Fine Art Leeds Arts University

Our BA (Hons) Fine Art course immerses you in a diverse and creative community where you are encouraged to learn the business of becoming an artist in the contemporary world.

This challenging and engaging course is structured within our three specialist studios: Studio S, Studio D and Studio P, which each provide a supportive community nominally based around sculpture, drawing or painting, led by an experienced team of artists. Led by an experienced team of practising artists you will learn how to explore, navigate, and define your own specialism.

You are encouraged to pursue your individual interests through tutorials, seminars, workshops, and group critiques; while engaging in wider social, political, cultural, environmental, economic, technological contexts and contemporary issues. Located in our purpose-built studios and aligned to painting, sculpture, or performance and digital, you will develop a strong artist identity shaped by your specialism and any interdisciplinary approaches you take. Access to workshops and facilities, specialist staff, mixed discipline and cross year critiques, and opportunities to collaborate ensure that you can challenge the boundaries of your practice.

Throughout the course there is an emphasis on technical skill and critical thought that synthesises thinking and making. You will acquire a range of creative and technical strategies to support the development and sustainability of your creative practice. Through exhibition proposals, projects, and collaborations you will develop the essential skills and experience you need as a practicing artist, expand your networks, and make lifelong contacts.

We have several cultural institutions on our doorstep and make regular visits to galleries and exhibitions which have included Leeds Art Gallery, the Henry Moore Institute, Yorkshire Sculpture Park, and The Hepworth. National and international trips have included events such as the Venice Biennale. We also have a programme of industry speakers who engage in a range of arts practices and roles within arts organisations.

Entry requirements

At enrolment, you should normally have achieved one of the following:

• A-levels: 104-120 UCAS points including an art/design-related subject
• European Baccalaureate: 70%
• International Baccalaureate Diploma: Successful completion of the IB Diploma Programme with a minimum of 26 points or the equivalent of 104-120 UCAS tariff points, including an art/design-related subject
• BTEC Extended Diploma: DMM
• BTEC Diploma: DD
• UAL Extended Diploma: Merit
• UAL Foundation Diploma: Distinction
• An international qualification equivalent to the above – please check how your qualifications match our entry requirements. Please visit our website for more information.

We will consider students who do not have art/design as part of their main study but have a portfolio that demonstrates their potential to succeed.

You will also need:

• Evidence of your English Language ability equivalent to IELTS 5.5 with no component less than 5.5. Please see the English Language Requirements section below for details of accepted qualifications
• One reference to support your application from an academic teacher, tutor or counsellor
• A short portfolio (examples of work)