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Key details

Course area
Art and Design
Student type
University Level
Course type
Full-time University Level course
Course level
Level 6
Start date
Monday 21st September 2026
Location
Adams Building Stoney Street, Nottingham, NG1 1NG
Fees
£8,250.00
Course code
Parent course code:C059019 Child course code: Q059020
UCAS course code
ART3
UCAS institution code
N30
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Course introduction

This new degree embraces a full range of disciplines, reflecting the diversity of studio-based creativity and critical thinking essential to Fine Art practice today. 

The course is subject to validation with our first students planned for September 2026.

Whether you work with physical materials or prefer a more conceptual approach, we’ll encourage you to experiment with a wide range of materials, methods, and processes, such as drawing, painting, ceramics, textiles, sculpture, printmaking, illustration, photography, installation, performance, digital technology.   We plan to provide maximum flexibility by offering full-time and part-time study options across all years of the course.

About the course

The course includes studio practice and critical studies, with studio work expected to account for 75% of marks in each year.

Years 1 and 2: Thematic project briefs are designed to develop your understanding of the rudiments of Fine Art Practice in Semester 1. In Semester 2 you’ll work on self- negotiated project briefs.

Year 3: Specialist Studio Practice and Advanced Studio Practice modules. End of year exhibitions showcase studio practice with graduating students also hosting a Final Degree show at an external venue.  Museum and gallery visits provide the basis for primary research in art history, cultural studies, and curatorial practice. 

Studio Practice:

Studio Practice lies at the core of the degree. Throughout the 3 years you will work across modules to focus on: 

  • using different materials, media and processes
  • developing your work by exploring new ideas and themes
  • learning from the work and practice of contemporary and historical artists
  • critically reviewing your own work
  • understanding how materials and media communicate ideas to an audience
  • following the creative process: research, experiment, develop, present
  • exploring exhibition practice and curation
  • applying for funding, grants and awards
  • professional practice, marketing and self-branding.

Critical Studies:

  • introducing art history and critical thinking
  • learning how to reflect on your own work
  • understanding how to curate and present art
  • support with academic writing and research
  • exhibiting in traditional, non-traditional and online spaces
  • engaging with the work and ideas of guest speakers

Our team of dedicated tutors are highly qualified, experienced educators and active creatives with national and international profiles and excellence in their own practice and research.  We also have specialist technicians and purpose-built workshop facilities to aid your development and progression.

The degree will be based at the Adams Campus, a Victorian heritage building in the "Lace Market" Creative Quarter of the City Centre.  Purpose-built accommodation features seminar rooms and top-floor studios with amazing natural daylight.  We are proud to offer each student their own personal workspace.

Course information

3 years

Level 6 Bachelor of Arts (Honours) in Fine Art Practice – subject to validation.

You will need a minimum of 48 UCAS points from:

  • At least two A Levels at A2
  • BTEC Diploma or Extended Diploma
  • International Baccalaureate
  • Access to HE Diploma
  • T Levels

Other combinations of qualifications and experience will also be considered, as will Level 3 qualifications not currently listed on the UCAS tariff.

We would expect students to be working at (or to demonstrate competency at) Level 2 or above in English/literacy and maths/numeracy. We accept GCSE passes at grades 9 to 4 (previously A* to C).

You may be invited to attend an interview.

Mature applicants who do not meet the standard entry criteria but with relevant industry or life experience are very welcome to apply.

Applicants who have already achieved (or expect to pass) a full Level 5 (such as an HND or Foundation Degree) in a relevant subject area can apply for direct entry to Year 3 (Level 6) of the programme. Please use entry point 3 when making your UCAS choice.

Assessment is based entirely on coursework, with no exams. Your progress will be measured through the projects and assignments in each module. Throughout the year, you’ll receive ongoing feedback to help improve your work and develop your skills.

The creative industries offer many career options with an increasing proportion of our graduates freelancing and setting up their own small businesses, locally and online. Some choose to venture into other sectors and are equally successful in gaining employment due to the range of transferable skills acquired. Others continue with their studies with postgraduate degrees or teacher training, with more than 40% progressing to postgraduate MAs.

This course is subject to validation.

About the Teaching Excellence Framework (TEF)

The TEF is a national scheme run by the Office for Students (OfS) that aims to encourage higher education providers to improve and deliver excellence in the areas that students care about the most: teaching, learning and achieving positive outcomes from their studies.

View our TEF assessment (opens in a new window/tab) Learn more about the TEF (opens in a new window/tab)

Careers related to this course

Artists

Potential Earnings

£64,650.85

Average Earnings

£34,571.20

Source: Office for National Statistics' Annual Survey of Hours and Earnings (ASHE).

Pathways

Architecture and Planning

People in these occupations design construction projects, prepare technical drawings and blueprints, survey land, and plan land use.

Art, Performance and Design

People in these occupations create art and fine craftwork, produce and perform plays and motion pictures, and design graphics and other products.

Skills

Active Learning

Understanding the implications of new information for both current and future problem-solving and decision-making.

Active Listening

Giving full attention to what other people are saying, taking time to understand the points being made, asking questions as appropriate, and not interrupting at inappropriate times.

Critical Thinking

Using logic and reasoning to identify the strengths and weaknesses of alternative solutions, conclusions or approaches to problems.

Speaking

Talking to others to convey information effectively.

Reading Comprehension

Understanding written sentences and paragraphs in work related documents.
View more about this career

Economic data for careers is provided by Lightcast and also available through our Career Coach app. Job postings, employment and earnings information is represented at the regional level for the East Midlands.

BA (Hons) Art and Design (Fine Art) Top-Up Degree (Level 6) - Full-time

BA (Hons) Art and Design (Fine Art) Top-Up Degree (Level 6) - Part-time

BA (Hons) Fine Art Practice - Part-time