Undergraduate Course
Fine Art BA (Hons)
Become an artist with ideas generated through critical thinking and experimentation. Discover what drives your practice and learn how to exhibit your work.
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Push the boundaries of creativity and explore new ways of thinking and making art. Your time in the studio is a chance for you to experiment and express your creativity through art. Explore the histories and theories of art and consider how they connect to the work you do.
94% Fine Art, Illustration and Photography students responded with a 94% positivity score for how free they felt to express their ideas, opinions and beliefs during their studies. (National Student Survey 2023)
York campus
- UCAS code – WWC2
- Duration – 3 years full time, 6 years part time
- Start date – September 2024, September 2025
- School – School of the Arts
Minimum entry requirements
104 UCAS Tariff points
3 GCSEs at grade C/4 (or equivalent) including English Language.
Tuition fees
UK 2024 entry £9,250 per year full time
International 2024 entry £11,500 per year full time
Discover Fine Art, Illustration and Photography
Hear from the Associate Head
Hear from our students
Course overview
From the beginning of this course you will experiment with contemporary ways of making and embracing artistic practice. You will explore different materials and styles as you engage with:
- Drawing
- Painting
- Printmaking
- Sculpture
- Photography
- Performances and video
As you progress through the course you will refine your skills, finding your personal style. As you discover the mediums and processes you enjoy working with, we will encourage you to pursue them. Alongside your practical work you will explore theories and histories of fine art. You will investigate ideas and research projects that build your understanding of art practices.
When you become a fine art student, you gain access to our creative workspaces. We have a studio space for each student, giving you the foundation you need to explore your creativity. We also have workshops dedicated to sculpture and printmaking. Our darkroom lets you explore traditional photography methods. The digital suites have Adobe Creative Suite installed for your use.
We also give you amazing opportunities to prepare for your future in the creative industries. These include opportunities to:
- Work on live projects with gallery spaces and industry professionals
- Showcase your work at our annual degree show and national graduate exhibitions
- Visit cities around the world to enrich your cultural awareness and see a variety of art practices
- Take part in work placement opportunities and internships
Course structure
Year 1
In your first year, if you are a full time student, you will study:
- 2 compulsory modules in semester 1
- 2 compulsory modules in semester 2
If you are a part time student, the modules above will be split over 2 years.
You can find out which modules are available in each semester on the Course Specifications.
Modules
Credits: 40
Compulsory module
Develop your technical skills and experiment with various forms of contemporary art. You will build reflective and critical practice skills within your studio work. On this module, you will explore both digital and traditional practices such as:
- Drawing
- Printmaking
- Painting
- Collage
Your technical sessions will include introductions to all facilities of printmaking, sculpture, dark room and digital software. This will allow you to understand both the technical and conceptual approaches within fine art.
Credits: 20
Compulsory module
This module is your introduction to the historical, social, political and material contexts that have informed historical and contemporary creative practices. Your journey begins during the Renaissance, continuing onto the formation of Academies and the increasing dominance of painting. You will then learn how the radical transformation of art in the 19th and 20th century broke down the barriers of craft and high art.
Credits: 40
Compulsory module
Through a series of workshops, you will understand the processes of 2D and 3D approaches to art making. You will be challenged to engage with various forms of art production to generate a diverse approach to you own practice. You will learn techniques in sculpture, installation and performance art. The processes of collating, documenting and editing are key aspects on this module. All of these skills and techniques will help you to build your reflective portfolio.
Credits: 20
Compulsory module
Artistic practice is presented in a variety of forms and contexts. You will explore the materials, technologies and cultural influences that have shaped the transformation of art, illustration and related practices. Topics you will cover in this exploration include equality, equity and diversity with a strong focus on how ethnicities, sexualities and abilities are represented within the subject.
Year 2
In your second year, if you are a full time student, you will study:
- 2 compulsory modules in semester 1
- 2 compulsory modules in semester 2
- 1 compulsory module across semesters 1 and 2
If you are a part time student, the modules above will be split over 2 years.
You can find out which modules are available in each semester on the Course Specifications.
Modules
Credits: 30
Compulsory module
Through a series of projects, workshops and seminars, your creative focus as an artist will become clearer. You will expand your studio work as you experiment with advanced methods of working. Through 1 to 1 and small group sessions you'll evaluate your portfolio. This will help you to build your confidence within independent practice and to identify areas you would like to develop.
Credits: 20
Compulsory module
As you develop your knowledge, ways of thinking and research skills, you will start to define your identity as a practitioner. You will develop your artistic practice through the philosophy of aesthetics and explore the ideas and concepts of thinkers such as:
- Hélène Cixous
- Immanuel Kant
- Edmund Burke
- Martin Heidegger
- Gilles Deleuze
- Jacques Derrida
Through exploring both historical and modern ideas, you will learn to form judgements based on research as well as enhancing your practice led vocabulary. Academic staff will set questions for you to investigate as groups by engaging with key works, concepts and methods.
Credits: 20
Compulsory module
Apply your practice and work on live projects within the arts sector, and start to form professional relationships with external organisations and clients. You will focus on your individual ambitions and gain confidence in communication within professional creative sectors. Networking may also help you to gain other opportunities for independent work-related learning or through a short placement. You will review your practice to find out what transferable skills you have beyond your subject specific skills.
Credits: 30
Compulsory module
On this module, you will work towards creating an exhibition to showcase your work. Your exhibition will be supported by critical research and self reflection. Various opportunities of exploring new locations and engaging with external partnerships will allow you to refine your skills. Your technical sessions will be driven by your area of interest, as you begin to define your identity as an artist.
Credits: 20
Compulsory module
On this module you will develop your knowledge, ways of thinking and research skills that will be vital in your third year. Throughout the module you'll engage with issues that impact the sector and learn how to situate your studio work in the diverse world of creative practice. Issue and topics you may cover include:
- The role of art and artists in the representation of mental health
- The impact of the internet at its power to spread images and ideas
- Contemporary culture and politics
- Art in the age of the Anthropocene
- Climate change
Credits: 10
Compulsory module*
This module is your opportunity to work on live projects within the creative industries. You will form professional relationships with external organisations or individuals and lays the foundations for the Professional Futures module in your 3rd year. As part of your professional experience, you will develop and build your CV and web presence, creating meaningful networks with fellow artists. By the end of the module you will be expected to have developed and completed a live project with an external stakeholder.
*This module is only offered to students who are studying abroad for one semester. Students will take this module during the semester they are not abroad and instead of the Professional Networks 20 credit module.
Year 3
In your third year, if you are a full time student, you will study:
- 2 compulsory modules in semester 1
- 2 compulsory modules in semester 2
If you are a part time student, the modules above will be split over 2 years.
You can find out which modules are available in each semester on the Course Specifications.
Modules
Credits: 30
Compulsory module
Through experimentation, critique and reflection you will find your personal voice as a practitioner on this module. This module requires you to develop your portfolio and exhibit your work in at least one public exhibition. Engagement in the curation, marketing and discussion of your piece is essential so that you can demonstrate the purpose of your work. You will also consider how you communicate to the public audience and test out ideas in preparation for your Degree Show module.
Credits: 30
Compulsory module
Your Dissertation is a written analytical piece that will support your understanding of your studio practice. Your area of enquiry may come from fine art, illustration, photography, film, television, curating or arts education. You are encouraged to pursue a topic that is relevant to your work or career path, as this will help you to develop your degree show and life beyond graduation. The research process will also include a presentation of your work in progress. This will help you to develop clear and concise public speaking skills which will enhance your employability.
Credits: 40
Compulsory module
During this module you will develop your independent body of work and build on your strengths identified in the Advanced Studio module. You will learn how to place your work within the contemporary art world. This module is exhibition focused and you will have the opportunity to try out new ideas. By experimenting using practice-led research you will receive constructive feedback to help you develop toward your final major exhibition.
Credits: 20
Compulsory module
Apply your skills, knowledge and experience to a professional direction and get ready for your graduate professional practice. During this module you will choose areas of interest to develop your knowledge to help you plan a future direction for your practice. Areas of development may include:
- Curatorial practice
- Editorial practice
- Publishing
- Socially and politically engaged practice
- Working in education
- Entrepreneurial working
Teaching and assessment
Teaching and learning
We deliver your modules through:
- Tutorials
- Practical workshops
- Group critiques
- Seminars
- Lectures
- Studio demonstrations
Each module has 3 to 6 hours of contact time a week. We schedule our taught sessions between 9.00am and 8.00pm, Monday to Friday.
You will need to conduct independent study outside of this time. This might include creative exploration, reading, writing tasks and research. You can also arrange individual tutorials with your module tutors throughout the semester to receive feedback on your work and discuss the course content.
Our teaching draws on both our research and professional experience. This means your learning is informed by the most current thinking in the subject area. You can find out more about our research and backgrounds by visiting our staff pages.
Assessment
There are no exams on this course. Assessment types vary from module to module. Some of your assessments might include:
- Portfolios of work
- Sketchbooks and developmental work
- Exhibitions
- Research reports
- Essays
- Personal critiques and reflections
- Presentations
On each module you will receive ongoing feedback on your work from staff and peers. This will help you reflect and refine your work before your final submission or exhibition at the end of the module. Each assessment will be marked and returned with feedback so you can improve your work.
Career outcomes
Your future with a degree in Fine Art
On this course you will gain the practical and creative skills you need to succeed in a career related to fine art. You will be able to demonstrate your versatility as an artist through your portfolio of work. You will also build skills in communication, project management and problem solving that can lead to a range of other creative roles.
This degree could be the first step toward your career as a:
- Artist
- Curator
- Teacher
- Creative producer
- Project management
- Arts administrator
- Exhibition manager
- Arts worker
- Creative advisor or consultant
Discover more career options on Prospects careers advice pages.
You could also progress onto a postgraduate degree and take your learning even further.
Postgraduate degrees at York St John University
PGCE at York St John University
Further your education and work towards a rewarding career in teaching by studying for a Postgraduate Certificate in Education (PGCE) after you graduate. For over 180 years, we have worked with enthusiastic individuals who want to shape the future of young people across both primary and secondary school settings. You'll spend a lot of time in schools, developing your practice by teaching. You will graduate with Qualified Teacher Status and become part of the well respected alumni of York St John educators.
Whatever your ambitions, we can help you get there.
Our careers service, LaunchPad provides career support tailored to your ambitions. Through this service you can access:
- Employer events
- LinkedIn, CV and cover letter sessions
- Workshops on application writing and interview skills
- Work experience and volunteering opportunities
- Personalised career advice
This support doesn't end when you graduate. You can access our expert career advice for the rest of your life. We will help you gain experience and confidence to succeed.
Entry requirements
Qualifications
Minimum entry requirements
104 UCAS Tariff points
3 GCSEs at grade C/4 (or equivalent) including English Language.
Calculate your UCAS Tariff points
International students
If you are an international student you will need to show that your qualifications match our entry requirements.
Information about international qualifications and entry requirements can be found on our International pages.
If English is not your first language you will need to show that you have English Language competence at IELTS level 6.0 (with no skill below 5.5) or equivalent.
International entry requirements
Portfolio Day
If your application is successful, you will be invited to a portfolio day. On the day, you will show your work to our tutors and discuss your work and the ideas behind it. You should prepare your portfolio with a range of work that may include finished projects, sketch books, digital work, paintings, photographs, drawings, 3D work, storyboards, short films or animations.
Mature Learners Entry Scheme
If you have been out of education for 3 years or more and have a grade C GCSE in English Language or equivalent, you are eligible for our entry scheme for mature learners. It's a scheme that recognises non-traditional entry qualifications and experience for entry onto this course. Information on how to apply can be found on our dedicated page.
Terms and conditions
Our terms and conditions, policies and procedures contain important information about studying at York St John University. You can read them on our Admissions page.
Fees and funding
To study for an undergraduate degree with us, you will need to pay tuition fees for your course. How much you pay depends on whether you live inside the UK, or internationally (outside the UK). Tuition fees may be subject to inflation in future years.
UK 2024 entry
The tuition fee for 2024 entry onto this course is:
- £9,250 per year for full time study
- £6,935 per year for the first 4 years if you study part time
These prices apply to all UK, Jersey, Guernsey and Isle of Man students
You can find out more about funding your degree by visiting our funding opportunities page:
Placement year funding
If you choose to take a placement year, and your course offers it, you can apply for the Tuition Fee and Maintenance Loan for your placement year. How much you are awarded is based on the type of placement being undertaken and whether it is a paid or unpaid placement. The tuition fee for your placement year will be reduced.
Tuition fees
UK 2024 entry £9,250 per year full time
International 2024 entry £11,500 per year full time
International 2024 entry
The tuition fee for 2024 entry to this course is £11,500 per year for full time study.
This price applies to all students living outside the UK.
Due to immigration laws, if you are an international student on a Student Visa, you must study full time. For more information about visa requirements and short-term study visas, please visit the International Visa and Immigration pages.
Find out more about funding your degree:
Additional costs and financial support
There may also be some additional costs to take into account throughout your studies, including the cost of accommodation.
Course-related costs
While studying for your degree, there may be additional costs related to your course. This may include purchasing personal equipment and stationery, books and optional field trips.
Study Abroad
For more information on tuition fee reductions and additional costs for studying abroad, please visit our study abroad pages.
Accommodation and living costs
For detailed information on accommodation and living costs, visit our Accommodation pages.
Financial help and support
Our Funding Advice team are here to help you with your finances throughout your degree. They offer a personal service that can help you with funding your studies and budgeting for living expenses.
For advice on everything from applying for scholarships to finding additional financial support email fundingadvice@yorksj.ac.uk.
Course highlights
York St John Art blog
Follow our blog to see artwork from current and past students.
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Discover your specialism
We encourage you to explore different materials and processes and find the techniques that drive your artistic practice.
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Beyond the studio
Attend regular field trips and find inspiration in the new places you visit. Our trips include local cities and international destinations.
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Degree Show
Showcase your work to regional industry partners and businesses in our end of course exhibition. This is your opportunity to show your work to an audience and celebrate your achievements.
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Helen Fine Art
My course is expanding my thinking, challenging my preconceptions, and exposing me to think about new ways of working. The opportunity to experiment and discover new and exciting approaches to creativity is such a key part of my degree..
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What makes us different
Get in touch
Helen Fine Art BA (Hons)
My course is expanding my thinking, challenging my preconceptions and exposing me to think about new ways of working. The opportunity to experiment and discover new and exciting approaches to creativity is such a key part of the course.
