Ulster University

Fine Art BA (Hons)

You learn through the direct experiences of making art and of critical reflection within a studio environment. Studios, workshops and technical support are close by to best cultivate productive studio practice.

The course is broadly organised as a series of Studio Practice and History and Theory modules.

Year 1: You are introduced to the studio and philosophic culture of Fine Art. From the start you are encouraged to think for yourself and develop your ideas; to organise your working space and time; to be self sufficient; to become aware of art, artists and ideas connected to your work and to be inventive, imaginative and experimental. Making art, looking at art and discussing art and related ideas are central to the Fine Art ethos. You are also introduced to techniques, histories, theories, academic methods, skills and critical approaches which inform studio and written work.

Year 2: You develop confidence and a sense of identity as an artist and are encouraged to take increased responsibility for your practice; to explore more ambitious art projects; to become more self-critical; and to research and consider relevant art, artists and ideas in greater depth. You learn to thoughtfully articulate (in your practice, speech and writing) the questions, issues and debates relevant to your artworks and those of others; and you continue to test and extend your ideas, methods of making and aesthetic imagination. In second year you also develop professional skills and knowledge via experiences such as exhibition, placement, application or commission processes.

After successful completion of Year 2 you can opt to undertake a placement year, leading to the award of a Diploma in Professional Practice (DPP) or Diploma in International Academic Studies (DIAS). The DPP is generally European-based and workshop orientated. The DIAS allows for further study at an institution in either Europe or in the USA, under the Erasmus scheme, the Study USA scheme or the Year abroad scheme. You will obtain the appropriate award in addition to your degree's classification on successful completion of your Final Year. Many students avail of this exciting and valuable opportunity, and see a great benefit when they return to study in their Final year.

Year 3: You will make and exhibit art works in the professional, public context of the degree show, and submit a dissertation. In third year you further develop your practical, conceptual and aesthetic skills and the critical means to integrate them in the making of art works. You will articulate your practice and position as an artist in artist’s talks and statements and demonstrate your intellectual curiosity and enquiry through your practice and the subject matter of your written dissertation. In this final year, you consolidate the skills and knowledge necessary to sustain an independent art practice or to work as a practitioner and employee in wider cultural fields.