Fine Art BA(Hons)

Tell me more about the BA(Hons) Fine Art course

BA(Hons) Fine Art course leaflet (621.44 KB)

“Studying at Falmouth was inspiring; everything was done to help me get the most out of my time at college and I came away really knowing who I was artistically – ready for anything!” Falmouth Fine Art graduate, Hew Locke, whose work was showcased in British Art Show 6

The primary aim of our undergraduate fine art degree is to recognise and support the development of what is distinctive about you – your vision and ambition, your sense of discovery and curiosity, and your skills and ability to create visual work of aesthetic quality and personal significance.

You’ll have access to a wide range of facilities and resources. Your practice in painting, sculpture and printmaking can also be extended to include photographic, video and digitally generated images.

Our full and part-time fine art staff are practising artists, many of whom exhibit nationally and internationally. They’re dedicated to providing a stimulating studio environment that promotes and supports a diversity of visual work. The skills and understanding of studio practice – learning through doing – are complemented and supported by the development of critical awareness – your ability to reflect, evaluate and communicate.

Each year you’ll participate in tutorials, group critiques of studio work, media workshops, lectures and seminars. You’ll have the opportunity to participate in self-funded study visits within the UK and abroad, and to exhibit your work during Level 2 as well as in the College’s Summer Shows at the end of Level 3. We’ll also help you develop your professional knowledge so that when you complete the course you’ll be informed and aware of the opportunities available to you in planning the next stage of your career.

Our BA(Hons) Fine Art course will enable you to develop creative self-motivation and imaginative thinking, and to challenge received ideas. Our aim is to provide you with a confident sense of future purpose and enable you to realise your creative potential.

“Falmouth is a very special place. I thank the College for many things but most of all for the gift of Cornwall.” Tacita Dean; graduate from the fine art course and Turner Prize nominee.

Past exhibitions & events

• Live Art Falmouth: Live Art Falmouth is a platform that explores a wide range of performative practices and promotes student engagement on all levels of the project, from showing their own work, to organising and shaping the event. This two-day platform features artists from the emerging to the established, local to international, as well as University College Falmouth student artists from both Falmouth and Dartington campuses and alumni.

BA(Hons) Fine Art - Part Time Mode

The part-time BA(Hons) Fine Art course has been running for over 15 years. A number of its graduates have gone on to establish successful careers as arts professionals, as well as exhibiting both regionally and nationally. The aims and learning outcomes are common to both the full-time and part-time modes and they share all aspects of delivery, resources and study.

Whilst parity of educational opportunity is sought between the modes of attendance, it is recognised that the pattern of attendance for part -time students leads to a different learning experience. The units of study are longer and it follows that the accumulation of learning can be slower and more incremental. Where appropriate this is reflected in extended deadlines for submission of work.

Although part-time students have timetabled use of their own dedicated studio space within the institution, they are expected to sustain their studies through the development of ‘home study'. Definitions and examples of an appropriate space in which they can continue their studio practice are shared and discussed during Level One.

Part-time students are also encouraged to form, and learn within, supportive peer groups both inside and outside of the College. This sense of an extended community of learning, reference and practice, enables part-time students to directly engage with ‘real world' professional demands and opportunities.

Course outline

Level 1

• Foundation of Studio Practice
• Methods and Materials of Drawing
• Media Workshops
• Contexts of Contemporary Visual Art Practice
• Written Assignments

Level 2

• Development of Studio Practice and Independent Learning
• Public Exhibition of Visual Work
• Contexts of Exhibitions
• Preparation for Level 3 Long Essay

Level 3

• Consolidation of Independent Studio Practice
• Degree Exhibition and Assessment
• Long Essay
• Professional Practice

Answers and advice about the course

If you have any queries about the course please visit our HelpMe Forum

HelpMe Forum

Career opportunities

Graduates from our undergraduate fine art degree programme are versatile and prepared both for the world of professional practice as painters, sculptors and printmakers and for a wide range of related career opportunities including:

• Professional painter, sculptor or printmaker
• Arts administration
• Arts therapy
• Art restoration
• Postgraduate study

Course entry requirements

Foundation Diploma or National Diploma, 14-19 Specialist Diploma, or other appropriate level 3 qualifications/experience.

BA(Hons) Fine Art part time: Application is direct to Admissions at any time of the year. Interviews are held in late June/early July.

For further information about BA(Hons) Fine Art at University College Falmouth, please email admissions@falmouth.ac.uk or telephone Admissions on 01326 213730.

Related courses

• Contemporary Crafts BA(Hons)
• Illustration BA(Hons)