Fine Art, BA, University of Leeds

Course content

From the start of the degree, you are encouraged to find your own direction as an artist. You'll have the chance to work across all fine art media with on-site facilities for digital media, painting, photography, printmaking and 3D processes. Your degree programme is devoted to studio work, giving you the time and space to develop your ideas. You'll take field trips to exhibitions, galleries or fine art fairs and combine lectures with group seminar sessions to discuss contemporary art practice, which you can use to inform your own creative work.

To support these studies, in Year 1 you'll take core modules that introduce you to contested ideas about the artist, art and the history of art, as well as the ways in which the theory and history of art relate to practice. You'll gain important skills in research and analysis that provide a foundation for your degree. You'll also be introduced to professional practice through examining case studies and projects that consider the role of dissemination within a contemporary art context. You will also explore your own direction as an artist by developing a creative portfolio across a range of media.

In Year 2 you'll build upon and critically apply the knowledge and skills learned in Year 1 and further pursue your own individual interests. Compulsory modules will deepen your understanding of the complex nature of art practices from an historical and contemporary perspective, as well as allowing you to further develop your portfolio. You will choose from a wide range of optional modules, allowing you to explore topics that particularly interest you on topics from medieval European art to the presentation and exhibition of Asian art, the New York School to the context of African art.

In your final year, you'll undertake a self-directed research project to explore aspects of your own visual art practice. This awareness will inform your studio work, which forms the main focus of the year. You'll work on a curated exhibition and public degree show, applying your artistic and professional skills as you interact with outside agencies, sponsors and the media. This is structured through a professional practice module that consolidates skills, both practical and intellectual, built up in Years 1 and 2.

Course structure

These are typical modules/components studied and may change from time to time. Read more in our Terms and conditions.

Year 1

Compulsory modules

• Entry requirements, fees and applying

  Entry requirements

  A-level: AAB not including General Studies or Critical Thinking.

  • Career opportunities

    This course offers you a unique combination of artistic, intellectual and professional skills. As a result, you'll be well equipped for a variety of careers.

    Many of our graduates combine careers as artists with work in education, museums or galleries, or even go on to establish new cultural enterprises themselves - The Tetley, Leeds' contemporary art space, is just one example. Others use their knowledge and skills to launch careers in fields such as journalism, broadcasting, marketing, technology, business or design.

    Careers support

    We encourage you to prepare for your career from day one. That's one of the reasons Leeds graduates are so sought after by employers.

    Leeds for Life is our unique approach to helping you make the most of University by supporting your academic and personal development. Find out more at the Leeds for Life website.

    The Careers Centre and staff in your faculty provide a range of help and advice to help you plan your career and make well-informed decisions along the way, even after you graduate. Find out more at the Careers website.

  • Study abroad and work placements

    Study abroad

    On this course you have the opportunity to apply to spend time abroad, usually as an extra academic year. The University has partnerships with more than 400 universities worldwide and popular destinations for our students include Europe, the USA, Canada, Australia, New Zealand, Singapore, Hong Kong, South Africa and Latin America. 

    Find out more at the Study Abroad website.

    Work placements

    Practical work experience can help you decide on your career and improve your employability. On this course you have the option to apply to take a placement year module with organisations across the public, private and voluntary sectors in the UK, or overseas.

    Find out more about work experience on the Careers website.