Program Overview

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BA Fine Art

The BA Fine Art degree at the University of Reading offers students the opportunity to develop as artists, refine their practice, and explore new and emerging art forms. The three-year course allows students to experiment with a range of subjects and media, including painting, sculpture, printmaking, and digital media.

Overview

The degree is designed to enable students to develop, articulate, and sustain their own creative practice. Students will have the opportunity to build on their practical skills, explore the practice, theory, and history of art, and benefit from the university's approach to the subject, with a particular focus on contemporary art.

Learning Environment

The university's studios offer a creative, lively, and stimulating environment in which to develop skills. Students will have access to their own dedicated studio space, which can be accessed 24 hours a day, seven days a week. The studios are equipped with workshops, screenings, performances, and exhibitions, providing a high level of activity and opportunity for students to explore different media.

Learning Journey

The degree is structured into three parts, with each part providing training and academic guidance to help students grow as artists and deepen their expertise. Students will have the opportunity to focus on their own individual study path, engage in complementary modules, and participate in a comprehensive exhibition and written dissertation.

Develop Your Skills

The course is designed to further students' skills, both critically and practically. Students will learn to:

• Reflect the relationship of art practices to their global histories, discourse, and contemporary relevance
• Share knowledge of the diversity of art practices, materials, media, techniques, and processes
• Use materials, media, and techniques in informed, effective, and skilful ways to enhance sustainability, responsibility, and safety
• Select and present art practices and outcomes using appropriate and effective methods
• Apply concise written and oral communication skills, including analysis and discussion of viewpoints

Assessment

The university's practice-based assessment methods provide inclusive and diverse combinations that enable students to demonstrate their skills and knowledge relevant to their individual creative practice and strengths. Students will be assessed via a range of methods, including:

• Portfolios of practice
• Peer-review presentations
• Reflective journal writing
• Essays and reports
• A written dissertation and an end-of-year group exhibition of artwork

Professional Development

As well as taking advantage of the university's partnerships, students will be encouraged to undertake placement opportunities and work with different artists and designers at events and exhibitions. Past students have undertaken internships at Studio Voltaire and Frieze Art Fair, performed at the ICA, and participated in external exhibitions.

Study Abroad

Students also have the opportunity to sample another subject and spend time abroad. The University of Reading has links with universities in countries such as the USA, Canada, Australia, Taiwan, France, Switzerland, and Finland.

Entry Requirements

The typical offer for the BA Fine Art degree is:

• A Level: BBB
• Foundation Diploma in Art: plus 80 UCAS tariff points
• International Baccalaureate: 24 points plus Pass in Art Foundation
• BTEC Extended Diploma: DDM
• UAL Level 3 Extended Diploma: Merit
• English language requirements: IELTS 6.5, with no component below 5.5

Structure

The degree is structured into three parts, with each part providing training and academic guidance to help students grow as artists and deepen their expertise. The compulsory modules include:

• Art Studio 1
• Art Studio 2b
• Art Studio 3
• Art Dissertation
• History of Art 1
• History of Art 2
• History of Art 3
• Art Practice 1
• Art Practice 4
• Art Practice 5

Fees

The tuition fees for the BA Fine Art degree are:

• New UK/Republic of Ireland students: ｣9,790 (2026 entry)
• New international students: ｣25,850 (2026/27)

Careers

Overall, 90% of graduates from the Art department are in work or further study within 15 months of graduation. Many graduates develop successful careers as artists, writers, and curators, while others have found employment in galleries, education, art therapy, film and video production, journalism, advertising, and teaching. Past graduates have gone on to work for employers such as Apple, Sotheby's Institute of Art, and the National Trust.