Would you like to develop the practical and intellectual skills required to be a creative, critical and reflective arts practitioner?

Acting as a gateway to degree-level study, the Fine Art Foundation Year course allows you to study a broad range of creative arts disciplines, with a key focus on fine art. You will also acquire key transferable skills such as effective communication, team work, time and project management, research and digital literacy, all of which can prove vital to achieving at University and gaining employment after graduation.

Taught by a team of world-leading artists and academics, you will be equipped to successfully take your learning to the next level.

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. You will be studying together with students on the Drama foundation programme.

Why choose Northumbria to study a Fine Art Foundation Year?

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

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.

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

Partnered with Industry - The fantastic opportunity to work tith the BALTIC Centre for Contempoary 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).

How will I learn on this Foundation Year course?

The Fine Art Foundation Year course offers a wide range of learning opportunities in challenging, stimulating and dynamic studio learning environments. Delivered over two semesters, this course incorporates six modules: Art & The City, The Body, Nature & Technologies, Identity, and Skills for University 1 & 2.

Teaching is delivered through a mix of studio and workshop activity, lectures, seminars and the practical use of technology and equipment. This course is assessed through a range of methods including practice-based submissions, essays and presentations.

You will also complete an assessed portfolio that can include various art forms such as performance, digital and recorded submissions, artwork and live practice.

Your confidence and capabilities as a university learner will also be enhanced through our skills programme and the opportunity to participate in individual and group guidance tutorials.

Where will I study during my time at Northumbria?

You will work in our dedicated art and performance spaces featuring state-of-the-art facilities. Our learning environment includes specialist provision for performance, sound, moving image, painting, sculpture, print, digital print, dark room photography, and paper making. Our onsite theatre is kitted out with high quality technology. You will have access to project spaces in which you can test your ideas and host your own events, performances, exhibitions, and workshops.

The 24/7 University Library achieves some of the highest levels of student satisfaction in the UK and has held the Cabinet Office accreditation for Customer Service Excellence since 2010.

Technology enhanced learning is embedded throughout this course and materials such as module handbooks, assessment information, lecture presentation slides and reading lists will be available via our innovative e-learning platform, Blackboard.

You can also access student support and other key University systems through your personal account.

What can I move on to after my foundation course?

This course has been specifically designed to develop your ability to commence to one of our exciting undergraduate degrees in either Fine Art or Theatre and Performance.

You will focus on subject-specific modules that will ensure optimal preparation for your upcoming course. When you begin your chosen undergraduate degree, the skills acquired on the Fine Art Foundation Year course should assist in your understanding of your chosen subject. Your newly developed research skills will also prove invaluable for assignments and projects.

Completion of your subsequent undergraduate degree will help to prepare you for future employment or the progression to further education or Master’s level courses.