BA (Hons) - Fine Art
Art is more than a skill; it's a language of expression. Our course encourages you to delve deep into your creative psyche to develop art that is not only aesthetically pleasing, but also rich in meaning and context. Here, you'll learn to embed your personal experiences and perspectives into your work, making each piece a powerful reflection of your unique artistic voice.
On this interdisciplinary Fine Art course, you'll develop professional-level skills across disciplines such as drawing, painting, sculpture, printmaking, ceramics, photography, filmmaking, and digital media. Whether you prefer working with clay, paint, or digital tools, this course empowers you to experiment and express yourself through your chosen medium.
Our spacious studios offer dedicated spaces for your creativity, providing you with a blank canvas. Alongside a live drawing studio, we have fully equipped workshop spaces for 3D printing, ceramics, woodworking, metalworking, textiles, and printmaking. Our technicians are available for training and support in each workshop.
Our practicing artist tutors will support and inspire your studio practice, providing a deep understanding of Fine Art from historical, theoretical, and critical perspectives. You'll develop entrepreneurial skills and have opportunities to showcase your work locally and nationally, visit galleries, create your own space, and curate public exhibitions for valuable professional experience.
Course Overview
Pursue your passion and bring your creative ideas to life with our BA (Hons) Fine Art degree. Based in bespoke studios and workshops, our course is designed to help you develop a confident, independent art practice grounded in both technical skill and critical understanding.
Through a curriculum that weaves together practical work with modules in art history, critical theory and professional practice, you’ll be encouraged to challenge conventions, reflect on lived experiences and create culturally relevant work that speaks to today’s society.
Our socially engaged approach to art is supported by tutor-led workshops, one-to-one tutorials, group discussions and lectures, all designed to foster experimentation, dialogue and reflection. You'll also benefit from detailed feedback to help you grow as an artist throughout your studies.
In addition to developing your artistic voice, you’ll gain valuable business and entrepreneurial skills, essential for thriving in the creative industries. You'll graduate equipped with the practical tools and critical thinking necessary to navigate the contemporary art world with confidence.
Lecturers maintain strong connections with regional, national and international arts organisations, offering exciting opportunities for networking and professional exposure. You'll also be inspired by a dynamic programme of guest speakers, including contemporary artists, curators and creative professionals who bring fresh perspectives and insights into your studio practice.
Whether you're aiming to exhibit your work, progress to further study or pursue a role within the wider creative economy, our course provides a platform to launch your artistic career.
On this course you will...
- Study inter-disciplinary skills, learning ALL the techniques you need to become a brilliant artist. Including sculpture drawing, painting & printmaking, photography, filmmaking, and even performance.
- Be assigned a generous studio space on campus with access to specialist resources and equipment.
- Take part in Student Exhibitions from day one: Year 0 Exhibition, First Year Drawing Exhibition, Three Minute Film Festival, Seconds Out and a Final Year Degree Show.
- Explore external exhibitions and artistic spaces. Our students run exhibitions across the city, arrange events and run workshops, contributing to the creative and cultural life of Carlisle.
What our students say
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One of the things I really appreciated about the Fine Art course was the large number of artist talks that were delivered to us. We were regularly given talks by artists and other professionals, where they shared their journeys and how they achieved their current positions.
Sophie Steadman, BA (Hons) Fine Art
Sophie graduated in 2023, after rediscovering her love for the arts.
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One of the main reasons I chose University of Cumbria is that it has a friendly, community feel, that you often don’t get from other universities.
Sophie Steadman, Fine Art
Sophie is a current student on Fine Art and talks about her experience on the course.
Location
Carlisle - Brampton Road Campus
Located just outside the city, right on top of Hadrian's Wall, the Brampton Road campus is full of history, buzzing with excitement, creativity, and a sense of endless possibility. The home of creators, entertainers, rule breakers, and change-markers.
Find out more
Find out more about studying with us
Attend an Open Day at Cumbria
An Open Day is your opportunity to explore one of 5 campuses, meet your lecturers, and find out how the University of Cumbria could become your new home.
