Entry Requirements

You will need a minimum of 64 UCAS points from one or more of the following: 

• A Levels 
• T Levels 
• BTEC/UAL Extended Diploma 
• Foundation Diploma in Art and Design (Level 3 or 4) 
• Or equivalent EU/International qualifications such as International Baccalaureate Diploma 
• Plus English GCSE passes at grade 4 or above (grade A*-C) 

This list is not exhaustive other qualifications may be considered. Entry to this course will also be determined by the quality of your application looking primarily at your portfolio/showreel of work, personal statement and reference. 

Applicants who do not meet these course entry requirements may still be considered in exceptional cases. The course team will consider each application that demonstrates additional strengths and alternative evidence.

Course Structure

Year One units (Level 4) 

• Introduction to Fine Art
• Theory as Practice 1
• Historical and Contextual Studies
• Thematic Technical and Conceptual Development
• Introduction to Studio Practice

Year Two units (Level 5) 

• Professional Practice
• Studio Practice
• Site Specific Artwork
• Theory as Practice 2

Year Three (Level 6)

• Theory as Practice 3
• Research and Formative Development
• Subject Realisation 
• Professional Practice

Teaching & Learning

Contact hours: 13 hours per week. Plus Independent Study (suggested 30 hours per week)

Assessment & Feedback

All assessment on the BA (Hons) Fine Art is via coursework; there are no exams. 

Coursework is assessed in a range of different ways in order to accommodate a variety of learning styles and aptitudes. 

You will receive on-going feedback as part of your one-to-one sessions with your unit teachers. You will also receive summative feedback on all formal assessments undertaken by coursework. Feedback is intended to help you learn and you are encouraged to discuss it with your unit leader. Feedback can be given in a range of different ways in order to accommodate a variety of learning styles and aptitudes including group critiques, recorded verbal feedback and written feedback. 

Course Cost

Adult, full_time: £8500 per year

Fees are per academic year for home/UK students.

The following course-related costs are included in the fees:

• Guest speakers, visiting lecturers and industry focussed workshops will be included in your course over the three years.
• Third Year students will have the opportunity to showcase their final year work at the end of their studies. This may be a local, national or online platform. Event/exhibition costs will be covered by the Faculty of HE. In the past this has included Free Range. Students will be responsible for any additional costs associated with the production of their personal project (ie: printing, materials).
• Annual £20 of printing credit per year

Additional costs

Trips: students may go on up to four trips per year. The maximum cost per trip will be £35.

Materials: the cost of materials will vary according to individual projects.

Additional course costs can be found here

What Next...

Our graduates have gone on to become acclaimed artists, curators, art critics, lecturers, teachers and workers in diverse roles within the creative industries. One graduate gained a placement working as an artist’s assistant. Another recent graduate works as a gallery assistant at the Focal Point Gallery. 

Graduates also progress to postgraduate study in the UK including:

MA Fine Art, MA Painting and MA Drawing at University of the Arts London, MA Fine Art at The Slade School of Art and MA Fine Art at the Royal College of Art.

Success Stories...

Success Story: Gus Nweke

Course studied

Fine Art BA (Hons)

My time at the centre improved my self-confidence and made me believe in myself and my ability. It helped me to become focused and enabled me to set goals.

View full story

My name is Augustus Nweke, I am 51 years old, I studied Fine Art at University Centre South Essex from 2016 until 2020 and this is my story.

I first studied Access to Higher Education and went on to do my Bachelor’s degree in Fine Arts. Before studying I worked as a security officer.

I chose to study at University Centre South Essex because it was the closest to me and I could identify with their adult education program easily.

My foundation course prepared me for the next level. It wasn’t a difficult decision to make when I decided to further my studies because I received world-class preparation. I would like to thank Dr Cherry, Andy, Matt and a host of other very supportive staff who helped me. I gained valuable collaborative, organisational and leadership skills whilst studying. At the University Centre you get all the support you need to succeed.

The university centre provided me with the basic equipment and studio assistance in printing, wood work and the sculpture studios. My method of painting now involves both printing and painting which I developed interest in during my Access course year. Now my painting style is deeply rooted in printing.

After leaving the University Centre I did my Master’s degree in Art specialising in painting and my works have been exhibited in some high profile group exhibitions.
I  now work at Stansted airport while pursuing my career in the arts.

As an artist I organise and curate exhibitions, I am interested in critical practice and I paint. 

At Stansted I work to protect civil aviation against unwanted treats and acts of terrorism including protecting the airport facility against illegal and unlawful entry or destruction of property. 

In the future I want to do my practice-based Doctorate research starting in 2023.

I would recommend studying at University Centre South Essex because it understands the needs of adult students. They are flexible, supportive and welcoming. All the staff are interested to see you succeed.

My time at the centre improved my self-confidence and made me believe in myself and my ability. It helped me to become focused and enabled me to set goals.

For more information on the Fine Art programme, visit: www.southessex.ac.uk/course/fine-art-ba-hons