Fine Art - BA(Hons)

At each level of the programmes there are Professional Practice and Work Experience modules that build incrementally to allow you to understand and experience different options for employment, career progression or further study. You will hear from various visiting professionals throughout your study and have access to case studies and a variety of work experience, competition and application opportunities from across the fine art arena and wider creative industries.

Year one

You will take part in structured projects, workshops and lectures that will introduce a range of ideas and approaches to fine arts practice. You will also begin to develop a self-directed practice in your chosen area of study.

You will study the following compulsory modules:

• Introduction to Fine Arts
• Exploring Practice in Fine Art
• Critical Perspectives
• Professional Practice and Work Experience 1.

Year two

You will continue to develop your practice and undertake research into relevant traditions, artists practices, theory and professional practice. In Year 2 you also have the option to undertake the Erasmus exchange module at one of our International partner institutions.

You will study the following compulsory modules:

• Developing Practice in Fine Art or Developing Practice in Art and Visual Culture
• Creative Analysis
• Professional Practice and Work Experience 2.

Plus one of the following:

• Developing Practice in Fine Art 2
• International Exchange.

Final year

You will continue to develop your studio practice and work towards the final degree show. You will also consolidate your future career choices through building a body of material that will aid your transition into further study or your chosen route into employment and / or future art practice.

You will select modules from the list below according to credit requirements:

• Preparation for Extended Study in Fine Art
• Extended Study in Fine Art
• Preparation for Extended Study in Art & Visual Culture
• Extended Study in Art and Visual Culture
• Independent Research Project
• Professional Practice and Work Experience 3.

Group critiques and tutorials will focus on issues arising from work in progress in greater depth, and you will be increasingly expected to consider the presentation of your work towards the final Degree Show exhibition.

You are encouraged to test out modes of installation and dissemination through group critiques and exhibiting opportunities, and to seek out appropriate research and references through regular visits to exhibitions in galleries, museums or events which relate to your practices.

Support and encouragement is also provided for students who wish to initiate projects both internal and external to the University - such as the provision of support for applications to competitions, further study and funding.

Throughout the programmes you will take modules in visual culture, which enable you to locate your own practice within contemporary cultural contexts and help you to become articulate about your ideas and practice in relation to current debates.

Please also note this structure is for the full-time course delivery only. For part-time delivery, the same modules will be studied. However, the structure will differ.

The University continually enhances our offer by responding to feedback from our students and other stakeholders, ensuring the curriculum is kept up to date and our graduates are equipped with the knowledge and skills they need for the real world. This may result in changes to the course. If changes to your course are approved, we will inform you.

Throughout your studies you will be offered regular structured tutorials and group critiques with your tutors and with visiting artists. In these sessions your work in progress, research material and completed work will be discussed and you will be given advice, guidance and suggestions on how to proceed and relevant areas to research. Group seminars will offer you the opportunity to consider and discuss various aspects of art practices. Visual Culture lectures and seminars will seek to provide you with the theoretical and cultural context for your practice.

For more details see our full glossary of learning and teaching terms.

All modules are assessed according to the level of attainment of pre-determined learning outcomes. A variety of assessment methods are used including projects, essays, group presentations and visual presentation. There are no exams. Critical evaluations are written throughout the course. In these you are expected to critique and analyse your own work and also relate it to the broader context and history of fine art practice. Marks from modules undertaken at levels 2 and 3 can contribute to your final degree.

For more details see our full glossary of assessment terms.