address technological, economic and social issues. Packaging is a huge worldwide industry and there are excellent job... More information
This course builds on your awareness and experience of art theory and practice and lets you experiment with different media within fine art.We support and encourage you to produce work based on an understanding of the relationship between the process of making and the context of showing. You examine a range of fine art practices to help you... More information
Our MArt combines undergraduate and postgraduate study in a single course, so you graduate with a masters degree at the end of four years’ study. It is informed by critical theory and research, and includes an industry placement, artist's residency or international exchange.In your first year we introduce you to various approaches to fine art... More information
This course develops your visual abilities as an artist or artist-designer. You graduate with a masters degree at the end of four years’ study. Exploring traditional and contemporary art making processes, you can gain skills in 2D and 3D art forms ranging from painting and illustration to casting and furniture. You also develop written and verbal... More information
We are one of the oldest established art and design institutions in the UK. This course builds on our experience and exploits our research expertise to provide an invaluable learning experience, which enhances your design and research skills.The course is project based. It enables you to use your creative, practical and theoretical skills to... More information
We want to attract people whose art, ideas and ambitions create diversity of thinking and purpose. The interdisciplinary opportunities we offer create an engaging professional experience covering all areas of the practice and theory of fine art. We have a comprehensive range of technical resources and an excellent programme of visiting artists.If... More information
This course is for highly motivated and talented people who wish to work at the forefront of this creative discipline.The course builds upon craft traditions, but extends them into the needs of our new age. Fashion, music, cultural movements, new materials and technologies are challenging this design field and stimulating new creative... More information
You cannot apply for this course directly – see the entry requirements for more information.This course helps you prepare for the BA (Honours) Fine Art or BA (Honours) Creative Art Practice. It enables you to gain the practical and academic skills needed to study at degree level by extending a three year degree into four years.You engage in a... More information
You cannot apply for this course directly – see the entry requirements for more information.This course helps prepare you to study one of our design degree courses. It enables you to gain the practical and academic skills needed to study at degree level by extending a three year degree into four years. You learn a variety of skills from drawing... More information
To develop your ability as an artist or artist-designer, you attend skills-centred workshops with practising artists and skilled technicians.Exploring traditional and contemporary art making processes, you develop skills in 2D and 3D art forms ranging from painting and illustration to casting and furniture.You use modern and well-equipped... More information
Our MArt combines undergraduate and postgraduate study in a single course. It is informed by critical theory and research, and includes an industry placement or international exchange.In your first level we introduce you to various approaches to fine art production and thinking through • lectures • tutorials • group critiques • seminars • reading... More information
This course is for 2013 entry only.Product design is a creative discipline which combines art and technology to improve our daily lives and create new opportunities for industry. This course focuses on opportunities for designers in jewellery and fashion productsWe encourage you to develop designs that are • exciting • original • attractive •... More information
This course is for 2013 entry only.Product design is a creative discipline which combines art and technology to improve our daily lives and create new opportunities for industry. This course focuses on opportunities for designers in jewellery and fashion products. You graduate with a masters degree at the end of four years’ study. You study the... More information
Product design is a creative discipline which combines art and technology to improve our daily lives and create new opportunities for industry. This course focuses on opportunities for designers in jewellery and fashion products.We encourage you to develop designs that are • exciting • original • attractive • usable • fashionable • practical •... More information
Product design is a creative discipline which combines art and technology to improve our daily lives and create new opportunities for industry. This course focuses on opportunities for designers in jewellery and fashion products.We encourage you to develop designs that are • exciting • original • attractive • usable • fashionable • practical •... More information
In today’s world it is hard to escape the photographic image. From mobile phone to gallery to billboard, photographs constantly surround and inform us. This makes photography one of the most potent, persuasive and at times contested forms of contemporary production. This course understands that photography is a versatile medium with many different... More information
Undergraduate
Full-time
UCAS code W640
Subject area
Related subjects
This course aims to provide you with a range of creative, conceptual and technical skills and equip you with the knowledge and ability to work professionally in animation and special effects.You take a lead in exploiting existing and emerging media technologies, and we encourage you to develop innovative creative approaches.The practical and... More information
In today’s world it is hard to escape the photographic image. From mobile phone to gallery to billboard, photographs constantly surround and inform us. This makes photography one of the most potent, persuasive and at times contested forms of contemporary production. This course understands that photography is a versatile medium with many different... More information
Undergraduate
Full-time
UCAS code W641
Subject area
Related subjects
Our MArt combines undergraduate and postgraduate study in a single course. You graduate with a masters degree at the end of four years’ study. Animation plays an important role in a range of media including film, television, entertainment software and the internet. It is a widely used advertising tool and the media industry is always looking for... More information
The Cultural, Communication and Computing Research Institute (C3RI) is a diverse multidisciplinary group which makes connections between the research traditions of • art • design and media production • communication studies • computing • engineering.The Institute consists of two research centres • Art and Design Research Centre • Communication and... More information
Postgraduate
Full-time, Part-time
Subject area
Related subjects
This course develops your personal capability, improves your subject knowledge and furthers your career towards subject leadership.We designed the first year to help you achieve the PgCert in Design and Technology Education.The course reflects the dynamic and rapidly changing design and technology curriculum in schools. It enhances your vision and... More information
Postgraduate
Part-time
Subject area
Related subjects
We offer award-bearing/accredited continuing professional development and in-service training (INSET) in design and technology education.We are a regional support centre for the Digital Design and Technology (DDT) initiative in Yorkshire and Humberside. DDT is a national initiative, funded through the Design and Technology Association with the aim... More information
Fine art graduate nominated for prestigious Turner Prize
Fine art graduate George Shaw
George Shaw, The New Houses 2011. BALTIC presents Turner Prize 2011 © BALTIC & the artist. Photo: Colin Davison
A former Sheffield Hallam University fine art student will find out next week whether he has won one of the art world's most high-profile awards.
George Shaw, who studied at the University between 1986 and 1989, has been shortlisted for the Turner Prize alongside three other artists.
The Turner Prize is a contemporary art award that was set up in 1984 to celebrate new developments in contemporary art.
The prize is awarded each year to a 'British artist under fifty for an outstanding exhibition or other presentation of their work in the twelve months preceding'.
Previous winners include Tomma Abts, Gilbert and George, Antony Gormley, Damien Hirst, Steve McQueen, Gillian Wearing, Rachel Whiteread and Richard Wright.
George was born in 1966 in Coventry and is noted for his highly-detailed naturalistic approach and English suburban subject matter. His favoured medium is Humbrol enamel paints, which lend his work a unique appearance as they are more commonly used to paint Airfix models.
George studied Fine Art at the University, graduating in 1989. He also completed a PGCE in Design and Technology in 1992.
Professor Chris Rust, director of the Sheffield Institute of Arts (SIA) at Sheffield Hallam, said: "To be shortlisted for the Turner Prize is a very great distinction so of course we are absolutely delighted to see one of our alumni in that company. George's work has already received a great deal of national and international acclaim and I'm sure that this heralds a great many more successes in the future."
The Turner Prize 2011 exhibition will be held at the BALTIC Centre for Contemporary Art in Gateshead and the winner will be announced on Monday 5 December 2011.
Sheffield Institute of Arts
Sheffield Institute of Arts at Sheffield Hallam University is one of the oldest and most well-established centres of creative learning in Britain. Since 1843, we’ve built an excellent reputation and nurtured generations of students in a culture where anything is possible and with the resources to make it happen. To find out more about the Sheffield Institute of Art and its creative community visit the website.
Sheffield Institute of Arts gallery
The gallery offers and exciting programme of changing exhibitions of the best in art, design and creative practice. Located in the Cantor building, it hosts exhibitions throughout the year.
Art and design facilities
Our courses have an excellent range of facilities in both traditional and digital technologies.
You can work in bookable individual studio spaces to develop and enhance your professional practice. There are also specialist video, performance and sound studios, a fully equipped printmaking studio and full sculpture facilities including bronze casting.
Digital facilities include approximately 12 digital edit suites with final cut pro and I movie. There are workstations for Photoshop and audio, fully equipped photography facilities including colour printing, plus a range of digital cameras. This is complemented by a wide range of 16mm film cameras and editing Steenbecks, many digital video cameras, digital audio recorders and full production facilities.
You are trained to use specialist computer software that is appropriate to your particular subject. We encourage the creative use of computers on our courses and have facilities that range from specialist graphic design suites through to advanced computer-aided design and manufacturing equipment.
We have a number of design studios which offer a place for you to develop your project work within a creative environment. These studios provide a space for you to work on their projects, for project tutorials and for group based activities.
Spark - be creative
As part of the Sheffield Institute of Arts your course will be involved in 'Project Spark', 'Creative Spark' and 'Brightest Spark'.
Subjects included are • animation • architecture • computers • creative writing • digital media production • engineering • fashion design • film and visual effects • film and media production • fine art • furniture and product design • games design • graphic design • interior design • jewellery and metalwork • performing arts • photography • product design.
Creative Spark
Creative Spark is an annual showcase of student work and celebrates the innovation, creativity and imagination of our most talented graduates. Creative Spark is hosted across four university venues • Owen • Cantor • Sheaf • Arundel Gate Court and S1 in the city centre.
For further information visit the Creative Spark website or download last years guide.
Brightest Spark
Brightest Spark is a new exhibition for October 2012 housed in the SIA Gallery and Cantor building. This exhibition features the elite students in each Sheffield of Institute of Arts course as chosen by industry professionals in that area.
Project Spark
Sheffield Hallam students have the opportunity to play a key role in the promotion of the Creative Spark and Brightest Spark exhibitions by submitting entries for Project Spark. The 2012 competitions included • concept design • branding and wayfinding • creative writing • image • brightest spark logo and branding.
For further information visit the Project Spark website.
An example of an animation modelling project.
BA (Hons) Animation modelling work on display for Thomas Lloyd's final year project entitled The Window Pianist.
An example of an animation modelling project.
BA (Hons) Animation modelling work by Luke Adams for his final year project entitled Uneasy Rider.
Students' work on display at the Sheffield Institute of Arts Gallery.
BA (Hons) photography students exhibited their work in the Sheffield Institute of Arts Gallery.
An example of a contemporary fine art project.
Laura Hayes final year project for BA (Hons) Contemporary Fine Art.
An example of a metalwork and jewellery piece.
Emma Middleton's jewellery piece for BA (Hons) Metalwork and Jewellery.
The concept behind Emma's work is based on the idea of sentimental jewellery and the burden this can become on the wearer.
Part of the Creative Spark exhibition.
Graphic students work on display.
Four students' workbooks on display.
BA (Hons) Interior Design student workbooks (Shamila Hussain, Faiza Khan, Naomi Nunn and Helen Genia Austin).
Part of the Creative Spark exhibition.
Work displayed by interior design students.
Part of the Creative Spark exhibition.
Work displayed by engineering students.
A collaboration between fashion and engineering students.
A collaboration between fashion and engineering students creating a wedding dress that could be dissolved after the wedding to transform it into five new fashion pieces.
This went on to achieve international acclaim.
Part of the Creative Spark exhibition.
BA (Hons) Metalwork and Jewellery students work on display.
Part of the Creative Spark exhibition.
BA (Hons) Product Design work.
Students' workbooks on display.
A visitor to Creative Spark looking at students' workbooks for BA (Hons) Product Design.
Part of the Creative Spark exhibition.
Work on display from the Extended degree in Design.
An example of a final year metalwork and jewellery project.
Final year project for BA (Hons) Metalwork and Jewellery.
Gallery
Research in art and design
We are one of the UK’s leading centres for research in art and design, with an international reputation for the work we have done in developing practice-led approaches to research. We have a rating of 4 in the UK National Research Assessment Exercise (RAE).
Our research spans a wide range of work – from theoretical and strategic studies to a substantial body of hands-on creative work, where practising artists and designers contribute new ideas and practical innovations.
This merges into a diverse range of collaborations with arts organisations and industrial partners, including our successful Centre for Industrial Collaboration providing creative thinking and consultancy to international and local businesses.
Our research students pursue work in areas as diverse as • interactive artefacts • multimedia-based learning • robotics • transmission of craft skills • ethical design • issues of multiculturalism, national identity and gender • art and citizenship • new narrative structures.
Although a research degree is a very individual project, you are supported by the knowledge and expertise of our advanced postgraduates.
Model making workshop
Model making workshop used to make prototypes of students’ designs.
Art in Sheffield
England's fourth largest city is rapidly changing. Since the 1980s, massive regeneration programmes have seen Sheffield transformed into a centre for entertainment and the arts.
Sheffield is a vibrant, cultural city, home to the internationally renowned Site Gallery, Graves Art Gallery and the Millennium Galleries. The Showroom cinema was recently voted the best independent cinema in the UK, and hosts annual film festivals such as Sheffield Doc/Fest and horror festival Celluloid Screams
The city also hosts the UK's largest theatre complex outside the Crucible, the Lyceum and the Studio.
The city has an increasing international reputation for experimental theatre through groups such as Forced Entertainment and Third Angel.
Artists' studio groups such as Bloc and S1 provide a focus for an exciting range of visual arts activity and there is a strong tradition of experimental and electronic music, showcased at the annual Lovebytes digital art festival.