Program Overview

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Introduction to the Fine Art BA Program

The Fine Art BA program at the University of Leeds is designed to help students explore and challenge their idea of art by engaging with a broad array of artistic practices and theoretical ideas. The program approaches fine art as a collection of forms, concepts, and creative methods for addressing some of the most pressing questions society is faced with today.

Program Structure

The program is centered around studio work, giving students the time and space to explore and develop their ideas. Students will take field trips to exhibitions, galleries, and fine art fairs and combine lectures with group seminar sessions to discuss contemporary art practice.

Year 1

In the first year, students will be introduced to the key concepts, formal approaches, and critical discourses of fine art as viewed from a broad range of time periods and cultural perspectives. Compulsory modules will examine contested ideas about the artist and art, how the theory and history of art relate to practice, and the role of dissemination in the contemporary art world.

Year 2

In the second year, students will build upon and critically apply the knowledge and skills learned in their first year and further pursue their own individual interests. Compulsory modules will deepen students' understanding of the complex nature of art practices from a historical and contemporary perspective, as well as allowing them to further develop their portfolio.

Year 3

In the final year, students will consolidate their individual practices, which will culminate in planning and organizing a curated exhibition and public degree show. Students will have full authorship of this project, where they can apply their artistic and professional skills as they interact with their fellow students, outside agencies, sponsors, and the media.

Compulsory Modules

• Introduction to Practice (40 credits): Students will study fine art practice, history of art, and cultural theory.
• Developing Practice (40 credits): This module continues with the development of independent studio work for developing self-directed practice-based research.
• Ways of Seeing (20 credits): This module asks students to analyze assumptions about art that may appear natural, obvious, or unquestionable.
• Ways of Thinking Seeing (20 credits): This module considers some of the ideological and conceptual structures associated with shaping the process of seeing.

Optional Modules

• Seeing in Asia (20 credits): This module addresses the age-old problem of 'nature' versus 'nurture' through the perspective of Asian Culture.
• Variant Modernism (20 credits): This module looks at the different definitions of 'modern' or 'contemporary' art at different historical moments in 20th century England to the present day.
• The Grand Tour: Travels, Excavations, Collections (20 credits): This module follows a typical Grand Tour itinerary and assesses the importance of certain travelers, guides, artists, and dealers.
• The Art Market: Moments, Methodologies, Meanings (20 credits): This module introduces some of the main themes in the histories of the art market.

Learning and Teaching

Learning and teaching is delivered within a collective community environment, where shared interests and aims can be explored to embrace an inclusive sense of belonging and ownership. Mutual support and collaboration are openly encouraged.

Assessment

We use a combination of assessment methods that allows students to develop diverse skills. These include studio work, essays, and exams, depending on the modules students have selected to study.

Entry Requirements

• A-level: ABB
• Other course-specific tests: Where an applicant is undertaking an Extended Project Qualification (EPQ), the School may make an alternative offer that is one A-level grade below that of our standard offer.
• Applicants will be required to submit a satisfactory portfolio of work unless they are already studying a Fine-Art related subject or undertake Access to Leeds.

Fees

• UK: £9,790
• International: £26,500 (per year)

Career Opportunities

We have a strong commitment to enhancing student employability and embedding transferable skills that are extendable into a range of careers. Our graduates become ambitious and pioneering artists, curators, critics, journalists, and innovative initiators working across a wide range of creative fields.

Study Abroad and Work Placements

On this course, students have the opportunity to apply to spend time abroad, usually as an extra academic year. We have over 300 University partners worldwide, and popular destinations for our students include Europe, the USA, Canada, Australia, New Zealand, Singapore, Hong Kong, South Africa, and Latin America.

Related Courses

• Arts and Humanities with Foundation Year BA
• Fine Art with Contemporary Cultural Theory BA
• Fine Art with History of Art BA