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.
Students on this course complete a lot of practical work in our Sheaf workshop. Find out more about the facility and the equipment available.
We have a Creative Media Centre which contains the latest video, photographic and media equipment and resources for you to use. Find out more.
One of the most valuable resources available for you to access is our highly experienced technical support team. Find out how they can help support your development.
Search results - 46 results found
Study to be a graphic designer and develop a design portfolio full of ideas to enter and challenge the graphic design industry. You learn about the core principles of graphic design and its application across a range of sectors and have the opportunity to explore advertising, illustration, motion and interactive, or traditional graphic design. The... More information
If you have the flair and ambition, this course can help you become a highly innovative designer within the fashion industry. We build on your strengths and individual creativity, and help you develop your design skills and creative awareness.With an emphasis on creativity and concept generation, we encourage you to create your own distinctive... More information
This is a creative and challenging course that introduces you to all aspects of interior design. You develop a range of practical and intellectual skills that will allow you to take risks and develop an inventive problem solving approach to your work. Studio-based learning enables you to develop your creative and technical skills. You work both... More information
Explore all aspects of contemporary art practice on this dynamic and exciting course, with its long history of producing students who are successful within the cultural industries. We encourage you to consider and question existing art practices while developing your own approaches, helping you to quickly become self-directed and independent. You... More information
Through intensive project work you learn how to generate and produce original designs for a range of jewellery, tableware and personal accessories. You can create one-off highly crafted pieces to mass produced items such as cutlery.We introduce you to fundamental processes and techniques, developing your essential skills and knowledge. Through... More information
Learn to design products that are original, attractive, usable and functional. On this course, you gain the skills needed to produce imaginative design solutions for predominantly large-scale production. You also learn about the factors that make design rational, suitable for manufacture and affordable. We help you to think like a designer, and... More information
Engage with all aspects of making and contemporary debate on this rich and demanding course. You explore traditional methods of making visual arts and are supported and encouraged to engage with new ideas and theories.This course is ideal for you if you have an independent mind, a deep interest in skills-based art-making, and you’re working to... More information
Develop your existing knowledge and experience as a designer, exploiting our significant research expertise to enhance your own design and research skills to a new level. You study graphic design at one of the oldest established art and design institutions in the UK, renowned for producing internationally recognised research.The course is project... More information
Develop your creative ability on a course with a design culture that considers all aspects of furniture and related product design, and 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. You learn... More information
If you have the flair and ambition, this course can help you become a highly innovative designer within the fashion industry. We build on your strengths and individual creativity, and help you develop your design skills and creative awareness.With an emphasis on creativity and concept generation, we encourage you to create your own distinctive... More information
This is a creative and challenging course that introduces you to all aspects of interior design. You develop a range of practical and intellectual skills that will allow you to take risks and develop an inventive problem solving approach to your work. Studio-based learning enables you to develop your creative and technical skills. You work both... More information
Study to be a graphic designer and develop a design portfolio full of ideas to enter and challenge the graphic design industry. You learn about the core principles of graphic design and its application across a range of sectors and have the opportunity to explore advertising, illustration, motion and interactive, or traditional graphic design. The... More information
Learn to design products that are original, attractive, usable and functional. On this course, you gain the skills needed to produce imaginative design solutions for predominantly large-scale production. You also learn about the factors that make design rational, suitable for manufacture and affordable. We help you to think like a designer, and... More information
Whether you are a graduate or practising designer, this course encourages you to meet the challenge of exploring new directions and shaping the future of packaging design.Packaging design covers a wide and diverse field, so our aim is to help you to become a creative, imaginative and versatile designer who can operate independently or as a member... 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
Develop your creative ability on a course with a design culture that considers all aspects of furniture and related product design, and 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. You learn... More information
Product design covers a wide and diverse field, so our aim is to help you to become a creative, imaginative and versatile designer who can operate independently or as a member of a design team.Develop your existing knowledge and experience as a designer, exploiting our significant research expertise to enhance your own design and research skills... More information
Through intensive project work you learn how to generate and produce original designs for a range of jewellery, tableware and personal accessories. You can create one-off highly crafted pieces to mass produced items such as cutlery.We introduce you to fundamental processes and techniques, developing your essential skills and knowledge. Through... 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
If you are a highly motivated individual this course will prepare you for a career working at the forefront of this creative discipline. You build upon existing craft traditions, extending them in response to the needs of our rapidly changing society both in terms of function and style.Your work on the course is project led and studio based. You... 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
Explore all aspects of contemporary art practice on this dynamic and exciting course, with its long history of producing students who are successful within the cultural industries. We encourage you to consider and question existing art practices while developing your own approaches, helping you to quickly become self-directed and independent. You... More information
Engage with all aspects of making and contemporary debate on this rich and demanding course. You explore traditional methods of making visual arts and are supported and encouraged to engage with new ideas and theories.This course is ideal for you if you have an independent mind, a deep interest in skills-based art-making, and you’re working to... 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
Develop your existing knowledge and experience as a designer, exploiting our significant research expertise to enhance your own design and research skills to a new level. You study illustration at one of the oldest established art and design institutions in the UK, renowned for producing internationally recognised research.You have access to a... More information
Develop your existing knowledge and experience as a designer, exploiting our significant research expertise to enhance your own design and research skills to a new level. You study interior design at one of the oldest established art and design institutions in the UK, renowned for producing internationally recognised research.Interior design... More information
Develop your existing knowledge and experience as a designer, exploiting our significant research expertise to enhance your own design and research skills to a new level. You study fashion design at one of the oldest established art and design institutions in the UK, renowned for producing internationally recognised research.The course is project... More information
If you have the flair and ambition, this course can help you become a highly individual and innovative designer within the fashion industry. We build on your strengths and individual creativity, and help you develop your design skills and creative awareness.With an emphasis on creativity and concept generation, we encourage you to create your own... More information
Study to be a graphic designer and develop a design portfolio full of ideas to enter and challenge the graphic design industry. You learn about the core principles of graphic design and its application across a range of sectors and have the opportunity to explore advertising, illustration, motion and interactive, or traditional graphic design. The... More information
This is a creative and challenging course that introduces you to all aspects of interior design. You develop a range of practical and intellectual skills that will allow you to take risks and develop an inventive problem solving approach to your work. Studio-based learning enables you to develop your creative and technical skills. You work both... More information
Through intensive project work you learn how to generate and produce original designs for a range of jewellery, tableware and personal accessories. You can create one-off highly crafted pieces to batch or mass produced items such as cutlery.We introduce you to fundamental processes and techniques, developing your essential skills and knowledge.... More information
Learn to design products that are original, attractive, usable and functional. On this course, you gain the skills needed to produce imaginative design solutions for predominantly large-scale production. You also learn about the factors that make design rational, suitable for manufacture and affordable. We help you to think like a designer, and... More information
Develop your creative ability on a course with a design culture that considers all aspects of furniture and related product design, and 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. You learn... More information
Study a range of advanced photographic techniques, theories and concepts, on a course that encourages you to push boundaries. You learn to produce creatively-driven work to a professional standard, taking and managing risks and developing innovative solutions to problems. You study the production of both digital and analogue imaging using our... 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
This course is for architectural technology and architecture graduates, and for those from associated built environment and design disciplines. It is organised to allow you to work and study at the same time if you want to. The course• creates skilled professionals by approaching the subject from an advanced technical, environmental and design... More information
Postgraduate
Full-time, Part-time
Subject area
Related subjects
Study a range of advanced photographic techniques, theories and concepts, on a course that encourages you to push boundaries. You learn to produce creatively-driven work to a professional standard, taking and managing risks and developing innovative solutions to problems.You study the production of both digital and analogue imaging using our... More information
Undergraduate
Full-time
UCAS code W641
Subject area
Related subjects
Learn the creative skills and techniques of animation from tutors who are practising industry animators and effects artists. Members of the teaching team have worked on award-winning productions across all disciplines of animation and visual effects.To help create a stimulating environment and to ensure that you gain the latest industry knowledge,... 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 secondary teacher training course leads to qualified teacher status (QTS). It equips you to teach design and technology in secondary schools and post-16 colleges.On the course you• enhance your subject knowledge, understanding and skills• learn how to teach design and technology • learn about the wider role of teachers in school • gain... More information
Postgraduate
Full-time
Subject area
Related subjects
This secondary teacher training course leads to qualified teacher status (QTS). It equips you to teach design and technology with a focus on textiles in secondary schools.On the course you• enhance your subject knowledge, understanding and skills • learn how to teach textiles • learn about the wider role of teachers in school • gain knowledge... More information
Postgraduate
Full-time
Subject area
Related subjects
If you’d like to teach design and technology in secondary schools, but need to brush up on your skills before you start your teacher-training, we can help. This two year route helps you develop the skills you need to be a successful teacher of pupils of all abilities, strengthening both your design, technology and manufacturing skills as well as... More information
Postgraduate
Full-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
Develop a range of advanced photographic techniques, theories and concepts, on a course that encourages you to push boundaries. You learn to produce creatively-driven work to a professional standard, taking and managing risks and developing innovative solutions to problems. You study the production of both digital and analogue imaging using our... More information
Undergraduate
Part-time
Subject area
Related subjects
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
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.
Brightest Spark
Brightest Spark is an exhibition 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.
For further information visit the Brightest Spark website.
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.
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 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 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.
An example of an animation modelling project.
BA (Hons) Animation modelling work by Luke Adams for his final year project entitled Uneasy Rider.
Part of the Creative Spark exhibition.
Graphic students work on display.
Part of the Creative Spark exhibition.
Work displayed by engineering students.
Four students' workbooks on display.
BA (Hons) Interior Design student workbooks (Shamila Hussain, Faiza Khan, Naomi Nunn and Helen Genia Austin).
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.
Work displayed by interior design students.
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.
Sheaf workshop
Level L
Centred around an open plan workshop with woodworking and metalworking benches, we have specialist facilities supporting a range of fabrication techniques
• metal, wood, foam and plastic manipulation
• precision manufacturing
• welding – gas, electric (MIG and TIG)
• casting – metal, plaster and resins
• paint spraying and finishing techniques
• vacuum forming
• laser cutting
• 3D rapid prototyping and 3D printing
• CNC routing and machining
Level 0
• fine metalworking
• PCB electronics
• engineering teaching laboratories
Materials and Tools Centre includes
• tools – range of hand and power tools
• materials – metal, plastics, foams and wood
• consumables – fixings, adhesives and abrasives
• advice – skill based and health and safety guidance
Creative Media Centre
The Creative Media Centre comprises the following areas.
Creative media support desk
The Creative Media Support Desk coordinates the booking, issues and returns of film, video, photographic and media equipment. Technical staff provide specialist support to the media and studio facilities associated with the Creative Media Centre. Training workshops in the use of specialist equipment such as HDV Cameras, Pro SLRs, Studio lights etc. are held at regular intervals.
Photographic darkrooms and studios
Our darkrooms can be used to manually process
photographs. Colour and black and white processing 
machines are also available. Each studio comprises of a backdrop roll, flash lighting grid, filters, Apple macpro and everything you’d expect to find in a professional student environment. We have a dedicated digital darkroom alongside the studios that cater for all kinds of digital photography and print editing.
Performance studio with sound editing and set building facilities in the Workstation
The off-site Workstation performance studio is used for a variety of activities including production shoots, set building and teaching.
TV and radio studio facilities 
We have a TV studio comprising a two camera setup with autocue and a separate control room. The control room houses the vision mixer, video and sound facilities. TV Studio output can be broadcast to both of the newsrooms. The radio studio consists of a Myraid Radio playout and automation system along with an industry standard mixing desk and various outboard equipment. Radio studio output can also be broadcast to both newsrooms.
Apple and PC IT labs, video/sound edit suites and Animation and Protools studios
Apple Macintosh software includes Final Cut Pro, Avid, Adobe Premier, I-Movie, Video Editing DVD Studio Pro, IDVD, Toast DVD Authoring Adobe Photoshop Image Manipulation Logic Studio Pro, Pro-Tools, Soundtrack Pro Sound/Music Creation I-Stop Motion, Stop Motion Pro Stop Frame Animation Adobe Production Premium Collection of Production Software.
PC software includes Adobe Production Premium video editing autocue software, TV studio autocue software, Myriad radio studio software, radio broadcast software.
Technical support team
While you will find excellent facilities throughout, the most valuable resource you will have at your disposal is access to our extremely dedicated, highly experienced technical staff.
All the staff are there to support you during your time in the workshops. The technical team with its professionally qualified staff and practicing professionals, has a wealth of knowledge and expertise across all areas of our provision and comprises engineers, designers, silversmiths and jewellers, fine artists, media arts specialists and IT experts.
The team are committed to using their diverse range of skills and knowledge to support practical aspects of your
course work, whether solving a simple software problem, producing a complex engineering project or creating design work for an international exhibition. There are currently 50 technical staff directly supporting the Technical Resource Centres and the research institutes of the faculty.