BA (Hons) Fine Art
Our BA (Hons) Fine Art course is rigorous and questioning, encouraging an ambitious diversity of approaches in thinking and making. We promote an interdisciplinary exploration of contemporary art, where you will gain skills to critically question and actively create.
The course provides opportunities for working collaboratively, deepening cultural understanding and exploring new processes in workshops, within a learning environment that provides a meaningful link between your studio practice and contemporary art theory.
Find out more about BA (Hons) Fine Art at Arts University Plymouth.
<ul><li dir="ltr"><p dir="ltr">Degree: BA (Hons) Fine Art</p></li><li dir="ltr"><p dir="ltr">UCAS codes: 3-year degree W101 / 4-year extended degree W103</p></li><li dir="ltr"><p dir="ltr">Typical UCAS points: 104–120</p></li></ul>
<p dir="ltr">This is a dynamic course that supports ambitious, interdisciplinary contemporary art practice, encouraging you to critically question and actively create.</p>
<p dir="ltr">You’ll be supported to develop your individual practice-based study through exposure to a wide variety of material methods and modes of art practice.</p>
I wouldn’t change any of the decisions that led me here. I’m so glad that I quit my job in London and came back to the South West to study Fine Art at Arts University Plymouth. That was the best decision I’ve ever made.
MOLLY ERIN MCCARTHY, BA (HONS) FINE ART GRADUATE
Students exhibit work throughout the year – including at the university's annual Degree Shows.
<p dir="ltr">You’ll participate in workshops that allow you to explore new processes while connecting studio practice with contemporary art theory.</p>
<p dir="ltr">Workshops include opportunities across drawing, sound, glass, installation, video, clay, performance, painting, scale and sculpture, projection mapping, wood, printmaking and critical writing.</p>
<p dir="ltr">You can also explore 3D casting in plaster, alginate and rubber, alongside traditional sculptural practices.<br /></p>
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From forming international artist collectives and exhibiting at Art Weekenders to transforming Tate Modern's Switch House into a pop-up factory as part of Tate Exchange — our students regularly engage with the public and gaining vital artist exposure.
<p dir="ltr">The course is led and supported by a stimulating community of creative practitioners. The core academic team are experienced artists who are active makers, writers and researchers in contemporary fine art practice.</p>
<p dir="ltr">We encourage diversity in thinking and making through material exploration, collaborative working, cross-fertilisation of ideas, and the exploration of new concepts and materials.<br /></p>
<p dir="ltr">As a student you will develop an unrivalled understanding of the professional art world through ongoing partnerships with emerging and established galleries, museums, creative organisations and practising artists.</p>
<p dir="ltr">You will gain a deep understanding of the professional landscape through these partnerships, preparing you effectively for a career in the creative sector upon graduation.<br /></p>
BA (Hons) Fine Art students enjoy access to a dedicated workspace at Studio 11. Facilities include a photography darkroom, bookable installation area and mac suite.
<ul><li dir="ltr"><p dir="ltr">Our course prioritises contemporary art practice and critical enquiry. As a studio-centred, interdisciplinary programme, it allows you the freedom to work in any medium at any stage, offering the flexibility to shape your own professional journey.</p></li><li dir="ltr"><p dir="ltr">Partnerships with ambitious and contemporary art spaces, such as our on-site gallery, MIRROR, and our neighbours, The Box. We think beyond our walls and you will get to test, experiment and exhibit work in real-life professional art settings.</p></li><li dir="ltr"><p dir="ltr">Access to industry connections including: KARST, The Box, Sprite Arts Collective, Plymouth Culture, RAAM, Heart for Art, Stoke Village Hub, MIRROR gallery, WonderZoo, Yourway Project and Make Tank.</p></li></ul>
<p>Career opportunities include: Professional Artists, Curators, Producers, Arts Facilitators, Exhibition Organisers, Digital Content Creators, Art Therapists, Researchers, Photographers, Lecturers and Teachers, Art Conservators and Framers, Art Handlers, Gallery Owners or Curators, Studio Assistants, Technicians, Directors, Printmakers, Writers and Directors of Artist-run Spaces.</p>
<p>It is a rigorous and questioning course that encourages an ambitious diversity of approaches in thinking and making, with an interdisciplinary exploration of contemporary art.</p>
<p>You’ll study in a learning environment that provides a meaningful link between your studio practice and contemporary art theory.</p>
<p>You can participate in workshops for drawing, sound, glass, installation, video, clay, performance, painting, scale and sculpture, projection mapping, wood, printmaking, critical writing, and 3D casting in plaster, alginate and rubber, alongside traditional sculptural practices.</p>
<p>Yes. The course focuses on the development of individual practice-based study through exposure to a wide variety of material methods and modes of art practice.</p>
<p>You’ll be led and supported by a stimulating community of creative practitioners, with a core academic team of experienced artists who are active makers, writers and researchers in contemporary fine art practice.</p>
<p>Yes. The course provides opportunities for working collaboratively, encouraging diversity through material exploration, collaborative working and cross-fertilisation of ideas.</p>
<p>You will develop an unrivalled understanding of the professional art world through ongoing partnerships with emerging and established galleries, museums, creative organisations and practising artists.</p>
<p>Yes. Through partnerships with ambitious and contemporary art spaces such as MIRROR and The Box, you will get to test, experiment and exhibit work in real-life professional art settings.</p>
<p>Career opportunities include Professional Artists, Curators, Producers, Arts Facilitators, Exhibition Organisers, Digital Content Creators, Art Therapists, Researchers, Photographers, Lecturers and Teachers, Art Conservators and Framers, Art Handlers, Gallery Owners or Curators, Studio Assistants, Technicians, Directors, Printmakers, Writers and Directors of Artist-run Spaces.</p>
Trinitatem, Paul Hillon, BA (Hons) Fine Art
100 % of BA (Hons) Fine Art students recorded positive responses for questions including “How well has your course developed your knowledge and skills that you think you will need for your future?” and “To what extent have you had the chance to explore ideas and concepts in depth?”
- National Student Survey 2025
<p>All students at Arts University Plymouth can access specialist support via our Student Support Team. Our trained advisers offer information and guidance on student finance and funding, disability support, counselling and more.<a href="https://www.aup.ac.uk/study/undergraduate/disability-support-and-reasonable-adjustments" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener"><br /><br />Click here</a> to read more about the support we offer.</p>
<ul><li><strong>Email:</strong> <a href="mailto:fineart@aup.ac.uk/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">fineart@aup.ac.uk</a></li><li><strong>Instagram: </strong><a href="https://www.instagram.com/aup_fineart/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">@aup_fineart</a></li></ul>
<p>After successful completion of BA (Hons) Fine Art, your progression options at Arts University Plymouth could include some of the postgraduate courses listed below. As a graduate of the university, you will be entitled to a discount of 15% on postgraduate study fees if you choose to progress onto one of our MA programmes.</p>
