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Undergraduate

Fine Art BA (Hons)

University of Gloucestershire

What is Fine Art BA (Hons)?

Working in our dedicated studios and 3D workshops, you’ll develop a broad range of technical and practical artistic skills. These include drawing, painting, sculpture, printmaking, digital technologies, photography, video, performance, text and sound.

Our Fine Art BA (Hons) course scored 92% for academic support in the National Student Survey 2023.

You’ll explore the practical and conceptual possibilities of a range of different forms and media. These include drawing, painting, printmaking, sculpture/installation, 2D image-making, photography, video, performance, text and sound. You’ll be assessed through studio coursework with some theory assignments.

You’ll get the chance to showcase your work at exhibitions and visit international galleries in Barcelona, Berlin and Vienna, with the opportunity to spend a month in one of Rome’s prestigious culture research academies.

Learning from a diverse range of practicing artists and published authors, you’ll graduate with an extensive portfolio of creative achievements. This will allow you to progress into postgraduate study or a professional career in art.

This course is available to study with an integrated foundation year – an extra, introductory year at the beginning of the full degree. If you don’t meet the stated entry requirements or you’re returning to education, it could be a great option that enables you to study this course.

As well as an introduction to your subject, it will help you to develop valuable study skills, and communication, teamwork and problem-solving techniques, giving you the confidence and skills set you need to progress.

If you’re applying to study as an international student, an integrated foundation year can also support you to improve your English language skills alongside your studies.

To apply for this course with an integrated foundation year, select the ‘With foundation year’ study type from the options at the top of this page before clicking ‘Apply’.

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Entry requirements

    • 96 – 120 UCAS tariff points, CCC – BBB at A levels, MMM – DDM at BTEC, or a Merit in your T-Level.

      Entry to this course is by interview. Check out our Interview Guide to learn what to expect and help you prepare.

    • We welcome applicants with a pass in a relevant Foundation or Extended Diploma (Level 3 or 4).

    • English Language or Literature and Maths Grade 4/C in GCSE (or equivalent) are normally required.

    • This course is available with an additional integrated foundation year. This four year option has lower entry requirements – see below – than the other study type/s available.

      Typical offers
      48 UCAS tariff points, DD at A levels, PPP at BTEC or a Pass in your T Level.

      GCSEs
      Grade C/4 in English Language/Literature and Mathematics, or equivalent (e.g. Level 2 Functional Skills).

      To apply for the integrated foundation year degree, select the ‘With foundation year’ option from the study types listed at the top of this page before clicking ‘Apply’.

      See course overview for more information about the interated foundation year option.

    • We welcome applications from mature students (aged 21 and over) and do not necessarily require the same academic qualifications as school leaving applicants, although some entry requirements may still apply for Professionally Accredited Courses. We accept Access to Higher Education Diplomas and make offers on an individual basis.

Course modules

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Fees and costs

See the further details of fees and potential extra costs when studying a course at the University of Gloucestershire.
Start date Location UCAS code Fee (UK)
per year
Fee (international)
per year
Sep 2024 Hardwick, Cheltenham W100 £9,250 £16,600
Sep 2025 Hardwick, Cheltenham W100 TBC TBC

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Possible careers

Graduates from this course can go on to work as:

  • Artist
  • Arts Manager
  • Creative Publisher/Designer
  • Art Therapist
  • Gallery or Museum Curator.

Industry links

Our previous students have completed exciting placements at the National Portrait Gallery, Spike Island Bristol, Arnolfini, Drawing Room, White Cube Bermondsey and Cheltenham’s own Wilson Gallery.

We have strong links with the British School in Rome and you’ll get the chance to study there for a month, among the most prestigious art history and culture research academies, funded by the university.

National and international travel opportunities

Work on international collaborative projects and visit national and European galleries. Past trips include Barcelona, Berlin and Vienna and you could win the opportunity to spend a month at the British School in Rome.

Showcase your work at exhibitions

Gain exposure through local, national and international exhibition opportunities. Exhibit at our own degree show in both Cheltenham and London, and sell your work in Amsterdam, with the chance to win a ‘5000 prize.

Learn from practicing artists and published authors

Develop your full creative potential and individual artist’s signature, supported by practicing artists who will help you express your ideas and refine your technique.

Trips and experiences

You’ll get to work on international collaborative projects and visit national and European galleries. Past trips include Barcelona, Berlin and Vienna and you could win the opportunity to spend a month at the British School in Rome.

You’ll gain exposure through local, national and international exhibition opportunities. Exhibit at our own degree show in both Cheltenham and London, and sell your work in Amsterdam, with the chance to win a €5,000 prize.

Placements

As part of your course you can gain  valuable experience on an optional placement year.

  • Duration  – 12 months, full-time (minimum 35 hours a week)
  • Location  – popular destinations include the UK, USA, China and Europe
  • Visa – you may need a visa if you’re on placement abroad
  • Finance – your tuition fee is reduced for your placement year – and you can still apply for a maintenance loan and get money advice
  • Placement support  – we’ll help you find a great placement and get the most out of the experience

"I worked for one of the world’s leading contemporary art galleries, White Cube."

“I learnt a lot on my degree. I did work experience for artist Andrew Bick in London and at Gloucester Guild Hall. These experiences helped me get an internship at White Cube. The studios at Hardwick are amazing. My final piece was a sculpture video installation where I created art using everyday items like jugs. Our lecturers were great and we had a lot of one-on-one time with them. We visited galleries and exhibitions in London and went on a study trip to Prague.”

Jodie Downes, Fine Art student

"We keep all the possibilities open and work with students to widen their creativity."

“I am a practising artist with a studio in East London, I’ve had two books published, I curate and I write, and I bring those influences back to my students. Everything is a two-way process: our students go out and become part of the creative community, and high-level artists come and sit with students to discuss their work and creative identities. We keep all the possibilities open and work with students to widen their creativity, but always make sure that their work relates back to the wider world.”

Jack Southern, Academic Course Leader for Fine Art

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