Program Overview

Introduction to the Fine Art BFA Program

The Fine Art BFA program at the UCL Slade School of Fine Art is a three-year degree that prepares students for a career in creative professions. The program incorporates painting, fine art media, and sculpture, with an integrated critical studies element.

Program Structure

• The program is practice-based, with an emphasis on self-initiated work.
• Students explore each practice area on rotation during the first term, attending crits (critical feedback) in each area.
• Cross-area seminars and tutorial groups ensure the exchange of ideas between the three areas.
• The program includes a critical studies component in each year of study, designed to provide students with the ability to reference their work within a broad cultural context.

Entry Requirements

A Levels

• Grades: ABB
• Subjects: No specific subjects, but a portfolio of work is required. At least two A level subjects should be taken from UCL's list of preferred A level subjects.
• GCSEs: English Language and Mathematics at grade C or 4.

Contextual Offer

• Grades: CCC
• Subjects: No specific subjects, but a portfolio of work is required. At least two A level subjects should be taken from UCL's list of preferred A level subjects.
• GCSEs: English Language and Mathematics at grade C or 4.

International Baccalaureate Diploma

• Points: 34
• Subjects: A total of 16 points in three higher level subjects, with no higher level score below 5, plus a portfolio.

Contextual Offer for International Baccalaureate Diploma

• Points: 30
• Subjects: A total of 15 points in three higher level subjects, with no higher level score below 5, plus a portfolio.

UK Applicants Qualifications

The program accepts other UK qualifications, including:

• Access to HE Diploma
• BTEC National Diploma
• Cambridge Pre-U Principal Subjects
• Scottish Advanced Highers
• UAL Extended Diploma

Tuition Fees

• UK students: ｣9,790 (2026/27)
• International students: ｣42,700 (2026/27)

Additional Costs

• Students will need to supply their own materials, including for the final exam.
• Costs of making coursework vary in relation to the artwork chosen to produce.
• Some galleries and museums may charge entry fees, and travel costs may be incurred for site visits.

Funding and Scholarships

• The Slade School of Fine Art has a number of scholarships, prizes, awards, and bursaries, which are awarded annually by nomination.
• Various funding options are available, including student loans, scholarships, and bursaries.
• UK students whose household income falls below a certain level may be eligible for a non-repayable bursary or for certain scholarships.

Career Prospects

• The program aims to enhance students' employability by developing their individual visual intelligence, critical awareness, and understanding of fine art and its contexts.
• Graduates have gone on to careers in the performance and creative arts sectors, as well as related fields such as teaching and education, manufacturing, and other professional, scientific, and technical activities.

Assessment and Teaching

• The program is non-modular, with an emphasis on practice-based work.
• Students receive an annual tutorial report and present a portfolio of practice-based work for assessment at the end of each year.
• The final assessment is based on a final exam, where students present their work in the degree show.
• Teaching includes workshops, seminars, one-to-one and group tutorials, and cross-school events.