BA Fine Art
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UCAS code
W101 -
Typical offer
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Year of entry
2023/24 -
Course duration
Full Time: 3 Years
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Year of entry
2023/24 -
Course duration
Full Time: 3 Years
Further develop your practical skills and explore new and emerging art forms. Be stimulated by our internationally respected staff and take part in a wide variety of exhibitions and events both here and abroad with BA Fine Art.
Designed for students joining from art access courses, including art foundation, you'll have the opportunity to build on your practical skills and explore the theory and history of art at Reading School of Art.
You will benefit from our distinct approach to the subject, combining practice, theory and history – especially in contemporary art. You can experiment with a range of subjects and media, exploring painting, sculpture (such as welding and casting), printmaking, as well as digital media.
Our studios are a creative, lively and stimulating environment in which to develop the skills you have already acquired. You will receive a dedicated space with access 24 hours a day, seven days a week. There is always a high level of activity in the studios with events, screenings, performances and exhibitions taking place regularly. A student-run gallery and experimental project spaces are also available for you to explore.
We focus heavily on exhibitions, and regular field trips to national and international museums, art institutions and galleries will give you the chance to consider the diverse conditions in which art is created, displayed and received. You will gain professional experience by taking part in your own exhibitions, public art commissions and events. Open debate and constructive criticism are actively encouraged and you will openly discuss your work with peers and teaching staff.
You will be assigned a studio tutor and focus on developing your individual and professional practice, working towards your final project and dissertation in the third year. Placements and collaborations are actively encouraged and there is also the chance to experience life in another country. Throughout your degree you will receive advice and guidance in career development.
Placement
You are encouraged to work with different artists and designers in hosting events and exhibitions. External exhibitions have included Urban Utopia, a partnership between Fine Art and Deutsche Bank where 35 students curated their work in the new Capitol building, Bracknell, and an exhibition at the Beaconsfield Gallery in London.
You are also expected to undertake placement opportunities. Past students have enjoyed internships at Studio Voltaire and Frieze Art Fair. Others have performed at the ICA, taken part in an Arts Council-supported film project at the Museum of English Rural Life and participated in an international exhibition at the Seoul Institute of Arts in South Korea.
Regular field trips to national and international museums, art institutions and galleries allow you to consider the diverse conditions in which art is displayed and received. There are also many opportunities for you to apply to study abroad: Reading School of Art has links with universities in countries such as the USA, Canada, Australia, Taiwan, France, Switzerland and Finland.
Overview
Further develop your practical skills and explore new and emerging art forms. Be stimulated by our internationally respected staff and take part in a wide variety of exhibitions and events both here and abroad with BA Fine Art.
Designed for students joining from art access courses, including art foundation, you'll have the opportunity to build on your practical skills and explore the theory and history of art at Reading School of Art.
You will benefit from our distinct approach to the subject, combining practice, theory and history – especially in contemporary art. You can experiment with a range of subjects and media, exploring painting, sculpture (such as welding and casting), printmaking, as well as digital media.
Our studios are a creative, lively and stimulating environment in which to develop the skills you have already acquired. You will receive a dedicated space with access 24 hours a day, seven days a week. There is always a high level of activity in the studios with events, screenings, performances and exhibitions taking place regularly. A student-run gallery and experimental project spaces are also available for you to explore.
We focus heavily on exhibitions, and regular field trips to national and international museums, art institutions and galleries will give you the chance to consider the diverse conditions in which art is created, displayed and received. You will gain professional experience by taking part in your own exhibitions, public art commissions and events. Open debate and constructive criticism are actively encouraged and you will openly discuss your work with peers and teaching staff.
You will be assigned a studio tutor and focus on developing your individual and professional practice, working towards your final project and dissertation in the third year. Placements and collaborations are actively encouraged and there is also the chance to experience life in another country. Throughout your degree you will receive advice and guidance in career development.
Placement
You are encouraged to work with different artists and designers in hosting events and exhibitions. External exhibitions have included Urban Utopia, a partnership between Fine Art and Deutsche Bank where 35 students curated their work in the new Capitol building, Bracknell, and an exhibition at the Beaconsfield Gallery in London.
You are also expected to undertake placement opportunities. Past students have enjoyed internships at Studio Voltaire and Frieze Art Fair. Others have performed at the ICA, taken part in an Arts Council-supported film project at the Museum of English Rural Life and participated in an international exhibition at the Seoul Institute of Arts in South Korea.
Regular field trips to national and international museums, art institutions and galleries allow you to consider the diverse conditions in which art is displayed and received. There are also many opportunities for you to apply to study abroad: Reading School of Art has links with universities in countries such as the USA, Canada, Australia, Taiwan, France, Switzerland and Finland.
Entry requirements
Select Reading as your firm choice on UCAS and we'll guarantee you a place even if you don't quite meet your offer. For details, see our firm choice scheme.
Typical offer
Foundation Diploma in Art plus 80 UCAS tariff points, or three A levels at BBB
All suitable applicants will be interviewed and will need to provide a portfolio of their work
International Baccalaureate
24 points plus Pass in Art Foundation, or 30 points overall
BTEC Extended Diploma
DDM
UAL Level 3 Extended Diploma
Merit
English language requirements
IELTS 6.5, with no component below 5.5
For information on other English language qualifications, please visit our international student pages.
Alternative entry requirements for International and EU students
For country specific entry requirements look at entry requirements by country.
Pre-sessional English language programme
If you need to improve your English language score you can take a pre-sessional English course prior to entry onto your degree.
Structure
Compulsory modules include:
Code | Module | Convenor |
---|---|---|
FA1SAA | Fine Art Studio | PROF Rachel Garfield |
Optional modules include:
Code | Module | Convenor |
---|---|---|
FA1DS | Drawing skills | DR Florian Roithmayr |
FA1ED | Expanded Drawing | PROF John Russell |
FA1EN | English for Arts and Communication Design | MS Emily Salvesen |
FA1MM | Modernisms & Mythologies | DR Jenny Chamarette |
FA1MW | Visual Thinking and Material Writing | PROF Alun Rowlands |
FA1WC1 | What is the Contemporary? 1 | MISS Julia Crabtree |
FA1WC2 | What is the Contemporary? 2 | MISS Julia Crabtree |
AP1SB1 | Introduction to Management | PROF Julian Park |
CL1RH | Roman History: the rise and fall of the Republic | DR Andreas Gavrielatos |
CL1TR | Texts, Readers, and Writers | PROF Eleanor Dickey |
EC110 | The Economics of Climate Change | DR Stefania Lovo |
FT1ATF | Approaches to Film | DR Adam O'Brien |
FT1ATP | Analysing Theatre and Performance | DR Matt McFrederick |
FT1ATT | Approaches to Television | DR Faye Woods |
FT1CSS | Comedy on Stage and Screen | DR Simone Knox |
IL1GICC | Intercultural Competence and Communication | MS Joan McCormack |
LS1ELS | English Language and Society | DR Christiana Themistocleous |
LS1GL | Globalization and Language | DR Tony Capstick |
ML1IL | Introduction to Linguistics | MR Federico Faloppa |
PO1IPI | Introduction to Political Ideas | DR Andrew Reid |
PP1GJ | Global Justice | DR Shalini Sinha |
PP1ML | The Meaning of Life | DR George Mason |
PP1RP | Radical Philosophy | PROF Maximilian De Gaynesford |
PY1IPY | Introduction to Psychology | DR Katie Barfoot |
TY1HGC | History of Graphic Communication | DR Rob Banham |
TY1PRI | Printing and printmaking | DR Rob Banham |
TY1WTF | What the font? Making and using typefaces | DR Rob Banham |
These are the modules that we currently offer. They may change for your year of study as we regularly review our module offerings to ensure they’re informed by the latest research and teaching methods.
Compulsory modules include:
Code | Module | Convenor |
---|---|---|
FA2SA | Fine Art Studio including CMS | MR Angus Wyatt |
Optional modules include:
Code | Module | Convenor |
---|---|---|
FA2IMW | Visual Thinking and Material Writing | PROF Alun Rowlands |
FA2IPA | Philosophies and Theories of Art | DR James Hellings |
FA2IS | International Study | PROF Alun Rowlands |
FA2ISP | Independent study with Work Placement | DR Kate Allen |
FA2IWC3 | What is the Contemporary? 3 | MISS Julia Crabtree |
FA2IWC4 | What is the Contemporary? 4 | MISS Julia Crabtree |
FA2SSA | Study Abroad | MISS Julia Crabtree |
These are the modules that we currently offer. They may change for your year of study as we regularly review our module offerings to ensure they’re informed by the latest research and teaching methods.
Optional modules include:
Code | Module | Convenor |
---|---|---|
FA3DIS | Art dissertation | DR James Hellings |
FA3DISB | Dissertation | DR James Hellings |
FA3HS1 | Part 3H Studio | PROF Susanne Clausen |
FA3HSB | Studio | PROF Susanne Clausen |
These are the modules that we currently offer. They may change for your year of study as we regularly review our module offerings to ensure they’re informed by the latest research and teaching methods.
Fees
New UK/Republic of Ireland students: £9,250
New international students: £20,300
UK/Republic of Ireland fee changes
UK/Republic of Ireland undergraduate tuition fees are regulated by the UK government. These fees are subject to parliamentary approval and any decision on raising the tuition fees cap for new UK students would require the formal approval of both Houses of Parliament before it becomes law.
EU student fees
With effect from 1 August 2021, new EU students will pay international tuition fees. For exceptions, please read the UK government’s guidance for EU students.
Additional costs
Some courses will require additional payments for field trips and extra resources. You will also need to budget for your accommodation and living costs. See our information on living costs for more details.
Financial support for your studies
You may be eligible for a scholarship or bursary to help pay for your study. Students from the UK may also be eligible for a student loan to help cover these costs. See our fees and funding information for more information on what's available.
Placement year fees
If you spend a full year on placement, you will only pay 15% of your usual tuition fee for that year. For more information, please see our fees and funding pages or contact placements@reading.ac.uk.
Careers
Our courses will equip you with the knowledge, intellectual ability and practice-led skills you need to make an imaginative and effective contribution to the art world – or the wider creative industries. As well as the practical experience gained on this degree, our students graduate with a range of transferable skills, such as self-motivation, time management and strategic thinking.
Many of our graduates develop successful careers as artists, writers and curators. These include a number of famous alumni, such as Turner Prize-nominated artists, and PhD students who are award-winning artists and curators at influential museums. Others have found employment in galleries, education, art therapy, film and video production, journalism, advertising and teaching. Recent employers include Tate, Whitechapel Gallery, Christies, Microsoft, the BBC, Victoria & Albert Museum, and Manolo Blahnik.
97% of leavers are in work and/or study 15 months after the end of their course (Graduate Outcomes Survey 2018/19; First Degree responders from Art).