Fine Art with Museum and Gallery Studies, BA, University of Leeds

Course content

At each level of the degree, you combine your studio practice with modules on the history and theory of museums and galleries and on the role and impact of the notion of 'heritage' on our understanding of artworks.

From the start of the programme, you'll have the chance to work across all fine art media and you'll be encouraged to find your own direction as an artist. Half of the 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. Lectures will be combined with group seminar sessions to discuss contemporary art practice, which you can use to inform your own creative work.

At the same time, you'll compliment your practice with a set of modules introducing you to the history of museums and galleries and contemporary museum practice. You will examine the methods and ideas behind the collection, interpretation and display of objects, as well as introductions to collections management, exhibitions and the exploration of museum, art gallery and heritage audiences. Optional modules will allow you to broaden your understanding of the history and theory of art, from the principles of cultural analysis to cinema history and the art market.

Your final year balances studio work with an independent research project on a topic of your choice within museum and gallery studies, which allows you to apply your skills and investigate a specific area in depth. Alongside this you'll work on a curated exhibition and public degree show, using your artistic and professional skills as you interact with outside agencies, sponsors and the media.

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 degree will allow you to develop as a thoughtful, critically aware artist with an understanding of the ways in which art and other cultural forms are displayed, interpreted and represented. You'll also develop skills in research, analysis and written, oral and visual communication that will be valuable in diverse careers across the arts, cultural and heritage sectors.

    Many Fine Art 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.

    Graduates from our School have gone on to work at the Guggenheim Museum in Venice, the Tate Britain, Tate Modern, The Saatchi Gallery, The Henry Moore Institute, National Trust, Bonham's, Leeds City Museums, The Hepworth Gallery, The Geffrye Museum London, The Heritage Lottery Fund and the Rydale Folk Museum.

    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.