Your Learning Experience

This course is delivered through a mix of classroom and studio-based learning, with engagement with the cultural centres in the region available to further enhance your learning.

Your modules will be taught through lectures, seminars, practical sessions, workshops, and fieldtrips. Meanwhile, you’ll be assessed using a range of methods including practice-based submissions, essays, and presentations.

Throughout your degree, you’ll be encouraged to develop your making skills – having the opportunity to develop your techniques and use equipment in intriguing ways.

In your third year, you can extend your studies, either taking an additional placement year or even taking a year to study abroad in the likes of mainland Europe or North America.

In your final year, you will embark on a Final Project which is an opportunity to focus on what interests you most while developing your portfolio and academic skills. This project becomes a cumulation of all the skills and understanding that you have received throughout your studies and establishes your style as a contemporary artist.

How does this course enhance my employability?

From the very start of your studies, you are supported as you begin to develop transferable skills, such as critical thinking, communication, team working, and confidence.

As your studies progress, you’ll then hone these skills to more industry-specific proficiencies. On the course, you’ll learn how to use industry-standard digital editing software, identify the key elements of art criticism, and understand the planning and production required in research, design, storytelling, presentation, curation, management, and the application of theory.

An invaluable opportunity for first-hand employability skills is the chance to work with the BALTIC Centre in your second year. Here, you will encounter live briefs where you will work in teams, as artists with different skill sets and backgrounds, alongside local employers from the cultural sector. In doing so, you will develop skills in project management and arts business that are important to employers within the creative and cultural industries.

Many modules have been specifically designed to enhance your employability and encourage you to consider how your interests align with potential future career routes after graduation. For example, during your second year, you will have the opportunity to organise and facilitate an external work placement – stepping into industry to gain professional skills and confidence in real-world settings.

Why choose Northumbria to study Fine Art?

Top 25 – Art & Design at Northumbria is ranked Top 20 in the UK by the Complete University Guide for 2024.

Taking on Tomorrow – This course is contemporary, future-facing, and critically rigorous, preparing you to make a positive impact in the world.

Research Powerhouse – Art and Design at Northumbria is ranked 4th in the UK for research power. This is a rise of 6 places compared to 2014.

Partnered with Industry – The fantastic opportunity to work with the BALTIC Centre for Contemporary Art, where you will be set live briefs and can work within public and community settings.

Graduate Prospects – Art & Design at Northumbria is ranked 9th in the UK for Graduate Prospects (Times Good University Guide, 2024).