Program Overview

Introduction to the BA (Hons) Fine Art Program

The BA (Hons) Fine Art program at Gray's School of Art is designed to develop and expand students' critical aptitude, creative skills, and professional acuity in preparation for their future careers as artists. The program explores a range of subjects through the disciplines of drawing, painting, printmaking, sculpture, photography, and moving image, as well as the creative investigation and application of both analogue and digital methodologies.

Program Structure

The program is structured to develop resilient, independent graduates with skills to work with confidence and professionalism in the creative industries. Studio and workshops are central to the daily experience, providing a place to make, think, experiment, and interact with staff and peers.

Year 1

Completed via the BA (Hons) Foundation in Art and Design, this full-time, studio-based year develops students' creative and critical practice and challenges their understanding of the Art & Design disciplines.

Year 2

Students expand their knowledge and understanding of key theoretical principles through creative interplay between studio, workshops, lectures, seminar discussions, and more. They learn with tutors, technical experts, peers, and from themselves, defining their unique visual language driven by their own personal interests.

Year 3

Developing creative play, risk-taking, and critical thinking, students dive into their own chosen themes and workshop interests. This stage further develops personal insight into professional ambitions through optional work experiences, placements, or international study at one of the partner institutions.

Year 4

An extended period of supported independence is devoted to the production of a fully realized body of work driven by the student's own studio practice. Asking and answering critical questions underpin their creative enquiry, culminating in the annual Degree Show, a spectacular end-of-year public exhibition showcasing the talents of graduates.

Learning Methods

The course is structured to develop resilient, independent graduates with skills to work with confidence and professionalism in the creative industries. Studio and workshops are central to the daily experience, providing a place to make, think, experiment, and interact with staff and peers.

Assessment

Typically, students are assessed each year through a combination of written assignments, portfolios, and practical skills assessments. Feedback is provided within 20 working days of hand-in for all written exams, coursework, and practical exams.

Staff

The staff team comprises a rich tapestry of academic tutors, technical experts, CCS lecturers, Professional Skills and Employability advisors, Inclusion support services, and library staff. External speakers are invited through the Guest@Grays lecture series.

Facilities

The university offers a plethora of art, design, and craft facilities for students to experiment and explore their creative potential. These include the Gatehouse, the university's design and print consultancy, and access to Moodle, the virtual learning environment.

Entry Requirements

• SQA Higher: BCC to include Art & Design (or a creative design and/or media subject) and English (or a written subject requiring the use of English)
• GCE A Level: CC to include Art & Design (or a creative design and/or media subject) and English (or a written subject requiring the use of English)
• Irish Leaving Certificate Higher: H3H3H4 to include Art (or a creative design and/or technology subject) and English (or a written subject requiring the use of English)
• IB Diploma: 24 to include Higher Level Visual Arts and English (or a written subject requiring the use of English)

Fees and Funding

Tuition fees vary by year and student location. For the most current information, please refer to the university's website.

Additional Costs

Additional learning opportunities are sometimes provided by the school that are subject to variable changes. These may include international study trips, regional venue visits, and material costs for art supplies.

Job Prospects

Previous BA (Hons) Fine Art graduates have gone on to pursue a diverse range of careers in the Creative Industries and public sector, including exhibiting artists, art and healthcare professionals, publishers, curators, educators, and marketing professionals.

Conclusion

The BA (Hons) Fine Art program at Gray's School of Art offers a comprehensive and supportive environment for students to develop their artistic talents and professional skills, preparing them for successful careers in the creative industries.