Fine Art BA (Hons)

Northumbria University

United Kingdom, Newcastle upon Tyne

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537

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Northumbria University

United Kingdom , Newcastle upon Tyne

Key Facts

Program Level

Bachelor

Study Type

Full Time

Delivery

On Campus

Course Code

W105

Campuses

Newcastle

Program Language

English

Start & Deadlines

Next Intake DeadlinesSeptember-2026

Apply to this program

Go to the official application for the university

Duration 3 year(s)

Tuition Fee

GBP 19,350 / year(s)

Next Intake September-2026

Fine Art BA (Hons)

About

Imagine. Learn. Create.

Art isn’t just in galleries—it’s all around us, in our cities, landscapes, and buildings, and even in our digital spaces. Art shapes how we see the world, reflect on our past, and express the present. At Northumbria, studying the BA (Hons) Fine Art will help you become a thoughtful, skilled artist who understands the power of art and can connect with communities locally and globally.

This course blends theory with hands-on practice to prepare you for many career paths, from community arts and teaching to curating, arts management, and more. You’ll explore the many forms of art with guidance from Northumbria’s experienced art practitioners, historians, and industry partners like The BALTIC Centre for Contemporary Art. Each module is built on active research that brings fresh insights to your learning experience.

The course is dynamic and flexible, allowing you to tailor your studies to fit your goals and giving you a strong foundation for further study or a successful career in the arts.

Why choose Northumbria to study Fine Art?

Top 15 – Art & Design at Northumbria is ranked top 15 in the UK (Times Good University Guide, 2025).

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 (REF, 2021). 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 develop the skills and confidence needed for your future.

What is a ‘cultural partnership’ and how will it support my learning?

Cultural partnerships are when groups or institutions work together to share or promote art, traditions, or values. At Northumbria, this includes museums, charities, and education partners teaming up to create an enhanced curriculum designed to support your learning experience and employability. These partnerships help you:

Showcase talent and innovation

Attend events such as masterclasses and workshops

Access specialist facilities and archives

Gain experiential learning opportunities, such as working on live briefs

Immerse yourself in real-world settings, working directly within the community

Network with key employers

Unlock potential placement opportunities, during or beyond your studies

For example, in your second year, there is the chance to work with The BALTIC Centre for Contemporary Art on developing an exhibition proposal. Here, you will work in teams, as artists with different skill sets and backgrounds. In doing so, you will develop skills in project management and arts business that are important to employers within the creative and cultural industries.

How does this course enhance my employability?

From the start, this course helps you develop essential skills like critical thinking, teamwork, communication, and confidence. As you progress, you’ll gain industry-specific abilities, from using digital editing software to understanding art criticism, research, design, and project management.

As well as working on projects with the BALTIC Centre in your second year, you may also wish to organise an external work placement, gaining hands-on industry experience and confidence. Many course modules are designed to boost your employability, helping you gain relevant skills and explore future career paths in the arts.

Requirements

Entry Requirements

Entry Requirements 2025/26

Standard Entry

112 UCAS Tariff points

From a combination of acceptable Level 3 qualifications which may include: A-level, T Level, BTEC Diplomas/Extended Diplomas, Scottish and Irish Highers, Access to HE Diplomas, or the International Baccalaureate.

Find out how many points your qualifications are worth by using the UCAS Tariff calculator: www.ucas.com/ucas/tariff-calculator

Northumbria University is committed to supporting all individuals to achieve their ambitions. We have a range of schemes and alternative offers to make sure as many individuals as possible are given an opportunity to study at our University regardless of personal circumstances or background. To find out more, review our Northumbria Entry Requirement Essential Information page for further details www.northumbria.ac.uk/entryrequirementsinfo

Subject Requirements:

There are no specific subject requirements for this course.

GCSE Requirements:

Applicants will need Maths and English Language at minimum grade 4/C, or an equivalent.

Additional Requirements:

A portfolio of creative design work is required. Get advice on preparing your portfolio here: www.northumbria.ac.uk/study-at-northumbria/coming-to-northumbria/portfolios-and-auditions

International Qualifications:

We welcome applicants with a range of qualifications which may not match those shown above.

If you have qualifications from outside the UK, find out what you need by visiting www.northumbria.ac.uk/yourcountry

English Language Requirements:

International applicants should have a minimum overall IELTS (Academic) score of 6.0 with 5.5 in each component (or an approved equivalent*).

*The university accepts a large number of UK and International Qualifications in place of IELTS. You can find details of acceptable tests and the required grades in our English Language section: www.northumbria.ac.uk/englishqualifications

For further admissions guidance and requirements, please visit www.northumbria.ac.uk/admissionsguidance Please review this information before submitting your application.

English Program Requirements

International applicants should have a minimum overall IELTS (Academic) score of 6.0 with 5.5 in each component (or an approved equivalent*).

For further admissions guidance and requirements, please visit www.northumbria.ac.uk/admissionsguidance Please review this information before submitting your application.

Career

How does this course prepare me for my future career?

Graduates of this course will be equipped with a sophisticated knowledge of important issues that shape our lives, and the skills to express their critical ideas in a range of multimedia formats.

On completion you will be well placed to move into a career in the creative and cultural industries, marketing, community arts, teaching, curating, arts management, assisting artists, gallery or studio management.

As well as preparing you for your career through modules and learning, you may also wish to enhance our experience with an optional placement year. Previous placements have included gallery and museum work in schools, art therapy, events management and production, or assisting artists in an exhibition or art production.

Whatever you decide to do, you will have strong employability as a result of having acquired the characteristics of a Northumbria graduate. These include critical reflection and self-learning, collaboration and curiosity, and the ability to apply your knowledge to solve problems in ways that are sustainable and ethical.