Fine Art

Fine Art at the University of Kent offers an inspiring and comprehensive undergraduate experience designed to develop students' creative talents, technical skills, and critical thinking. This programme provides a dynamic environment where emerging artists can explore a wide range of artistic disciplines, including painting, sculpture, printmaking, digital media, and installation art, encouraging them to push boundaries and innovate. Throughout the course, students engage with both traditional and contemporary art practices, fostering a deep understanding of visual language, aesthetics, and the cultural context of their work. The curriculum combines practical studio work with theoretical study, enabling students to articulate their ideas effectively and develop a cohesive artistic voice. Access to state-of-the-art facilities and resources, including dedicated studios, workshops, and digital labs, ensures students can experiment freely and refine their skills. They benefit from close mentorship from experienced faculty members who are active practitioners in the art world, as well as opportunities to showcase their work through exhibitions and public events. The programme also emphasises the importance of critical engagement, encouraging students to explore historical and contemporary art movements and their relevance to current practice. By the end of their studies, graduates will have built a strong portfolio, gained professional experience, and prepared themselves for a diverse range of careers in the arts, including professional studio practice, curatorial work, arts management, or further postgraduate study. Fine Art at the University of Kent aims to nurture innovative, reflective, and socially aware artists equipped to contribute meaningfully to the cultural landscape.

Detailed Course Facts

Application deadline You are advised to apply as early as possible Tuition fee

• GBP 9000 Year (EEA)
• GBP 12450 Year (Non-EEA)

Start date September 2015 28 September 2015 Credits (ECTS) 180 ECTS

• Total Kent credits: 360
• Total ECTS credits: 180

Credits 360

• Total Kent credits: 360
• Total ECTS credits: 180

Duration full-time 36 months Languages Take an IELTS test

• English

Delivery mode On Campus Educational variant Part-time, Full-time Intensity Flexible Part-time variant Flexible More information Go To The Course Website

Course Content

Course structure

The course structure below gives a flavour of the modules that will be available to you and provides details of the content of this programme. This listing is based on the current curriculum and may change year to year in response to new curriculum developments and innovation. Most programmes will require you to study a combination of compulsory and optional modules, you may also have the option to take ‘wild’ modules from other programmes offered by the University in order that you may customise your programme and explore other subject areas of interest to you or that may further enhance your employability.

Stage 1

Possible modules may include:

• FA309 - Creative and Critical Practice 1
• FA310 - Creative and Critical Practice 2
• FA311 - Methods and Materials
• FA312 - The Shock of the Now: Themes in Contemporary Art

Stage 2

Possible modules may include:

• FA502 - Practice in Context
• FA508 - Practice in Context 2
• FA500 - Review and Response
• MU524 - Found Image, Found Sound
• FA507 - Place and Site
• FA503 - Practice and Its Publics

Year in industry

By taking this option, you benefit from increased confidence and experience when entering the working world. A year in industry also gives you the opportunity to increase your contacts and network so that you can hit the ground running when you graduate. It is taken in addition to your undergraduate programme and normally falls between your second and final year. If taken, the year itself is assessed on a pass/fail basis through employer feedback and a written report that you submit.

Students usually work on placement for the entire calendar year. Salary and holiday entitlements vary according to your employer. However, many students find that they earn enough to be able to save some income, and this often helps them in returning to study.

A work placement provides practical experience that can be put to good use in your study. It gives you a sense of how the theory works in practice and improves your skills in many areas. It also allows you to evaluate a particular career path, and gain knowledge of the working environment.

Year abroad

You have the opportunity to study abroad at one of our partner institutions in Europe or further afield either in the spring term of Stage 2, or for the Autumn term of Stage 3.

Stage 3

Possible modules may include:

• FA509 - From Warhol to Whiteread: Postmodernity & Visual Arts Practice
• FA504 - Resolution
• FA506 - Developing Practice

English Language Requirements

IELTS band : 6.5 CAE score : 75(Grade B) TOEFL paper-based test score : 580 TOEFL iBT® test : 85

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

take an IELTS test.

Requirements

Home/EU students

The University will consider applications from students offering a wide range of qualifications, typical requirements are listed below, students offering alternative qualifications should contact the Admissions Office for further advice. It is not possible to offer places to all students who meet this typical offer/minimum requirement.

Qualification / Typical offer/minimum requirement

• A level

ABB, including Fine Art, Art and Design or History of Art grade B if taken. Candidates are usually interviewed and you should bring a portfolio of your practical work to the interview.

• Access to HE Diploma

The University of Kent will not necessarily make conditional offers to all access candidates but will continue to assess them on an individual basis. If an offer is made candidates will be required to obtain/pass the overall Access to Higher Education Diploma and may also be required to obtain a proportion of the total level 3 credits and/or credits in particular subjects at merit grade or above.

• BTEC Level 3 Extended Diploma (formerly BTEC National Diploma)

The university will consider applicants holding BTEC National Diploma and Extended National Diploma Qualifications (QCF; NQF;OCR) on a case by case basis please contact us via the enquiries tab for further advice on your individual circumstances.

• International Baccalaureate

34 points overall or 16 points at HL, including 5 in HL Visual Arts or 6 in SL Visual Arts where taken.

Candidates are usually interviewed and you should bring a portfolio of your practical work to the interview.

International students

The University receives applications from over 140 different nationalities and consequently will consider applications from prospective students offering a wide range of international qualifications. Our International Development Office will be happy to advise prospective students on entry requirements. See our International Student website for further information about our country-specific requirements.

Please note that if you need to increase your level of qualification ready for undergraduate study, we offer a number of International Foundation Programmes through Kent International Pathways.

Qualification / Typical offer/minimum requirement

• English Language Requirements

Please see our English language entry requirements web page.

Please note that if you are required to meet an English language condition, we offer a number of pre-sessional courses in English for Academic Purposes through Kent International Pathways.

Work Experience

No work experience is required.

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 University of Kent.

The BA (Hons) Fine Art program at the University of Kent offers students a comprehensive and immersive experience in the development and practice of fine art. Designed to nurture creativity, critical thinking, and technical skills, the program provides a flexible and innovative curriculum that allows students to explore a wide range of artistic disciplines, including painting, sculpture, printmaking, digital media, installation, and performance art. Throughout their studies, students are encouraged to develop a personal artistic voice while engaging with contemporary debates and issues within the arts. The university’s facilities include well-equipped studios, workshops, and exhibition spaces that support experimentation and the realization of ambitious projects. The program emphasizes both individual practice and collaborative endeavours, preparing graduates for a diverse range of careers in the arts sector, including gallery and museum work, arts administration, independent studio practice, and further academic study. Students also benefit from opportunities to engage with visiting artists, exhibitions, and external partnerships, enriching their learning experience and professional network. The program is suitable for students who are passionate about exploring visual ideas, pushing creative boundaries, and aiming for a career as a professional artist or arts practitioner. Graduates leave with a strong portfolio, critical engagement skills, and a broad understanding of contemporary art practices, ready to contribute innovatively to the cultural sector or to pursue postgraduate study.