Fine Art

The Bachelor of Fine Art (BFA) at Loughborough University offers an inspiring and comprehensive education in the field of contemporary visual arts. Designed for students passionate about developing their individual artistic voice, the programme combines practical studio work, critical theory, and professional practice to prepare graduates for diverse careers in the arts sector. Over the course of the programme, students explore a wide range of media and techniques, including painting, sculpture, installation, digital media, and interdisciplinary approaches, enabling them to experiment and innovate in their artistic practice.

Throughout their studies, students benefit from access to state-of-the-art facilities, including dedicated studios, workshops, and digital labs, providing a vibrant environment for creative exploration. The curriculum encourages experimental thinking, contextual understanding, and engagement with contemporary art discourse, fostering a dynamic learning experience. Students are supported by experienced staff who are active practitioners and researchers in their respective fields, offering mentorship, critical feedback, and opportunities for exhibition and collaboration.

The programme emphasizes the development of a professional artistic practice, including portfolio development, exhibition planning, and critiquing skills, preparing students for a range of careers such as fine artist, curator, arts administrator, or freelance practitioner. Loughborough’s strong links with galleries, arts organizations, and industry professionals offer students valuable networking and real-world experience through internships, live projects, and gallery exhibitions. Additionally, the programme encourages critical engagement with societal, environmental, and cultural issues, fostering socially aware artists capable of producing innovative work with impact.

Graduates from the BFA at Loughborough University are equipped with the skills, knowledge, and confidence to pursue postgraduate study or to establish themselves as professional artists and creative practitioners. The programme aims to nurture individual talent, encourage artistic risk-taking, and inspire innovative thinking that will make a meaningful contribution to contemporary art and society as a whole.

What you'll study

Our BA Fine Arts degree aims to provide a supportive and intellectually stimulating environment through which to facilitate your acquisition of advanced practical and critical skills in contemporary fine art practice.

This is achieved by embedding the development of core practical skills – ranging across traditional and new media, 2D and 3D forms, analogue and digital processes – within an innovative and conceptually challenging curriculum.

This is supported by a core art history and visual culture lecture series, which facilitates an understanding of diverse contexts for art production and consumption (within the studio and beyond) and fosters a critical engagement with art’s historical, theoretical, cultural, political, social and ethical dimensions.

Year 1 is introductory and experimental, allowing students to explore and develop a range of skills with drawing as a central core of activity. Students are also introduced to the range of workshop practices in the School, to explore different approaches to contemporary Fine Art practice. This is underpinned by a rigorous introduction to contemporary art practice, art history, theory and research skills. Year 2 is developmental, allowing you to build upon your skills and experiment with the techniques of your choice. In combination with this experimentation, you are introduced to key contemporary concepts, historical practices and art theories to enable you to locate and develop critical discourses on your practice. The final year is focused on using your accumulated skills and experience to develop your independent practice as you work towards the degree show exhibition. You will also have the opportunity to extend your academic portfolio through a dissertation or research report.

Applicants are selected on the basis of their UCAS application, and also a portfolio submission and interview in order to assess academic potential beyond that provided as part of the application. An interview also gives applicants the opportunity to visit the School, meet staff and students, see facilities and get an insight into what it is like to be a student at Loughborough.  Loughborough accepts a wide range of qualifications for entry.

What are the English language requirements to study here?

The standard University IELTS English language requirements is 6.5 overall with 6.0 in each individual element (reading, writing, listening and speaking). Some Schools/Departments may require higher levels of English language than those specified. The requirements needed, will be sent to you in your offer communication.

For Research Degrees, some Schools/Departments may ask for a higher standard of English language qualifications due to the nature of the research work involved. Details will be included in your offer letter if this applies.

For Undergraduate Degree courses, some Schools/Departments may require higher levels than those specified.  These higher levels are detailed, where relevant and more information can be found here.

Generally the English Language test should have been taken within the previous two years, but where the test is older, evidence of continuing use of English, whether in the workplace or elsewhere, in the intervening period may be required.

Financing studies for the Fine Art program at Loughborough University are designed to support students throughout their academic journey, enabling them to focus on developing their artistic skills and knowledge without undue financial stress. Prospective students are encouraged to explore a variety of funding options, including government loans, scholarships, bursaries, and external funding opportunities. The UK government offers undergraduate loans that cover tuition fees and contribute towards living costs, which students can access through Student Finance England, Wales, Scotland, or Northern Ireland, depending on their residency status. These loans are typically repayable only after graduation, based on income levels.

In addition to government funding, Loughborough University provides a range of scholarships and bursaries specifically aimed at students enrolling in the Fine Art program. These awards are often merit-based, recognizing outstanding talent or academic achievement, and are designed to reduce the financial burden on students. Some scholarships may also consider other criteria such as geographical location, socioeconomic background, or specific artistic interests. It is advisable for applicants to regularly check the university’s official scholarship webpage for updated information on available funding opportunities and application deadlines.

Students are also encouraged to seek external funding sources, including arts councils, charitable organizations, and private sponsors that support emerging artists and art students. Additionally, part-time work opportunities, either on or off-campus, can provide supplementary income and enrich the student experience. Loughborough University offers various part-time jobs, internships, and volunteering opportunities aligned with students’ interests in the arts.

Financial planning is an essential aspect of studying at university, and students are advised to budget carefully, considering tuition fees, accommodation costs, materials and supplies, travel, and personal expenses. The university’s financial guidance services can assist students in managing their funds effectively and understanding the full range of support available. For international students, specific visa regulations and financial proof requirements apply, and they should consult the international support team at Loughborough University for detailed information.

Overall, the university is committed to making education accessible and affordable for talented students pursuing a degree in Fine Art. By combining government loans, institutional scholarships, external funding, and personal budgeting, students can navigate the financial aspects of their studies more confidently. Early application for funding opportunities and proactive financial planning are advisable to maximize available support and minimize financial challenges during their artistic education.

Future career

A degree in Fine Art can open up a variety of potential career paths and postgraduate study opportunities.

These include as an artist, art therapist, teacher, curator, art buyer and art editor, as well as other careers in marketing, branding, performing arts, public relations, gallery management and advertising.

Industry links

We are regularly contacted by industry professionals requesting that our students gain experience by working on projects with, or for, them.

Companies that our students have previously worked with include QuArt China, Reebok, Swarovski, Ford, H&M, Radio Times, Abercrombie & Fitch, Shell and Mercedes Benz. Students also have the opportunity to apply for a one-year, paid placement at The Manufacturing Technology Centre Ltd in Coventry.