Your ultimate guide to navigating the exceptional creative studios, workshops, and study spaces at DJCAD.
As a new student stepping into the vibrant, creative world of Duncan of Jordanstone College of Art and Design, part of the University of Dundee, understanding your surroundings is crucial for a successful academic journey. Renowned globally for its pioneering approach to art, design, and architecture, DJCAD provides an environment where innovation thrives. To make the most of your time here, familiarizing yourself with the Duncan of Jordanstone College of Art campus facilities is your first big step toward creative mastery.
Whether you are pursuing fine art, graphic design, illustration, animation, or interior environmental design, your toolkit extends far beyond your personal sketchbook. The campus is packed with industry-standard equipment, collaborative hubs, and specialized zones designed to turn bold ideas into tangible realities. Let's dive deep into what you need to know to navigate your new creative home efficiently.
Finding your way around a sprawling art school can feel daunting in your first week. The campus is seamlessly integrated into the wider University of Dundee campus, located centrally in the city. Keeping a digital or physical campus map handy will save you from getting lost between lectures, critiques, and practical workshops.
The main DJCAD building is a architectural hub featuring dedicated zones for different disciplines. Studios are grouped by department, fostering a strong sense of community among peers in your cohort. "Having a dedicated studio space from day one completely changes how you work. It’s where you make your best friends and collaborate late into the night." - Chloe, Fine Art Graduate
When you need to step away from the paint fumes, clay dust, or glowing monitor screens to hit the books, you have access to incredible academic zones. The main University of Dundee library is situated just a short walk from the main art building and offers an array of silent study areas, group collaboration pods, and extensive digital archives.
Understanding library hours is vital, especially during peak assessment and submission periods when deadlines loom large. During term time, the main library typically operates extended hours, providing late-night and 24/7 access options for students needing a quiet place to focus.
In modern art and design, digital literacy is just as important as traditional craftsmanship. DJCAD houses state-of-the-art computer labs equipped with high-performance Apple Mac and PC workstations running industry-standard software suites including Adobe Creative Cloud, Cinema 4D, CAD software, and specialist rendering engines.
As a student, you also gain access to a wealth of online student resources, including LinkedIn Learning subscriptions, digital textbooks, and high-speed campus-wide Wi-Fi. The dedicated IT service desks on campus are always on hand to assist with software installation, printing credits, and hardware troubleshooting.
| Facility Type | Primary Location | Key Equipment / Access |
|---|---|---|
| Digital Suite | DJCAD Ground Floor | High-spec Macs, 3D printers, large-format plotters |
| Workshop Hubs | Perth Road Wing | Wood, metal, ceramics, and laser cutting machinery |
| Main Library | Campus Centre | Bookable group pods, quiet desks, laptop loans |
What truly sets DJCAD apart is its legendary workshop provision. No matter your discipline, you are encouraged to experiment across mediums. The printmaking, wood, metal, ceramics, and laser-cutting facilities are manned by expert technicians who provide inductions, safety training, and hands-on guidance.
Getting your safety inductions completed during Freshers' Week is mandatory if you want to use heavy machinery. Make sure to book your sessions early, as slots fill up quickly across all departments.
"Don't be afraid to step out of your discipline. As an illustrator, learning how to use the laser cutter in the 3D workshop completely revolutionized my packaging design projects." - Liam, Illustration Student
Your journey at Duncan of Jordanstone College of Art is bound to be transformative. By proactively exploring the Duncan of Jordanstone College of Art campus facilities, mastering the campus map, and keeping track of library hours and computer labs, you will set yourself up for academic and creative success. Dive in, get involved, and make the most of every resource available to you!