Fine Art BA Hons

The Fine Art BA Hons program at Lancaster University offers a distinctive blend of theory and practice, with teaching by practicing artists and your own studio space. This program supports you in developing the ambition, confidence, and skills to produce fine art at a professional level.

Overview

• 7th for Art and Design in The Complete University Guide (2026)
• 12th for Art and Design in The Times and Sunday Times Good University Guide (2026)
• Your own studio space, available 24/7
• Unleash your ideas and develop your artistic expression through Fine Art at Lancaster
• Develop a unique contemporary art practice that engages with current ideas and issues
• Make valuable contributions to environment, culture, and community

Why Lancaster?

• Take a highly distinctive programme that combines fine art practice with the study of contemporary ideas and art movements
• Take advantage of your own dedicated studio space available 24/7 from day one, with expert technical support on hand
• Work with tutors who are practicing artists and scholars, exhibiting and publishing their work across a range of fine art ideas and mediums
• Join a supportive community of staff and students committed to making art relevant today, helping you build connections that will shape your future in the art world and beyond
• Study in Lancaster, a vibrant and inspiring hub of award-winning arts festivals, events, and places of cultural significance

Bring Your Vision to Life

Fine Art at Lancaster is about finding your voice and deciding what matters to you in today's art landscape. With engaging seminars in art history and theory, we'll support you in shaping your values and understanding the evolving role of art.

Careers

This degree supports you in developing the ambition, confidence, and skills to produce fine art at a professional level. You will understand the key entry points into the diverse pathways that artists' careers can take, from your first experiences of installing and documenting your work, to the construction of portfolios, presentations, and high-quality applications.

Entry Requirements

These are the typical grades that you will need to study this course.

• A levels: ABB. Art and Design or one other humanities subject would be considered desirable but not essential.
• Access to HE Diploma: 30 Level 3 credits at Distinction plus 15 Level 3 credits at Merit. Art and Design or a humanities subject would be considered desirable but not essential.
• Advanced Skills Baccalaureate Wales: We accept the Advanced Skills Baccalaureate Wales in place of one A level, or equivalent qualification, as long as any subject requirements are met.
• BTEC Extended Diploma: DDM. Ideally, this would be in a relevant subject, although this is not essential.
• BTEC in combination with A levels: A level at grade B plus BTEC(s) at DD, or A levels at grade BB plus BTEC at D. Art and Design or one other humanities subject would be considered desirable but not essential.
• International Baccalaureate: 32 points overall with 16 points from the best 3 HL subjects
• Scottish Highers and Advanced Highers: We are happy to admit applicants on the basis of five Highers, but where we require a specific subject at A level, we will typically require an Advanced Higher in that subject.
• T levels: Distinction overall.
• GCSE requirements: There are no specific GCSE requirements for this course, although we will look at your overall GCSE profile when considering your application as a whole.
• Additional requirements: You will typically be asked to submit a portfolio
• English language requirements: We require an IELTS score of 6.5 overall with at least 5.5 in each component for this programme.

Course Structure

We continually review and enhance our curriculum to ensure we are delivering the best possible learning experience, and to make sure that the subject knowledge and transferable skills you develop will prepare you for your future.

Year 1

• Art Histories and Contexts: Providing you with a solid grounding in art history, this module will take you on a journey, from the modernist period to the present day.
• Contemporary Art Practices: Develop your self-directed art practice and be part of an active creative community in this studio-based module.
• Creative Attention: A transformational module that introduces you to Fine Art studies at undergraduate level.
• The Arts and Identity (Discovery module): This module explores the role of the arts in building community, identity, and confidence.

Year 2

• Art Theories and Contexts: Building on the relationship between theoretical understanding and artistic practice, this module will introduce you to a broad range of theories and ideas relevant to contemporary art practice and thinking.
• Creative Transformations: Imagination, experimentation, creative risk-taking, and transformation are at the heart of this module and fundamental to your development as a practicing artist.
• Expanded Art Practices: Develop your self-directed practice and consolidate your confidence in this studio module.
• Cultural Diversity and Professional Contexts (Discovery module): Not all professional contexts are the same – and within any organisation, there are diverse people with varied backgrounds.
• Employability, Purpose and Social Impact (Discovery module): Hone a strong sense of purpose and gain the satisfaction of applying your skills and knowledge to a community, charity, or student-led initiative.
• Global Challenges and Collaborative Solutions (Discovery module): You are invited to collaborate in an interdisciplinary team with other students as you explore major global challenges.
• Taking an Idea and Making it Happen (Discovery module): Explore how ideas can be developed into real-world projects with lasting value.

Year 3

• Advanced Art Practice: Refine your practical skills as you develop and present a professional body of practical work appropriate for a Fine Art degree show.
• Writing for Artists: Explore the role of writing in contemporary art, from journals and magazines to online platforms, exhibition catalogues, and independent publishing.
• Artistic Fusions (Discovery module): What happens when radically different forms of art meet?
• Confronting the Climate Crisis (Discovery module): How might we engage with the implications of environmental transformation locally, nationally, and globally?
• Festival of the Future: In this practical module, you will conceptualise, design, and prototype innovative festival experiences that respond to emerging cultural, societal, technological, and environmental trends.
• Futures Beyond Borders (Discovery module): What does it mean to imagine a world without borders?
• Love and Friendship (Discovery module): Explore the meanings of love and friendship from historical, philosophical, literary, and social perspectives.
• People Power and Collective Action (Discovery module): What are the possibilities and pitfalls of community and citizen action, voice, and agency?
• Queer Futures (Discovery module): What do we understand by queerness?
• Technology and Social Justice (Discovery module): Who does technology benefit or harm, and what should its role in society be?
• The Power of Ideas (Discovery module): How do ideas understand, transform, and conserve the world?

Fees and Funding

Our annual tuition fee is set for a 12-month session, starting at the beginning of each academic year.

• Home: £9,790
• International: £25,490

Additional Fees and Funding Information

• Additional costs for this course: You will need to buy some art materials during your course.
• College fees: Lancaster is proud to be one of only a handful of UK universities to have a collegiate system.
• Computer equipment and internet access: To support your studies, you will also require access to a computer, along with reliable internet access.
• Study abroad courses: In addition to travel and accommodation costs, while you are studying abroad, you may need to have a passport and, depending on the country, there may be other costs.
• Placement and industry year courses: In addition to possible commuting costs during your placement, you may need to buy clothing that is suitable for your workplace and you may have accommodation costs.

Scholarships and Bursaries

You will be automatically considered for our main scholarships and bursaries when you apply.

• Lancaster Bursary: £1,000 in each year of study
• Undergraduate Excellence Scholarship – Home: £3,000 in your first year of study
• International Undergraduate Excellence Scholarship: £3,000, as a tuition fee reduction, per year of study
• Undergraduate International Regional Scholarship: £3,000, as a tuition fee reduction, per year of study
• International Study Centre Progression Scholarship: £3,000, as a tuition fee reduction, per year of study
• India Scholarship – Undergraduate: £3,000, as a tuition fee reduction, per year of study
• Lancaster Sanctuary Scholarship: Full fees, up to £5,000 per year living costs

Similar Courses

• Fine Art (Placement Year) BA Hons: W101
• Fine Art (Study Abroad) BA Hons: W102

Important Information

The information on this site relates primarily to the stated entry year and every effort has been taken to ensure the information is correct at the time of publication. The University will use all reasonable effort to deliver the courses as described, but the University reserves the right to make changes to advertised courses.

Our Students' Charter

We believe in the importance of a strong and productive partnership between our students and staff. In order to ensure your time at Lancaster is a positive experience, we have worked with the Students' Union to articulate this relationship and the standards to which the University and its students aspire.

Lancaster University

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Overview:

Lancaster University is a public research university located in Lancaster, England. It is consistently ranked among the top 10 universities in the UK and is recognized for its high-quality teaching, research, and student experience.

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Student Life and Campus Experience:

Lancaster University offers a vibrant and diverse campus experience. Students can enjoy a range of facilities, including a library, sports center, and arts venues. The university also has a strong sense of community, with a variety of student societies and clubs to join.

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Key Reasons to Study There:

High Rankings and Reputation:

Lancaster University is consistently ranked among the top 10 universities in the UK, demonstrating its academic excellence.

Excellent Teaching and Learning:

The university is known for its high-quality teaching and learning, with a focus on student engagement and support.

Vibrant Student Life:

Lancaster University offers a wide range of opportunities for students to get involved in extracurricular activities, including sports, societies, and arts events.

Beautiful Campus:

The university is situated on a beautiful campus with modern facilities and green spaces.

Strong Career Support:

Lancaster University provides excellent career support services to help students prepare for their future careers.

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Academic Programs:

Lancaster University offers a wide range of undergraduate and postgraduate programs across various disciplines, including: * Arts and Social Sciences * Health and Medicine * Management School * Science and Technology