UWE Bristol - BA Hons Fine Art with Foundation Year

UWE Bristol

BA Hons Fine Art with Foundation Year

Study in a renowned contemporary arts venue and take one of two available pathways - Fine Art or Art and Writing - to choose your creative direction.

Why study fine art?

Fine art sits at the centre of the UK's dynamic art scene. Showcased through collectives, galleries and public spaces, contemporary art generates powerful new ideas and platforms for debate.

Artists develop ideas by making them visible, playing active roles in society as cultural commentators, teachers and activists. In addition to established artists' networks, contemporary art is circulated by curators, commissioners, and the private sector.

Working as an artist is social, practical, and theoretical, and can involve you in an exciting range of cultural and educational activities in the UK and abroad.

Why UWE Bristol?

BA(Hons) Fine Art is a studio-centred course is based at Spike Island, an internationally renowned contemporary art venue, part of our City Campus in the heart of Bristol. It's a vibrant creative environment where you'll get to connect with professional artists.

Benefit from free studio space and a range of work and volunteering opportunities, as well as excellent facilities at Bower Ashton Studios.

Choose from two pathways - Fine Art or Art and Writing.

  • Fine Art develops your practice in areas such as painting, sculpture, installation, performance, video and digital media.
  • Art and Writing critically engages you with your practice as you produce art works and written text, underpinned by theoretical perspectives. If chosen you will graduate with BA(Hons) Art and Writing.

All our staff are active practitioners, with the conceptual, technical and professional skills to support a wide variety of approaches.

Our City Campus is a creative powerhouse. It spans across Bristol, and is made up of Bower Ashton plus renowned contemporary arts centres Spike Island, Arnolfini and Watershed.

We have strong links with many of the city's arts organisations, providing opportunities to exhibit, network, take part in projects and build your profile. 

Tailoring the course towards your particular interests, you'll have the chance to work in any medium at any point in your studies, explore different avenues and shape your own professional journey.

Showcase your work to talent scouts and potential employers at our popular Creative Industries Degree Show and graduate with an impressive portfolio of work.

Where can it take me?

Our students are regularly selected for fellowships and national competitions, including New Contemporaries, a platform for emerging artists.

Benefit from opportunities to apply for British Council Venice Fellowships, Spike Island Graduate Fellowships, and Spike Associates Bursaries.

Students recently took part in Tate Exchange, a public-facing performance event at Tate Modern, and staged events at Arnolfini and Bristol Museum and Art Gallery.

UWE Bristol's fine art graduates possess skills and strengths that are important to a wide range of employers. Many are naturally entrepreneurial.

Many go on to careers as artists, designers, curators, arts administrators and educators, or to postgraduate study such as master's degrees or teacher training.

Entry Requirements

  • Tariff points: 48
  • GCSE: Grade C/4 in English Literature or Language, or equivalent. We do not accept Level 2 Key Skills, Functional Skills or Certificates in Adult Literacy and Numeracy as suitable alternatives to GCSEs.
  • English Language Requirement: International and EU applicants are requirement to have a mimimum overall IELTS (Academic) score of 5.5 with 5.5 in each component.
  • A-level subjects: No specific subjects required.

Career Prospects

Tailoring what and how you study, you can shape the course towards your chosen career path.

Our graduates pursue a wide range of careers, including artists, designers, curators, arts administrators and educators.

They are regularly selected for fellowships and national competitions.

Others progress to postgraduate study at MA and PhD level, or teacher training.

Course Details

Year 0 Foundation Year

Drawing and Making
Developmental Project: Building a Creative Identity
Foundation Project
Academic Skills.

Year 1

Introduction to Fine Art
Exploring Practice in Fine Art
Critical Perspectives
Introduction to Professional Practice.

Year 2

Developing Practice in Fine Art or Developing Practice in Art and Visual Culture
Creative Analysis.

Two optional modules
Developing Practice in Fine Art 2 or International Exchange
Professional Practice: Work Experience or Collaborate.

Final Year

Preparation for Extended Study in Fine Art
Extended Study in Fine Art
Preparation for Extended Study in Art and Visual Culture
Extended Study in Art and Visual Culture
Independent Research Project
Professional Practice: Graduate Strategies.

*The information’s are correct at the time of publishing, however it may change if university makes any changes after we have published the information. While we try our best to provide correct information, It is advisable to call us or visit university website for up to date information.

Are you ready to start building your future?

Contact our admission counseller and get a free consultation.