Fine Art

BA (Hons)

We believe in teaching contemporary Fine Art practice within a social and cultural context that values diversity and debate.

Overview
Content
Additional information
How to apply
Fees and funding
International

Course level

Undergraduate

Modes of study

Part time, Full time

Location

Avenue Campus

Entry requirements

Standard entry requirements apply. A typical offer is around 220- 260 UCAS tariff points. Applicants will normally possess a BTEC diploma in Foundation Art and Design, a diploma in general Art and Design or other appropriate diploma. Applicants are invited to interview with a portfolio of their work. Applicants who do not meet our standard requirements, but who are able to demonstrate an appropriate level of ability, will be considered. Entry at level two with 120 CATS credits in HND Fine Art or equivalent is available, as is in exceptional circumstances entry at level three with 240 CATS credits.

UCAS details

UCAS code: W100

UCAS description: BA/FA

School

School of The Arts

Attendance

3 years full-time, part-time study possible over 5 years

Course content

The students' ideas are nurtured and developed in an environment that provides specialist media support, close interaction with the course team, visiting artists and other students. They will graduate with a unique balance of critical, practical and creative skills and abilities. A significant feature of the course is the opportunity to move readily between media disciplines that fall under the broad headings of painting, photography, printmaking and sculpture, and which embrace installation, digital imaging, video and performance.

The course is delivered through studio practice, specialist media workshops, professional study components and a lively programme of lectures and seminars. The whole programme is designed to provide students with an informed and critical understanding of contemporary practices and debates. Above all, the course encourages the development of a creative and critical intelligence capable of integrating innovative thinking with practical ability. Students will benefit from spacious and well-equipped facilities, and external activities including links to the Milton Keynes and Ikon Galleries. Teaching staff have research interests in the disciplines available on the course, and visiting speakers include the internationally known artists Richard Long, Ian Davenport, Mark Francis, Richard Deacon and Sonya Boyce.

Stage one

Introductions to painting, printmaking, photography and sculpture, alongside the development of personal creative practice in the studio are supported by theory lectures. Level one is primarily about generating and exploring ideas through a range of media and processes.

Stage two

There is a choice of one or more specialist areas through which to explore ideas, develop skills and produce a body of practical work. This aspect is complemented by theory lectures and a personally developed folder of information about career direction in the arts. Level two encourages the development of a personal visual language and the acquisition of skills that support individual practice.

Stage three

Consolidation of practical work culminating in an exhibition together with a dissertation on a personally chosen topic. A choice of shorter dissertation with a professional folder, or a longer dissertation for those who have strengths in critical writing.

Special course features

Excellent specialist facilities in painting, photography, printmaking and sculpture
The ability to work readily between media disciplines
Spacious studio areas with individual work spaces
Visiting artists' and art professional's talks
Research-active artist teaching staff

Typical modules

Dissertation
Exhibition
Fine art practice
Media practice
Professional studies
Studio practice
Themes and issues in contemporary art
Understanding the visual

Assessment

Theory is assessed through essays, assignments, a dissertation and presentations, while practical work is judged through studio presentations and exhibitions.

Career opportunities

Postgraduate study, independent creative practice and art-related employment are available to graduates of Fine Art. Employment opportunities include arts organisation, gallery management, exhibition curating, photography, journalism, teaching, art therapy, theatre, film and television, or into less obviously related work where creative thinking is valued. MA in The Arts is offered as suitable progression routes within the School of The Arts.

Course progressions

Arts, The (with routes in Curatorial Studies, English Language, Modern English Studies, Fine Art, Performance Arts) MA

Fine Art MA

Creative Industries PgCert

For undergraduate application information please see our how to apply page.

Fees quoted are for home and EU students for the academic year 2010/2011. Tuition fees are payable for each year of the course. The fees are subject to annual increases in subsequent academic years.

Full time fees

£3290

Students who already hold a qualification and are considering studying for another course which is an equivalent or lower level qualification may be considered to have ELQ status for tuition fee purposes. In 2010/11 tuition fees for BA/BSc programmes for ELQ students will be £5,000.