Fine Art

From the start of the course, you are encouraged to find your own direction as an artist. You’ll have the chance to work across all fine art media with on-site facilities for digital media, painting, photography, printmaking and 3D processes. Your degree is devoted to studio work, giving you the time and space to develop your ideas. You’ll take field trips to exhibitions, galleries and fine art fairs and combine lectures with group seminar sessions to discuss contemporary art practice, which you can use to inform your own creative work.

To support these studies, in year 1 you’ll be introduced to the key concepts, formal approaches, and critical discourses of fine art as viewed from a broad range of time periods and cultural perspectives. Compulsory modules will examine contested ideas about the artist and art, how the theory and history of art relate to practice, and the role of dissemination in the contemporary art world. You'll also explore your own direction as an artist by developing a creative portfolio across a range of media.

In year 2 you’ll build upon and critically apply the knowledge and skills learned in year 1 and further pursue your own individual interests. Compulsory modules will deepen your understanding of the complex nature of art practices from an historical and contemporary perspective, as well as allowing you to further develop your portfolio. You'll choose from a wide range of optional modules, which include medieval European art, the New York School and the context of African art.

In your final year, you’ll undertake a self-directed research project to explore aspects of your own visual art practice. This awareness will inform your studio work, which forms the main focus of the year. You’ll work on a curated exhibition and public degree show, applying your artistic and professional skills as you interact with outside agencies, sponsors and the media. This is structured through a professional practice module that consolidates both the practical and intellectual skills that you have developed in years 1 and 2.

Course structure

These are typical modules/components studied and may change from time to time. Read more in our Terms and conditions.

Modules Year 1

Compulsory modules

• Elements of Visual Culture I 20 credits
• Elements of Visual Culture II 20 credits
• Professional Practice (Introductory) 20 credits
• Introduction to Studio Work 30 credits
• Studio Work 2 30 credits

Year 2

Compulsory modules

• Studio Work 60 credits

Optional modules

• Seeing in Asia 20 credits
• Live Issues and Contemporary Art Practice 20 credits
• The Art Market: Moments, Methodologies, Meanings 20 credits
• African Art I: Context Representation Signification 20 credits
• The Museum 20 credits

Year 3

Compulsory modules

• Professional Practice Level 3 20 credits
• Dissertation 40 credits
• Studio Work 60 credits

For more information on typical modules, read Fine Art BA in the course catalogue

Broadening your academic horizons

At Leeds we want you to benefit from the depth and breadth of the University's expertise, to prepare you for success in an ever-changing and challenging world. This course gives you the opportunity to broaden your learning by studying discovery modules. Find out more on the Broadening webpages.

Learning and teaching

Studio tutors are practising artists, writers and curators who are contributing to national and international exhibitions and publications. See the School website for staff biographies to find out more.

This course combines studio, exhibition and curatorial work, screenings and visits with traditional teaching and learning methods such as lectures, seminars, tutorials and workshops. You’ll also have the chance to enhance your learning by attending talks by visiting artists and speakers, as well as attending exhibitions and conferences among others.

Independent study is a vital element of this degree, allowing you to develop your creativity and build important skills in areas such as research, analysis and interpretation.

In the upper years we encourage you to carry out small research projects, on your own or in student teams. The final-year dissertation enables you to undertake substantial independent research in a topic of particular interest to you. Many skills-focused, blended and online opportunities complement your studio, classroom and library work.

Assessment

We usually use a combination of assessment methods that allows you to develop diverse skills. These include your studio work, exhibition crits, module presentations, essays and exams, depending on the modules you choose.