Fine Art, BA (Hons)

This studio-centred fine arts degree promotes independent inquiry and is delivered by practising artists. It includes an outstanding programme of visiting speakers, such as internationally acclaimed artists and curators, along with exceptional academic and technical support in disciplines like painting, sculpture, printmaking, drawing, film, sound, performance, and photography. Students benefit from collaborative opportunities with partners including Tate Exchange, Porthleven Prize, and Gane Trust Travel Award, while exploring areas such as performance, installation, and digital media.The course fosters a synergy between academic and technical teaching, supporting students to build critical, reflective practices through tutorials, workshops, lectures, and study trips. In Year 1, emphasis is on experimentation with materials and processes; Year 2 advances ideas and contextual awareness; and Year 3 focuses on ambitious, risk-taking work culminating in a public degree show. Assessments comprise ongoing formative feedback and summative evaluations, such as exhibitions and reflective texts.

In Year 1 experimentation with materials, techniques and processes are foregrounded. You’ll establish a way of working that is playful and analytical; through this process you’ll begin to recognise what themes are emerging in your work. Year 2 is a pivotal period of development in which you are supported to progress your ideas, conceptual strategies and processes. You are encouraged to develop an awareness of the debates that surround your practice and continually test its boundaries. Off site exhibitions, projects and other initiatives will support you to consider work beyond the studio. Finally in Year 3, you’ll build upon their ideas you explore in years 1 and 2. Greater emphasis is placed not only on a body of resolved, considered and well executed work, but also on work that is ambitious and takes risks. At the end of the year you’ll present work in a degree show that is open to the public.