Program Overview

The BA Fine Art course at the University of East London offers a dynamic, critical and interdisciplinary learning creative environment for students wishing to specialise in making contemporary art that will lead to board career paths in the cultural and creative industries.

As part of the unique Visual Arts subject area, we understand how contemporary art can engage with many disciplines. Our course is taught by practising artists, curators, cultural directors and writers; many of whom have international exhibition or publication profiles, experience working with public and private organisations, who share their practice and expertise with the students. The programme provides opportunities to engage with external organisations and practising creatives in our Detour Ahead, Cultural Manoeuvres, Guest Lecture series and visits.

Our students work across a range of disciplines including painting, sculpture, installation, video, photography, printmaking, film, new media involving 3D scanning, virtual reality, augmented reality and robotics.

We're proud of our reputation for igniting the talents of brilliant fine artists with the help and support of some of the biggest names in British art. This extended course is perfect if you want a degree in fine art but you don't meet the standard entry requirements.
 
First we prepare you for your degree during the Foundation year, bringing you up to speed with academic skills and a firm grounding in the subject. Then you can go on to do the full undergraduate degree.

Our fine art students work across a range of disciplines, including drawing, painting, sculpture, installation, film, photography and performance. What exactly distinguishes fine artists? Well, they usually work independently, without a client. Their work may stand out for its beauty or meaningfulness thanks to innovative practice or a high level of craft or conceptual skills. Experimentation and risk-taking are an essential part of their individualism, too.

The emergence of such singular talents has long marked out UEL's Fine Art course as exceptional. We've been well known for nurturing groundbreaking artists since the Chapman brothers started making their dramatic impression back in the 1980s. It's the diversity of our students and staff, with their wide, vastly differing backgrounds and experiences, which helps make this a uniquely rich and fascinating course.

WHAT YOU'LL LEARN

As first years, you will be introduced to elective workshops involving specific and multidisciplinary skills that will allow you to grow in many areas. Alongside these electives, will be modules that help you contextualise your ideas and practice as creatives. You will have the opportunity to showcase your work externally at the end of term.

During your second year, you will become more independent practitioners in your studio and become involved in team work learning. Practical and contextual modules will enable you to enhance your creative skills. A discursive environment gives you the space to build up your confidence with fellow students and external guests.

The third year is where you focus your ideas and practice as independent creatives. Preparation for your next step beyond university is supported by practical and contextual study modules. There will be opportunities to test your ideas in external spaces and engage with external projects.