Fine art

Bachelor of Fine Art (BFA) at Middlesex University offers a comprehensive and dynamic program designed to nurture artistic talent, foster innovative practices, and prepare students for diverse careers in the visual arts. This undergraduate course emphasizes both practical skills and theoretical understanding, encouraging students to develop their unique artistic voice while engaging with contemporary issues and practices. Throughout the program, students will explore a wide range of mediums, including painting, sculpture, printmaking, digital media, and mixed media, supported by state-of-the-art facilities and dedicated studio spaces. The curriculum integrates studio-based learning with critical theory, helping students to contextualize their work within global artistic discourses. Collaboration and experimentation are at the heart of the program, providing opportunities for students to work on collaborative projects, participate in exhibitions, and engage with the wider arts community. The course is designed to be flexible, allowing students to tailor their learning experience according to their interests and career aspirations. Middlesex University's emphasis on employability and entrepreneurship ensures that graduates will be equipped with the skills needed to succeed in the creative industries or to continue their academic journey at postgraduate level. With guidance from experienced tutors and visiting professionals, students will develop a strong portfolio, critical skills, and a professional approach to art practice. The BFA program also encourages international perspectives, fostering an inclusive learning environment where diverse artistic traditions and ideas are celebrated. Upon successful completion, graduates will possess a robust foundation in fine art practice, critical analysis, and exhibition skills, making them well-prepared for a variety of careers, including professional artist, curator, art educator, or researcher. The university’s connections with galleries, art organizations, and industry professionals provide valuable networks and opportunities for real-world engagement, ensuring students graduate with both confidence and competence to thrive in the competitive art sector.

Detailed Course Facts

• GBP 9000 Year (EEA)
• GBP 11200 Year (Non-EEA)

• English

Course Content

What will you study?

Your first year concentrates on understanding and working with different models as a fine artist, ensuring you have exposure to all the different workshops and facilities available to you.

• You will be introduced to concepts of time and action, space and object, plus image and index in your studio practice

• In the second and third terms studio practice develops more individually

• Introduction to contemporary fine art practice and its history with short written assignments

In your second year you will diversify and expand your skills, developing a deeper awareness of the critical demands of contemporary art

• You will develop your visual language as you experiment in your studio practice

• You will study visual culture, art and philosophy, and art and the community with a concluding written submission

• This year includes options to study on the international exchange programme or work on art projects in the community

• Your study culminates in an exhibition, where you will gain hands-on experience of curating and exhibiting

Your final year of your degree enables you to consolidate and refine your art, developing your studio practice to a professional level.

• This year includes a professional practice seminar series, a research essay, and another opportunity to work on art practice in the community

• In tutorials you will focus on how clearly your visual language is communicated

• The second and third terms focus on bringing work to a professional level for a public exhibition (recently this has been at Truman Brewery, Brick Lane)

What will you gain?

Alongside developing your vision and skills as an artist, you will also develop a wide range of transferable skills including initiative, self motivation, resourcefulness, excellent written and verbal communications skills, ability to work both alone and in groups, and the ability to be reflective and constructively self-critical about projects you have initiated.

• Year 1

  • Fine Art Practice: Beginnings and Directions (60 Credits) - Compulsory

  • Formations of Fine Art Practice (30 Credits) - Compulsory

  • Starting Out: Art Education and Educating Art (30 Credits) - Compulsory

• Year 2

  • Fine Art Practice and Development (60 Credits) - Compulsory

  • Fine Art Theories and Practices (30 Credits) - Compulsory

  • Art Practice and the Community: Placement (30 Credits) - Optional

  • Art and Philosophy (30 Credits) - Optional

  • Fine Art Practice, Research and Reflection (30 Credits) - Optional

  • Sound, Video and Interactivity Context and Practice (30 Credits) - Optional

• Year 3

  • Critical and Contextual Proposition (30 Credits) - Compulsory

  • Art Practice, Collaborations, Community Participation and Exhibition (60 Credits) - Optional

  • Art Practice, Philosophy and Exhibition (60 Credits) - Compulsory

  • Professional Awareness, Peer Critique and Curatorial Practice (30 Credits) - Compulsory

  • Sound, Video and Interactivity (30 Credits) - Optional

  • Specialist Development, Practice and Exhibition (60 Credits) - Optional

English Language Requirements

IELTS band : 6 TOEFL iBT® test : 72

To study at this university, you have to speak English. We advice you to

Requirements

We will consider all applications on their individual merit; successful applicants should demonstrate suitability, dedication and fitness for their chosen programme of study. All candidates are asked to submit evidence of previous production and creative practice, normally presented as a portfolio. As far as possible, students are invited to attend for interview and will be offered the opportunity to view the School and meet appropriate staff and students. Where prior qualifications are not available; applicants with appropriate experience will be assessed on the evidence of their commitment and the quality of their portfolio.

The School normally makes offers on condition of 280 UCAS tariff points in line with our long held belief that the achievement of distinction from a Foundation or Level 3 Diploma or BTEC National Diploma in Art and Design is an excellent preparation for our courses. The International Baccalaureate and Advanced Progression Diplomas, specialising in Art and Design subjects, are also accepted at the equivalent tariff and above. We accept the Access to HE Diploma. GCSE English with a minimum of Grade C is required for a student entering the University.

International Entry Requirements

Recognised overseas qualifications must evidence at least the equivalent standards as home students. The School invites the submission of portfolios from all of its applicants so that we can assess ability and potential. To find out more about the requirements from your country of origin, please see further information under support in your country.

Applicants must have competence in English language and we normally require Grade C GCSE or an equivalent qualification. The most common English Language requirements for international students are IELTS 6.0 (with minimum 5.5 in all four components) or TOEFL internet based 72 (with at least 17 in listening & writing, 20 in speaking and 18 in reading).

Middlesex also offers an that ranges from 5-17 weeks depending on your level of English. Successful completion of this course would meet English language entry requirements.

You might also be interested in our 12-week long Foundation course, successful completion of which will guarantee a place on a nominated BsA Honours programme.

Portfolio and Interview

The application is just the first step in our selection process, we also invite you to an interview and review your portfolio of art and design work.

Your interview

The interview itself usually lasts about 15 minutes, but please allow an hour as this usually includes a tour of our facilities. We use the interview to allow us to find out more about you, to better understand your aspirations and interests and for you to learn more about us. The interview will explore why you want to study the subject with us, there will be no trick questions, so don't be too nervous.

Your portfolio

We've put together a short video to help you prepare your portfolio.

Work Experience

No work experience is required.

Want to improve your English level for admission?

Prepare for the program requirements with English Online by the British Council.

• ✔️ Flexible study schedule
• ✔️ Experienced teachers
• ✔️ Certificate upon completion

📘 Recommended for students with an IELTS level of 6.0 or below.

Enroll in the course

Related Scholarships*

• Academic Excellence Scholarship

  "The Academic Excellence Scholarship can provide up to a 50 % reduction in tuition per semester. These scholarships will be renewed if the student maintains superior academic performance during each semester of their 3-year Bachelor programme. The scholarship will be directly applied to the student’s tuition fees."

• Access Bursary

  Bursary for UK students all subjects where the variable tuition fee rate is payable.

• Alumni Bursary

  Alumni Bursary for UK Undergraduate students

* The scholarships shown on this page are suggestions first and foremost. They could be offered by other organisations than Middlesex University.

The BA (Hons) Fine Art program at Middlesex University offers students a comprehensive and immersive experience in contemporary art practices. Designed to develop students' individual artistic voice, the course combines practical studio-based learning with critical theory and contextual studies. Throughout the program, students engage with a wide range of media, including painting, sculpture, installation, video, and digital art, allowing them to explore diverse approaches and techniques. The curriculum emphasizes experimentation, innovation, and critical engagement, encouraging students to challenge conventional boundaries and develop original work that reflects contemporary societal issues.

Students benefit from access to state-of-the-art facilities and dedicated studio spaces that foster a collaborative environment. The program incorporates tutorials, workshops, and seminars led by practicing artists and industry professionals, providing valuable insights into the art world and career pathways. Middlesex University emphasizes employability and professional development, offering opportunities for exhibiting work in galleries, participating in live projects, and engaging with community arts initiatives. The program also prepares students for postgraduate study or careers in art, design, curation, teaching, and other creative industries.

Assessment methods are varied and include practical projects, portfolios, written assignments, and presentations. The program encourages reflective practice, enabling students to critically analyze their own work and that of others. Upon graduation, students are equipped with a robust portfolio and a deep understanding of contemporary art practices, positioning them well for further artistic development or entering the professional art world. The course's flexible structure allows students to tailor their learning experience according to their interests and career aspirations, fostering a vibrant and dynamic artistic community.