Fine Art BA (Hons)

Course Content

• Course Details

  You will learn through studio practice, specialist media workshops, professional study components and a programme of lectures and seminars. The course will give you an informed and critical understanding of contemporary practices and debates, encouraging the development of your creative and critical intelligence and showing you how to integrate innovative thinking with practical ability. You will be able to explore and question the nature of any given medium and/or hybrid practices and you will have the opportunity to explore art as an instrument for social change and a way of improving our society and culture. You will benefit from spacious and well-equipped facilities and links to the Milton Keynes Gallery, NN Contemporary Art (Northampton), Corby Cube Gallery and Rugby Museum and Art Gallery.

  On-site Printmaking workshop

  Creative students at the University of Northampton are benefiting from a new printmaking workshop at Waterside campus – and you can take a tour with our video, below.

  The facilities, which are located in the Creative Hub, are available for students on a variety of courses to use, from Fine Art, Painting and Drawing, MA Fine Art and Illustration, through to Graphic Communication and Textiles for Fashion.

  All of our staff are practicing artists who publish and exhibit nationally and internationally. We have regular visits from innovative arts organizations such as Artangel and internationally renowned artists including Richard Long, Ian Davenport, Mark Francis, Jenny Saville, Marcus Harvey, Dan Hays, Michael Landy, Richard Deacon, Ian McKeever and Richard Wilson.

  Throughout this course, your ideas will be nurtured and developed by a close relationship with our team of specialists, visiting artists and other students. You will graduate with a unique balance of critical, practical and creative skills, thanks to the opportunities you will be given to move between media disciplines. There are also trips involved in the course, which have included France, Italy, Spain, India and the USA.

  The Degree Show

  Final year students display their work at the annual Degree Show at our Waterside Campus. Our Fine Art students deliver some stunning work.

  Changing Futures Week

  Our annual Changing Futures Week is an exciting event and an excellent opportunity for our students to explore the potential of their course and understand where their university experience can lead them beyond graduation. It offers a unique chance to network with high profile industry professionals from the arts, TV, film, fashion and more.

   

  • Stage 1
    • Understanding the Visual (20 Credits)
      Module code: ART1012

      Status: Compulsory
      The purpose of this module is to enable students to develop a core set of skills in relation to the visual analysis of images and objects and to explore how artworks acquire meanings within a broader set of contexts. Students will be introduced to a range of theoretical material and will be encouraged to develop effective research and written skills in addition to being able to articulate their ideas verbally.
    • Introduction to Media Practice (40 Credits)
      Module code: ART1013

      Status: Compulsory
      This module offers a introduction to studio practice. Students will be introduced to a range of briefs exploring materials practitioners concepts theories and approaches; and is expected to form personal procedures to developing ideas. Students will be assessed by the exhibition of artworks supported by a range of research materials.
    • Extended Studio Practice and Context (40 Credits)
      Module code: ART1033

      Status: Compulsory
      This module offers a introduction to studio practice. The student will be introduced to a number of different concepts theories and approaches; and is expected to form personal procedures to developing ideas. Students will be assessed by the exhibition of artworks supported by a range of research materials.
    • Introduction to Drawing as Fine Art Practice (20 Credits)
      Module code: ART1039

      Status: Compulsory
      The module introduces students to the discipline of drawing within the context of fine art as a multi-disciplinary activity but also acknowledges drawing as a self-defining activity which can become the sole focus of artistic output. Drawing is envisaged and explored not only as an activity that can contribute to a range of fine art activities but can also be created using a wide range of different fine art practices. Drawing materials tools process sketchbook activity artist research and conceptual approaches may all contribute to a body of work that is assessed through a portfolio submission.
  • Stage 2
    • Professional Studies (20 Credits)
      Module code: ART2017

      Status: Compulsory
      The aim of this 20 credit module is to provide students with a range of tools to inform their working knowledge of the creative and cultural industries. Models the promote the student's own practice within these industries will be provided in order to further enhance professional ambition and communication.
    • Media Practice 2 (40 Credits)
      Module code: ART2020

      Status: Compulsory
      The module encourages breadth and depth in studio practice and into relevant concepts historical and contemporary contexts for practice to support their personal practice. By the end of this module the student is expected to be able to make informed choices about subsequent directions in personal work.
    • Fine Art Practice 2 (40 Credits)
      Module code: ART2021

      Status: Compulsory
      The module encourages breadth and depth in studio practice and into the exploration and application of relevant techniques processes and materials. Students are expected to establish and utilise a range of research methods and working processes relevant to their personal practice.
    • Themes and Issues in Contemporary Art (20 Credits)
      Module code: ART2022

      Status: Compulsory
      The purpose of this module is to provide the theoretical element at level 5 of the BA Hons Fine Art degree. It builds on from the first level 4 module ART1012 Understanding the Visual and prepares students for independent work on ART3016 in level six. As well as writing a 2000 word essay students will be expected to deliver a verbal presentation.
  • Stage 3
    • Critical Study (20 Credits)
      Module code: ART3018

      Status: Compulsory
      The purpose of this module is to enable students to develop a sustained independent investigation and analysis of a specific topic within the field of Fine Art. It will require the demonstration of advanced personal and independent scholarship skills on a topic selected and approved through consultation with staff. To this end the module will provide the opportunity for students to negotiate the form the outcome will take.
    • Professional Practice and Employability (20 Credits)
      Module code: ART3019

      Status: Compulsory
      The aim of this module is to provide students with a range of skills and strategies to prepare both their artwork and themselves for the external world. This will include developing the ability to professionally present artwork and manage the many other facets of exhibiting and making both artworks and ideas visible and available to a wider audience. They should build their working knowledge of the creative and cultural industries established at level 5 in Professional Studies.
    • Practice Exhibition (Fine Art) (80 Credits)
      Module code: ART4013

      Status: Compulsory
      This module makes complex demands on the student in areas of theorization production and dissemination of concepts and/or artefacts intended for intellectual and aesthetic consideration. It consolidates creative and theoretical interests through a body of work and exhibition informed by contemporary fine art practice and demonstrating an understanding of audience.

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• Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

  How will I be taught?

  We take a range of approaches to teach this course, to help you learn in the best way for you. A combination of studio practice, specialist workshops, visiting artists’ sessions, professional collaborations, lectures and seminars will give you theoretical and practical experience.

  Are there any study trips?

  The course includes frequent international trips which have included destinations such as France, Italy, Spain, India and the USA. Costs for study visits vary but are always competitive. UK trips would typically cost £10-50. European international trips would typically cost in the region of £250-450 with a long haul trip such as Hanoi or Calcutta in the region of £800-900. Some students have subsidised this further through fundraising activities that relate to the programme you wish to study.

  Will I have the opportunity to go on a work placement?

  In your second year, the Professional Studies module will include the opportunity for a work experience placement. You could work as a gallery intern, artist’s assistant, art educator or curatorial assistant to name a few, and we can help you to arrange this. You could also incorporate this experience with your Major Critical Study in the final year.

  How will I be assessed?

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

  There will be two assessment periods. The first, around December to January, will be a chance for you to see how you are progressing and will not contribute to your final grade. The second, in May to June will be the official assessment for the year and will form your grade.

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• Entry Requirements

  Standard entry requirements apply. A typical offer would be BCC at A Level or DMM at BTEC. In addition, we expect applicants to have studied art or a relevant subject at A Level, BTEC or equivalent. We also accept Foundation Diplomas in Art and Design.

  Applicants are interviewed and are requested to provide a portfolio of their own work in Art and Design. International students may submit their portfolio electronically. If you have a relevant HND or Foundation Degree with a suitable profile of achievement you may be admitted onto year two or three of this course.

  For more more information on how to make an application, please visit our How to Apply page.

  If you are an International student and would like information on making an application, please see our How to Apply page.

  Integrated Foundation Year Entry Requirements

  Admission to this foundation programme is normally DEE at A Level or MPP at BTEC. However, we would also like to hear from you if you have professional or industry experience instead, a range of other qualifications or self-developed subject knowledge that relates to the programme you wish to study.

  If you are considering a change in career or if you are returning to education after time away, then we suggest you contact Admissions to book an advisory interview with the course leader so we can explore how best to support your study ambitions.

  English Language Requirements

  All International and EU students applying for a course with us must meet the following minimum English language requirements:

  • IELTS 6.0 (or equivalent) with a minimum of 5.5 in all bands
    for study at undergraduate level.

  For information regarding English language requirements at the University, please see our IELTS page.

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• Student Perks

  At the University of Northampton, everything we do, from funded trips to paid internships, is to give you everything you need to make a difference when you leave.

  If you join this full time degree at Northampton you will receive a laptop when your course begins. The laptops are built to a bespoke custom specification ideal for use in the seminar room, collaborative group work or studying at home.

  Whatever your ambitions, we’re here to help you to achieve them. We’ll support you to identify the skills you’re learning during your course, find your strengths and secure practical experience so that when it comes to applying for jobs or further study you’ll feel confident in standing out from the crowd. We’ve created the Northampton Employment Promise because we are so confident that if you focus on your studies and complete one of our awards you’ll be highly employable by the time you graduate. Putting you in a great position to secure employment or continue your studies.

  To check out the full list of perks visit our Student Perks page.

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• Integrated Foundation Year (IFY)

  The Integrated Foundation Year (IFY) offers a new and exciting route into studying for a degree, attracting ambitious and driven students who are willing to learn and advance.

  If you have non-standard qualifications or do not quite meet the admissions requirements we can offer you a fantastic opportunity to study a four year programme which includes an Integrated Foundation Year. The Integrated Foundation Year will help you develop the theoretical/practical and academic skills you need, in order to successfully progress to the full award.

  Featuring a reduced tuition fee in the first year, our four-year courses will enable you to successfully follow the degree pathway of your choice while gaining essential study skills. The foundation year of your chosen degree will be studied on a full-time basis and is aimed at supporting the transition to higher education. Years two, three and four are then studied as a standard degree programme.

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• Fees and Funding

  21/22 Tuition Fees

  Fees quoted relate to study in the Academic Year 21/22 only and may be subject to inflationary increases in future years.

  • UK – Full Time: £9,250
  • UK – Part Time: £1,465 per 20 credit module
  • UK – Integrated Foundation Year: £6,780 as part of a four year programme (subsequent years will be charged at standard BA rate).
  • International – Full Time: £13,000
  • International – Integrated Foundation Year: £13,000 as part of a four year programme (subsequent years will be charged at standard BA rate).

  Additional Costs

  The cost of materials for a Fine Art student is of an almost completely individual nature. Traditional art materials can be purchased from the University shop, which has a wide range of art equipment such as paint, charcoal and quality papers. All materials are competitively priced and the shop is run by our Student Union. Alternative or specialist materials can be locally sourced from building suppliers and our many industry contacts in the region.

  Costs for study visits vary but are always competitive, UK trips would typically cost £10-50, European trips would typically cost in the region of £250-450 with long haul trips such as Hanoi or Calcutta in the region of £800-900. In some instances students have helped subsidise this further by group fundraising activities.

  20/21 Tuition Fees

  Fees quoted relate to study in the Academic Year 20/21 only and may be subject to inflationary increases in future years.

  • UK and EU – Full Time: £9,250
  • UK and EU – Part Time: £1,450 per 20 credits module.
  • UK and EU – Integrated Foundation Year: £6,750 as part of a four year programme (subsequent years will be charged at standard BA rate)
  • International – Full Time: £12,900
  • International – Integrated Foundation Year: £12,900 as part of a four year programme (subsequent years will be charged at standard BA rate)

  Additional Costs

  The cost of materials for a Fine Art student is of an almost completely individual nature. Traditional art materials can be purchased from the University shop, which has a wide range of art equipment such as paint, charcoal and quality papers. All materials are competitively priced and the shop is run by our Student Union. Alternative or specialist materials can be locally sourced from building suppliers and our many industry contacts in the region.

  Costs for study visits vary but are always competitive, UK trips would typically cost £10-50, European trips would typically cost in the region of £250-450 with long haul trips such as Hanoi or Calcutta in the region of £800-900. In some instances students have helped subsidise this further by group fundraising activities.

   

  For information on the scholarships available to you, please see our scholarships page.

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• Postgraduate Opportunities

  Our postgraduate courses are a great way to enhance the skills you have already learnt. Benefit from our 20% alumni discount on postgraduate fees to give yourself a CV that will catch the eye of employers.

  Fine Art MA

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