BA (Hons) Fine Art

What will I learn on my BA Fine Art course?

From your first year, you’ll be introduced to theories and concepts which will inform your critical thinking, analysis and practice. You then begin to build on this knowledge in your second year, where you can further apply this theory to a range of artistic contexts and begin to understand the challenges and conversations pertinent in cultural industry, such as ethics, representation, diversity, equality.

From your final year, you’ll tailor your studies depending on your interests – choosing from modules such as ‘Identities’, ‘Technologies’, ‘World-building’ and ‘Place and Community’. Informed by staff expertise and research, these modules place you at the heart of those industry conversations, allowing you to bring new ideas to the table.

All the while, you’ll develop a confidence in using artistic equipment and techniques, with plenty of opportunity to create and innovate on your own portfolio of work.

Who teaches BA (Hons) Fine Art?

This course has an excellent academic support system provided by knowledgeable and enthusiastic staff, who have a shared passion for their profession and the course.

Our staff have specialisms in areas such as photography, digital art, performance art, painting, sound installations, conservation, and Black and Global Majority art. The diverse specialisms of our staff mean that you will have the opportunity to undertake modules covering areas such as art history, contemporary art practice, world art, art and war, art and business, materials and making, curation, and political activism.

Our experienced academic staff will engage you in a range of stimulating, contemporary debates that explore the global influence of art industries and the factors that drive changes in perception. Our tutors are committed to excellence in teaching and learning and delivering an outstanding student experience.

View all staff profiles

Where will I learn?

Perfect for creative thinkers, our Art department comprises of a multitude of workspaces and equipment ready for you to utilize for your learning and creating.

As a Fine Art student, you will have access to studios and workshops; supporting a range of approaches to making, be that painting, sculpture, print, digital print, dark room photography, moving image, paper making, sound or performance. The studios are complemented by a generous access to project spaces in which you can test your ideas and host your own exhibitions, events and workshops.

Events, exhibitions, talks, performances, placements and work opportunities are available through the programme, and there are plenty of opportunities to connect with the exciting Newcastle art scene. This includes Newbridge Projects, the Northern Charter, Workplace, Vane, and our own Gallery North. Newcastle is the cultural centre of the North East and our innovative partnerships with outstanding arts organisations such as BALTIC Centre for Contemporary Art ensure you receive an exciting insight into the art world.

You can also access your eLearning Portal from anywhere. This portal provides quick access to course materials and support, course information, such as class materials, handbooks and supplementary materials (e.g., weblinks, news items) as well as working as a communication hub with course mates and lecturers.

How is research brought into teaching throughout my degree?

Research-active academics within the department are specialists in a host of arts subjects and practices and many of the teaching materials you will engage with are drawn from their own areas of expertise and research. Staff are continually engaged in live projects alongside their teaching and in many cases there are opportunities to engage with and even participate in the realisation of these projects. Students also have the opportunity to work alongside the current Woon Prize Fellow (Chika Annen) whose studio is located within our own undergraduate studios. 

A Fine Art degree at Northumbria is developing ‘live briefs’ for students studying on the programme. This involves working with partners in the cultural sector and realising opportunities to work with independent commissioning bodies that approach the programme.

Our unique papermaking facility was developed from Professorial research and, as an accessible workshop facility, offers students a chance to study the materials and techniques of traditional Asian papermaking. 

The research culture at Northumbria is rich and diverse and there are many opportunities for undergraduates to engage and learn from it.

How does this course prepare me for my future career?

Graduates of this course will be equipped with a sophisticated knowledge of important issues that shape our lives, and the skills to express their critical ideas in a range of multimedia formats.

On completion you will be well placed to move into a career in the creative and cultural industries, marketing, community arts, teaching, curating, arts management, assisting artists, gallery or studio management.

As well as preparing you for your career through modules and learning, you may also wish to enhance our experience with an optional placement year. Previous placements have included gallery and museum work in schools, art therapy, events management and production, or assisting artists in an exhibition or art production.

Whatever you decide to do, you will have strong employability as a result of having acquired the characteristics of a Northumbria graduate. These include critical reflection and self-learning, collaboration and curiosity, and the ability to apply your knowledge to solve problems in ways that are sustainable and ethical.