Study Fine Art, why & how to study
If you鈥檙e a creative person, a fine art degree will help develop your artistic abilities and give you a strong foundation for a career in the arts. Read on to discover more.
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CONTENTS
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What Fine Art degrees can you study?
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What do you need to get onto a Fine Art degree?
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What topics does a Fine Art degree cover?
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How will you be assessed?
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Why study Fine Art?
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Are scholarships and bursaries available to students studying a Fine Art degree?
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What do Fine Art graduates earn?
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What jobs can you get as a Fine Art graduate?
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What are the postgraduate opportunities?
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Similar subjects to Fine Art
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Have any questions?
Fine art is about creative expression that is intended to be visually appealing and/or thought provoking. It encompasses a wide range of media including painting, sculpture, drawing, photography, printmaking and more.
Fine art is used to communicate ideas, emotions and modern culture. A fine art degree will usually cover art history, art theory and criticism as well as opportunities to develop in one or more art forms.
Undergraduate Fine Art degrees on offer in the UK include:
Options may include an integrated foundation year, professional placement year or year abroad.
Must have
Entry requirements for a Fine Art degree at a university typically range from 96鈥�160 UCAS points. This could include:
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A Levels: A*A*A - CCC
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BTECs: DDM - DD
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Scottish Highers: AAAAA 鈥� ABCD (Advanced Highers: AAA)
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International Baccalaureate: 44 - 36
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Most universities will ask to see a portfolio of your work
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Some courses will ask for a foundation diploma in the subject area; others will include a foundation year as part of a longer undergraduate course
Good to have
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Evidence of how your artistic skills and knowledge are developing through research, courses or online learning
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Reading books or arts journals, going to galleries and exhibitions or using Google Arts & Culture or national gallery websites to find influential practitioners that inspire you
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Finding out about careers through the websites of professional bodies like the Crafts Council, Artquest or the Artist's Information Company (a-n)
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Entering exhibitions or taking part in competitions
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Volunteering or work experience/shadowing related occupations, such as in a gallery, design agency, print workshop or supporting art clubs for children or families
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If eligible, attending an art summer school run by the Sutton Trust
Typical modules for courses in this subject include:
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Drawing
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Painting
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Printmaking
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Sculpture
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Photography
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Video and Film
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Digital Art
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Installation Art
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Art History and Visual Culture
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Critical and Contextual Studies
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Professional Practice and Career Development
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Art and Design Theory
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Exhibition and Curatorial Practice
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Creative Writing
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Arts Management and Marketing
Depending on your modules, you could be assessed through:
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颁辞耻谤蝉别飞辞谤办鈥�&苍产蝉辫;
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Placement assessments鈥��
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贰虫补尘蝉鈥�&苍产蝉辫;
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Group work鈥�
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Oral presentations鈥���
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Project or portfolio work鈥�
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A dissertation is usually a final year option
Career-specific skills:
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Technical and practical ability in a range of techniques and mediums to develop an area of expertise
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Knowledge of historic and contemporary practice that influence creative direction
Transferable skills:
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Creative and critical thinking
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Communication
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Entrepreneurial and business skills
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Research
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Time management
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Collaboration
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Presentations
Professional accreditations:
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Some universities may have links with professional organisations in the arts, such as the Royal Academy of Arts or the Contemporary Art Society rather than accredited degrees
Some universities offer students specific scholarships, bursaries, or grants so it鈥檚 worth checking if you are eligible, how to apply and what it covers such as materials, tuition fees and/or living costs.
According to the UK's Office for National Statistics, the average annual salary for artists in the UK is £24,096 as of April 2020. However, this figure includes artists from a range of disciplines and experience levels.
Some fine art graduates may earn less than this in entry-level or junior roles, while others may earn significantly more in senior or management positions.
Many fine art graduates set up as self-employed and build up their business and reputation using their networking skills and industry contacts. Income will therefore vary depending on the projects they take on and the fees they charge.
There are a range of possible career opportunities open to you with a Fine Art degree. Depending on your interests and specialism, you might choose to become:
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Artist
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Art teacher
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Art administrator
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Art therapist
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Illustrator
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Graphic designer
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Curator
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Gallery officer/manager
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Exhibitions manager
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Printmaker
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Interpretation officer
Examples of postgraduate courses available at universities in the UK:
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History of Art and Visual Culture MSt
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Fine Art MFA
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Contemporary Art Theory MA
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Design Informatics Master of Fine Art MA
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Global Premodern Art MSc
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Conservation of Fine Art MA
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History and Philosophy of Art MA
Other subject areas that might appeal to you include:
Get in touch with our experts by emailing鈥�ask@thecompleteuniversityguide.co.uk.
We鈥檒l be happy to hear from you!
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