Fine Art BA (Hons)

About the course

The Fine Art degree at the University of Hertfordshire is concerned with contemporary approaches whilst ensuring that you have a clear understanding of past traditions. Our aim is to nurture and develop confident, self-motivated and resourceful fine art practitioners with a professional outlook and clear understanding of the context and field they are working in. You are actively encouraged to explore the potential of media through studio practice and workshops supporting drawing, painting, sculpture, printmaking, installation, photography and video.

The programme is oriented to integrate theory with practice. There is a lively and diverse lecture programme with contributions from artists, poets, art critics and curators. The Critical and Cultural Studies modules provide students with the skills to critically analyse contemporary visual arts and culture. In the studios, there is a creative environment that allows students the opportunity to experiment, develop and hone their practice in a focused manner. Through regular critiques and tutorials, students will be guided and challenged by the teaching staff to not only develop their own work but to contribute to the dialogue about the work of their peers. A distinctive feature of the programme is that from the outset of the first year students develop a vital peer group dynamic, networking and working collaboratively.

Why choose this course?

• On the BA Fine Art we offer a creative environment with individual studio spaces, impressive facilities and the teaching support required to realise your potential as an artist.
• The aim of the Fine Art Programme is to create independent artist practitioners who are equipped to follow a vocation in the visual arts and related professions.
• Through structured workshops, students are given a solid grounding in the core fine art media of drawing, painting, sculpture, print making, video, photography, performance/installation and digital media.
• The programme is structured to enable students to develop a range of creative and intellectual skills including: working towards public exhibitions, working in collaboration, professional presentations, critical analysis and a holistic understanding of contemporary visual culture.
• The Fine Art programme is taught by practising artists and theoreticians with international reputations.
• All Fine Art students undertake work experience through a placement either in London or the region. All students have the opportunity and support to exhibit regionally and in London.
• The BA Fine Art has an international profile with British, European and international students electing to study on our programme each year. We have strong links with art schools across the globe including Europe, Russia, Canada, Australia and the Americas, and second year students have the option of spending a semester studying overseas. In addition to this, the programme organises a short, annual study trip to Europe.
• Find out for yourself and watch our video!
• View student work on Flickr

Study routes

• Sandwich, 3 Years
• Part Time, 5 Years
• Full Time, 3 Years

Locations

• University of Hertfordshire, Hatfield

Careers

Our graduates find employment across the creative and culture industries: as professional artists who exhibit and undertake commissions, as community based creative practitioners, curators, arts administration and educators. The transferable skills taught on the programme means our graduates are equipped with the communication skills and inventiveness that are valued in creative professions.

Teaching methods

Fine art students learn through a combination of structured taught sessions, directed studio practice, collaborative practice and theoretical research, Taught sessions include one-to-one tutorials, group critiques, seminars and formal lectures. There are workshops in each of the media areas of drawing, painting, digital imaging, photography, printmaking, video and sculpture. In the first year of study, students are asked to spend time collaborating toward a short film work.

Work Placement

Through both structured and informal activities students place their practice in live contexts outside of the programme, supported by a curator to work towards a public outcome. All students have the opportunity to exhibit regionally and in London. In your second year you will be guided to research careers in the visual arts and undertake work experience through a placement in the creative industries. In your final year you will receive advice on future careers and post-graduate studies.

Structure

Year 1

Core Modules

• Introduction to Fine Art Studio Practice

  This module provides students with an introduction to the ethos and aims of the programme. Through a series of structured workshops, students experience a sequential introduction to the major fine art media areas. Students are expected to fully attend and participate in all workshops where they will learn to extend their process of enquiry and thematic concerns across media boundaries. Through a shared experience of searching for, generating and developing ideas, students will begin to develop an understanding of the creative process and identify their own areas of strength. Students will be supported by tutorials and group discussions to establish a personal enquiry, methodology and an understanding of the context of their practice. A programme-wide weekly lecture series and regular input from visiting lecturers ensures all students are exposed to a more global perspective through the professional practice of artists working at international level.

• Fine Art Studio Practice 1.1

  During this module students further develop their practical and investigative skills through a more focused and extended engagement. Advanced workshops in the major fine art processes are offered to students wishing to develop their practical skills whilst one to one tutorials introduce students to critical thinking and analytical discussion. Students are expected to spend significant time in their studio space working independently in a dedicated and professional manner. Typically students will prioritise a particular media or combination of medias while maintaining an engagement in subsidiary or related processes. Building on the global perspective of fine art offered by the Lecture and Visiting Lecturer Programme, a study trip to a major European city is generally offered during this module.

• Working in Collaboration

  The aim of this module is to introduce students to collaborative practice in fine art practice. Through lectures and seminars, students will be made aware of the creative advantages of collaborative practice by examining examples of contemporary and historical models. Through practical exercises, students will learn the professional attributes needed to successfully operate in a small group as learners and peers. Holistically, students will begin to understand the significance of networks and how they apply to professional practice.

• Fine Art Studio Practice 1.2

  This module provides a framework in which students are supported to further develop their practical and investigative skills within fine art practice, both through independent studio practice and engagement in timetabled activities. The skills and protocols of group learning, peer support, critical thinking and debate will be further developed through participation in structured group seminars and tutorials. An international perspective to fine art practice will continue to be supported by research active staff, the programme-wide Lecture series and the input of visiting lectures.

• Fine Art: Visions, Context, Languages

  Art is not created in a vacuum but within cultures and societies. This module's fundamental aim is to encourage students to see the study of Fine Art in its historical, social and cultural contexts as integral to the development of their own studio practice. The module will consider how recent and contemporary Fine Art practices are shaped by historical, social, political, economic, cultural and professional contexts. A programme of lectures and seminars will introduce the recent history of Fine Art practices and some ways that movements, individuals and discussion in the media have shaped contemporary practice and debate. To complement discipline-specific studies this module also aims to provide students with a repertoire of study skills of research and enquiry; visual and critical analysis of both artefacts and ideas and an understanding of how such skills can be deployed to evaluate their own practice; and academic verbal and written communication skills.

Optional

Year 2

Core Modules

• Fine Art Studio Practice 2.1

  This module supports the student's individual programme of study within fine art practice. The emphasis during this module is on exploration and enquiry and the development of a personal direction through both process and critique. It focuses on enabling the student to work both independently and collaboratively by giving them the skills to evaluate and assess their work. Alternatively, students may undertake a faculty work experience instead of this module, subject to the agreement of the Programme Tutor.

• Fine Art Studio Practice 2.2

  This module supports the student's individual and collaborative programme of study within fine art practice. The emphasis during this module is on sustained enquiry and developing a focused approach to making. During this module, the student will be supported in learning methods and approaches to further progress their practical, evaluative and analytical skills. Students will be encouraged and supported by staff in their cultural entrepreneurial endeavours. Alternatively, students may undertake a faculty work experience instead of this module, subject to the agreement of the Programme Tutor.

• Enterprise and Employability 2.2 (PT)

  The aim of this module is to offer a practical opportunity to develop professional skills outside the context of the university. Students examine the roles and opportunities for artists in contemporary society and consider possibilities for practice within wide social and cultural contexts. The module aims to foster understanding of the importance of professional networks, an entrepreneurial approach and the acquisition of confidence through experiential learning.

• Enterprise and Employability 2.3 (PT)

  The aim of this module is to offer a practical opportunity to develop professional skills outside the context of the university. Students examine the roles and opportunities for artists in contemporary society and consider possibilities for practice within wide social and cultural contexts. The module aims to foster understanding of the importance of professional networks, an entrepreneurial approach and the acquisition of confidence through experiential learning. Alternatively, students may undertake a faculty work experience instead of this module, subject to the agreement of the Programme Tutor.

• Critical and Cultural Studies L5: Visual Arts

  This module aims to encourage students to see critical and cultural studies as a vital tool to further innovative and well-informed practice and particular attention is given to the analysis of ideas that specifically relate to students' own work. The module provides students with the opportunity to make an in-depth examination of one of a range of theoretical positions that inform recent and contemporary practice and to use such debate, not only to reflect critically upon their own work, but also to locate their practice within the context of historical, social, cultural and professional currents. Key areas for consideration may include theories and debates surrounding the production, circulation and consumption of contemporary Fine and Applied Arts as well as the cultural perspectives that have shaped contemporary visual arts practice including issues of representation such as gender, modernity, Modernism, Postmodernism, globalisation, the media, and issues of sustainability.

• Fine Art: Debates and Values

  This module aims to encourage students to see the study of critical and cultural issues as a vital tool for further innovative and well-informed practice, and particular attention is given to the analysis of ideas that specifically relate to students' own work. The module provides students with the opportunity to make in-depth examinations of examples of a range of theoretical positions that inform recent and contemporary practice, and to use such debate, not only to reflect critically upon their own work, but also to locate their practice within the context of historical, social, cultural and professional currents. Key areas for consideration may include theories and debates surrounding the production, circulation and consumption of contemporary Fine Art as well as the cultural perspectives that have shaped contemporary Fine Art practice including issues of representation such as gender, modernity, Modernism, Postmodernism, globalisation, the media, and issues of sustainability.

Optional

• Professional Work Experience 15: Visual Arts

  Students may identify a work experience opportunity or have a work experience suggested to them. Before starting students meet with the Programme Leader or their nominated tutor, to agree the impending placement. All aspects of the intended experience are addressed from health and safety to client confidentiality and students are given guidance on behaviour and how to manage expectations. Proposals need to identify an outline work programme, the number of days in placement and the main learning outcomes; and are subject to agreement of the Programme Leader.

• Professional Work Experience 30: Visual Arts

  Students may identify a work experience opportunity or have a work experience suggested to them. Before starting students meet with the Programme Leader or their nominated tutor, to discuss the impending placement. All aspects of the intended experience are addressed from health and safety to client confidentiality and students are given guidance on behaviour and how to manage expectations. Proposals need to identify an outline work programme, the number of days in placement and the main learning outcomes; and are subject to agreement of the Programme Leader.

Year 3

Core Modules

• Sandwich Year (Creative Arts)

  The optional 'Sandwich' placement year may be undertaken between the levels 5 and 6. Students undertake the placement within a commercial, public or not for profit setting that is able to provide an appropriate learning experience related to the creative and cultural industries. A placement could take a variety of forms, including: * working in an external organisation; * working with a University company or professional team within the University; * self-employment within defined context and externally refereed. The placement duration would typically be sustained for at least 48 weeks, though may be sustained for a full year. While the Faculty/School actively supports the placement process, ultimately it is the placement provider that will agree to manage and select students, normally through an interview process. During the placement a member of the academic staff will be assigned to the student as a tutor and will monitor the student's progress during the placement period.

Optional

• Year Abroad

  The Year Abroad will provide students in Creative Arts with the opportunity to expand, develop and apply the knowledge and skills gained in the first two taught years of the degree within a different organisational and cultural environment in a partner academic institution. The host institution will appoint a Programme Co-ordinator who will oversee the student's programme during the Year Abroad and will liaise with the appointed UH Supervisor.

• Sandwich Year (Creative Arts)

  The optional 'Sandwich' placement year may be undertaken between the levels 5 and 6. Students undertake the placement within a commercial, public or not for profit setting that is able to provide an appropriate learning experience related to the creative and cultural industries. A placement could take a variety of forms, including: * working in an external organisation; * working with a University company or professional team within the University; * self-employment within defined context and externally refereed. The placement duration would typically be sustained for at least 48 weeks, though may be sustained for a full year. While the Faculty/School actively supports the placement process, ultimately it is the placement provider that will agree to manage and select students, normally through an interview process. During the placement a member of the academic staff will be assigned to the student as a tutor and will monitor the student's progress during the placement period.

Year 4

Core Modules

• Fine Art Practice Preparation and Development 3.1

  This module provides students with the opportunity to identify and develop an individual programme of practical work and to begin to locate and evaluate this in relation to contemporary art practices. Group seminars and tutorials are an opportunity to reflect critically and debate issues arising from current practical work. The module supports students in developing an open approach to practical methods of making or presenting their work in the public domain outside traditional institutions and with an experimental and exploratory approach to media, materials and processes. During semester C (between L2 and L3) students may undertake a faculty work experience, with the agreement of the Programme Tutor. This will contribute 5 credits towards this module with the assessment submission made during the period of this module. See section 19 for detail.

• Degree Fine Art Studio Practice 3.2

  This module provides students with the opportunity to produce a consolidated group of practical research that reflects their chosen area of specialisation and to locate and evaluate work in relation to contemporary art practices and debates. The students' assessment exhibition is an opportunity to present work to an audience and demonstrate their critical evaluation skills through selection and presentation.

• Critical and Cultural Studies L6: Degree Essay / Report (Visual Arts)

  Artists need to be informed practitioners who engage critically with their discipline, its history, and the ideas which inform it and how it is likely to evolve in the future. This module will enable students to conduct an in-depth enquiry into one or more aspects of Fine or Applied Arts or Photography with emphasis on the analysis of relevant social, cultural, economic, technical ,historical and aesthetic issues and on to the development of critically well informed arguments that are germane to students' interests and practice. The module content will be student-generated with an emphasis on independent learning. The student's enquiry will be supported through a programme of lectures, seminars and tutorials which will enable students to develop the following generic skills: research, organisation and planning, critical analysis, constructing an argument, communication and presentation including academic protocols. The assessed element of this module consists of a 6000 word essay, technical report or negotiated equivalent.

Optional

Fees & funding

Fees 2013

UK/EU Students

Full time: £8,500 for the 2013 academic year

International Students

Full time: £10,000 for the 2013 academic year

Discounts are available for International students if payment is made in full at registration

View detailed information about tuition fees

Additional course costs

In addition to the fees there are some compulsory course attached to this course:

Year 1
Basic studio equipment - £120-£160
Gallery study trips - £120-£160

Year 2
Workshop materials: students normally work in one area of specialism (project dependent) - £200-£300

Year 3
Workshop materials: students normally work in one area of specialism (project dependent)- £300-£400

Scholarships

• National Scholarship Programme

Find out more about scholarships for UK/EU and international students

Other financial support

Find out more about other financial support available to UK and EU students

Living costs / accommodation

The University of Hertfordshire offers a great choice of student accommodation, on campus or nearby in the local area, to suit every student budget.

View detailed information about our accommodation

How to apply