Fine Art and Graphic Design BA (Hons)
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Course Summary
Explore contemporary Fine Art and Graphic Design in this predominantly practice based, studio centred programme with underpinning theoretical, contextual and critical elements.
Placing you firmly in a contemporary, interdisciplinary and cross-disciplinary studio context, the combined course delivers a broad range of experiences, informing your growing autonomy as an artist/designer through the programme. You will gain practical and research-based skills and your practice will be informed by theory and context. The course will help you develop into an autonomous artist/designer with the potential of working across or specialising in media areas including painting and drawing, printmaking, textiles, new media, design software, and sculpture. The intention is that you explore the potential for a crossover of skill sets which support and enhance your creative practice in either or both directions. Future decisions allow you to major or minor in one particular field.
Opportunities for external placements, live projects and elements of professional practice provide the course with a ‘real-life’ edge. You will have access to well-equipped workshops for drawing and painting, video and photography, sculpture and construction, textiles, printmaking, design and publishing, casting, and foundry operation. At Level 4, you will gain vital conceptual and practical skills through workshop and studio-based projects. At Levels 5 and 6, you will explore deeper understanding and professionalism to develop your practice.
There is regular tutorial and teaching contact with academic staff, many of whom are practitioners and researchers of national and international standing, bringing an informed, current and diverse approach to your creative undergraduate experience.
What you'llStudy
Sculpture, printmaking, textiles and new media projects run simultaneously to a drawing module. Theory and context elements inform studio activity.
Module content:
Level 4 introduces students to
- The fundamental concepts, theories and principals associated with their individual subject area
- The broad critical, historical, contemporary contexts and future potential of their area of study and the significance of the work of other practitioners within their field of study
- A variety of approaches to research, within, through and about their area of study
- The basic skills and techniques required to produce outputs in response to set briefs
- The visual and verbal communication techniques appropriate to their subject area
- The tools, technologies and materials relevant to their subject area
- A range of approaches to problem solving
- The importance of taking personal responsibility for their own learning
Module aims:
The aim of this module is to introduces the key aspects of a level 4 degree within Art or Design, including:
- foundational knowledge,
- problem-solving skills,
- effective communication,
- personal responsibility,
- subject specific skills and
- the development of important attributes required for employment within and beyond the creative and cultural industries
Studio projects, informed by theoretical input, respond to set briefs resulting in exhibition. Placements align programme activity with external experience.
Module content:
This module particularly focuses on the relationship between content and form inherent to studio practice production. Students will develop responses and outcomes to set projects and, expanding upon their level 4 experience, consider and implement strategies that question, dispel or confirm personal boundaries within Fine Art studio practice. Through studio experimentation and an ongoing reflective dialogue, students will consider the efficacy of a range of approaches to each set project reaching outcomes that are thus informed and considered.
An integrated theory element will provide further insights into some of the critical ideas, concepts and methodologies that have been employed in the interpretation and production of Fine Art. During a series of lectures and seminars students will examine the dynamic and varied processes of exchange and transformation in Fine Art disciplines occurring as a response to cultural, social, political and aesthetic changes. The relationship between practice and theory is made explicit in this module and serves to inform students' research and production.
Module aims:
- To generate ideas in response to set projects
- To engender and develop a facility for the testing of simultaneous and related potential outcomes in visual form in pursuance of a final outcome utilising appropriate media
- To engender and develop a facility for speculative making using appropriate media in the pursuance of final outcomes
- To develop modes of operation that encompass critical debate as an informing tool
- To expand a contextual research base that is relevant to individual studio activity
- Develop a knowledge and understanding of key concepts and movements in modern art
Module content:
In consultation with academic staff, students will devise an individual studio practice rationale that takes into account their previous experience alongside their existing and emerging artistic interests and concerns. Students will therefore be proposing an individual brief from which they will produce studio work subject to adaptation as a result of reflective and critical dialogue. The development of this brief, the relevance of sustained preparatory work, and the conceptual clarity of the outcome in a coherent body of work will be addressed within the module. Presentation and documentation will form part of the content as will methods of capitalising on outcomes in the development of further work, particularly in relation to level 6.
Module aims:
The main aim of this module is to support students in relation to their studio practice production as they move from a predominantly taught, brief led mode of operation to one which takes account of their increasing autonomy. In a supportive environment, students will consider their experience and aspirations for their practice, the interests and concerns central to that practice, and how that might develop. In the shorter term, such developments will be embodied in the proposal and execution of studio work for assessment at the end of level 5, and in the slightly longer term, how that development might be carried over into level 6.
Module content:
This module will develop student’s awareness and understanding of the diverse range of career pathways available to creative graduates and enable them to confidently build a career development trajectory for their final year and after graduation. Students will be encouraged to identify the diverse career opportunities within the creative and cultural industries and to explore potential pathways as an independent practitioner and/or employment-based opportunities beyond graduation.
Through negotiated independent research students will critically analyse and evaluate their current skills, competencies and attitudes and devise an action plan to address gaps in subject specific and transferable skills.
Throughout the module students will build a portfolio of work experience activity which can include short employment placements, work shadowing, involvement in Department projects or external partner projects, self-initiated placements or volunteering. Work experience activities will provide the foundation for reflection and evaluation in the Career journal and an impetus for research activities in the taught sessions
Module aims:
This module aims to enhance students’ prospects of gaining graduate level employment, within the creative and cultural sector which will enable them to:-
- Individually reflect on immediate and future directions and career planning
- Develop a sophisticated and critical awareness of their development in relation to their future career aspirations
- Develop transferable employment skills through involvement in internal or external work experience and professional project opportunities.
- Analyse and articulate skills and attitudes introduced in their programme of study and their application to a specific role within the creative and cultural industries
Module content:
This optional Level Five module will introduce students to theories of narrative and stylistics across media showing the necessity of these frameworks for reading and understanding stories in the Visual Arts, Drama, Music, Photography, Literature and Film.
The module will introduce students to media synergies and dissonances, relative to a range of concepts of narrative and style. As such, it will complement existing modules and pathways across disciplines. It will not overlap existing provision.
By studying examples from across different media, including folk tales, fiction, film, comics, photography, music and videogames, the module will demonstrate the widening reach and current application of theories of narrative and stylistics, well beyond their historic roots in linguistics. Moreover, by having student learners from different art and design disciplines involved, the module will encourage peer learning and build student confidence through its multidisciplinary nature.
Module aims:
- To exchange knowledge of a wide range of concepts of narrative and style in different media and across media.
- To develop knowledge of a wide range of methods of story identification and analysis, and stylistic identification and analysis, in different media and across media.
- To enable students to develop a range of skills in identifying and analysing stories and styles, relevant to their own practice and the wider context of their specific subject disciplines.
- To enable students to engage critically with concepts of narrative and stylistics across a range of media.
Module content:
Part A:
Preparation for Experiential Overseas Learning will take place at the university of Chester during level 5 and will include:
- The multiple facets of Global citizenship
- Ethical engagement and practice
- Cross-cultural issues and sensitivity
- Intercultural communication
Theories, models and strategies of learning
- Theories and models Intercultural competence
- Theories and models of Integration and Multiculturalism
- Critical thinking skills and models of Reflection
- Experiential learning models
- Self-directed experiential learning
Personal and placement-related skills
- Enhanced independence
- Improved command of multicultural behaviour
- Increased knowledge and confidence in their individual facets of personal identity
- Effective time management and organisational skills
- Project management – working away from University and independent study
- Self-management and personal development
- Team building and team work
Part B: Overseas
Students will engage in experiential learning activities overseas for at least 150 hours
Module aims:
The purpose of this module is to enhance students’ prospects of completing an overseas placement to the best of their ability consequently it aims to:
- To equip participants with appropriate knowledge and skills to study or work in a different cultural, linguistic and/or social environment; enhancing ethical, cultural and intercultural awareness.
- To enhance students understanding of the ethical issues related to living and working abroad.
- To increase students Global Citizenship skills
- To provide an opportunity for students to reflect critically on their experience of living and learning within an unfamiliar culture, to their 'home' culture or ethnic group.
To challenge students to learn about themselves as global citizens in terms of life skills, career choices and academic development outside the classroom.
Module content:
Preparation for the year abroad will take place in Chester during level 5 and will include:
- Cross-cultural issues and sensitivity
- Host-country orientation, study methods– economic, political and social reality of the country
- Orientation specific to exchange – health, education, gender issues
- The United Nations Sustainable Development Goals
- Practical matters relating to living and studying in the wider world
Theories, models and strategies of learning
- Critical thinking skills, experiential learning and models of reflection
Personal and placement-related transversal skills
- Effective self-motivation and independent resourcefulness
- Effective time management and organisational skills
- Project management – working away from University and independent study
- Self-management and personal development
Whilst abroad:
Students will undertake study at one of UoC’s partner universities; it is expected that students will choose a series of modules at the university abroad, which equal a full-time study load. This must be agreed by the host institution and the International Tutor. Students must supply details of their courses/modules on a learning agreement within 4 weeks of arrival at the host university, note students who fail to supply this within 4 weeks may have the opportunity withdrawn.
Module aims:
- To experience academic life in country outside of the EU, enhancing cultural and intercultural awareness and increasing transversal skills.
- To reflect on the impact of the experience in their destination on one’s own personal, academic and professional development.
- To engage with the experience of study at a partner university to gain extensive first-hand knowledge and understanding of the relevant society from the perspective of the resident.
- To further develop independent learning techniques.
- To foster critical evaluation.
Self-directed studio practice is informed by a range of theory options. Live projects and external briefs prepare students for employment.
Module content:
This module is seen as the culmination of a programme of sustained visual research and studio practice where it is possible to realise the full potential of personal creative development and ambition. The emphasis will be on artistic production and requires evidence of an intensive practical engagement with appropriate media. Programmes of study will be individually designed according to student's particular artistic intentions and monitored through individual tutorials with suitable feedback. Group seminars and discussion will be undertaken in order that students are able to actively engage with contemporary issues and participate in some of the wider debates emanating from studio practice. Visual Research will be sustained within this module providing the opportunity to give additional focus to developing ideas and expand the scope of visual sources and practical expertise. In addition, students will undertake Contextual Research to support personal enquiries and an engagement with the relationships between practice and broader historical, cultural and artistic contexts.
Module aims:
The aims of this module will be to promote a professional level of studio practice through the realisation of a coherent body of work which will include:·
- A practical competence in the use of a chosen media / mediums.
- The visual articulation and realisation of artistic intentions.
- The effective application of visual and contextual research strategies within the context of artistic production.
- The promotion of an understanding of the functional relationship between theory and practice through continuous reference to a relevant artistic, cultural and critical context
- A promotion of an ability to manage time and resources effectively, to administer a personal workload and meet deadlines
Module content:
This module encourages students who have demonstrated an interest in specific artistic or aesthetic concerns to pursue personal interests that may have emanated from their theoretical studies and / or their Fine Art practice. Core lectures will supplement such emerging interest in the early stages of the module. Students will be provided with materials on research methodology in Fine Art and asked to compare and contrast differing modes of expression. They will be expected to undertake in-depth independent research in their chosen field, as well as negotiating the expression of content in conjunction with their tutors.
Module aims:
The aims of this module will be to:·
- Provide the opportunity to carry out a piece of focused research on an area of specific artistic / aesthetic concern to the student.
- Develop confidence to explore critical, and / or aesthetic issues and to be speculative in positing ideas
- Provide the opportunity to articulate thoughts and ideas relevant to a personal position in relation to contemporary artistic practice, and to argue a case in an academic format
Module content:
Bringing together students and staff from across Art & Design programme disciplines, this module will provide students with the opportunity to develop their understanding of graduate and professional development in Art & Design.
Following the module introduction, a series of guest lectures by recent graduates and early, mid-career and high-level Art and Design professionals, will introduce students to practitioner-oriented career pathways within the creative and cultural industries. Guest lectures will reflect the interests, concerns and dynamic of the student body within the module providing both programme specific information and exemplars alongside content applicable to all Art & Design undergraduates.
Module content will in particular focus on enabling students to critically identify the context of their practice/design work and how it might be developed within a graduate, professional environment. This could include the development of a portfolio practice, specific art and design employment opportunities, or those facilitated by transferable skills. Documentation and reflection on module content will be used to develop an individual position, refine a portfolio and a career pathway plan that will assist student journeys from undergraduate study to graduation and employability.
Module aims:
Modules aims are to:
- Explore and develop a functional knowledge of professional contexts in relation to employability and independent practice within the creative and cultural industries
- Identify and enhance subject specific and transferable skills in the context of individual professional aspirations and trajectories
- Gain insight and experience in promotional strategies, marketing, communication and dissemination of information as it relates to personal creative practice
- Recognise and understand the importance of key ethical and moral issues in relation to professional practice in Art and Design
- Engage with collaborative opportunities to enhance understanding of professional practice networks and structures
Module content:
This module will afford students an opportunity to respond to a studio practice project brief, negotiating and implementing a resolved and proficient outcome. An initial period of visual research and visual experimentation will test the efficacy of responses to the set brief; such responses will be prepared, presented and formatively assessed mid-way through the module. Feedback and negotiated tutorial positions will then propose a direction through which resolved pieces will be developed for summative assessment. The module in terms of its structure and the manner in which it is managed will draw on the structure of commissioned projects that operate in the public realm. Module content will therefore address some of the issues inherent to responses to public briefs in relation to exhibition call–outs or the commissioning process, time management and the appropriate deployment of process, medium and technologies. Methods of presentation, both at formative and summative level will be discussed.
Module aims:
The aims of this module will be:
- To expose students to the requirements and structures of a project brief similar to those operating in the public realm
- To promote appropriate and considered responses to given problems based on the synthesis of experience and research
- To provide a platform for the presentation of ideas, concerns, interests and visual responses within a formal presentation setting
- To produce exhibition quality artefacts in response to challenges set, delivered within a prescribed timescale
Module content:
Generic content will cover the time management, structure, organisation, referencing and writing style required for a dissertation. Content will also cover research methods - appropriate for each student's individual research. This may include content analysis, discourse analysis, semiotic analysis, secondary and primary research, qualitative and quantitative research, and others as and when relevant. The dissertation is an independent research project in negotiation, with and supported by, a supervisor. The content of meetings will be driven by the student's individual research topic, progress and response to feedback.
Module aims:
The module aims to:
- Develop extensive and sophisticated specialist knowledge articulated to a very high standard in academic written work.
- Successfully manage research study and writing process to meet interim and final deadlines.
- Produce research and analysis which reflects an interpretative and critically reflective study.
- Develop a rigorous understanding of appropriate research methods.
- Develop the ability to negotiate a topic for independent research and justify the viability of that research.
- Assist in development of a topic based on a research question or other appropriate context of research.
- Accurately record, present and reference material from a range of different sources.
Taught sessions include lectures, seminars, workshops, demonstrations, group and individual tutorials and studio critiques. These occur in dedicated studios, specialist workshops and lecture and seminar rooms, delivered and overseen by academic staff and technicians.
Assessment is applied to coursework, including studio and supporting work, notebooks, sketchbooks, reflective journals, visual and material experiments and exhibition participation. Theory is assessed through written essays or a dissertation and assessment of oral presentations.
Beyond the Classroom
As part of your Level 5 studies, you will take our Preparation for the Creative and Cultural Industries module, where you will explore the potential career paths available to anyone with an Art or Design degree. You will be supported in the steps required to securing a work placement of at least 80 hours, giving you the opportunity to test-drive a future career, boost your CV and gain real work experience. This provides you with a crucial advantage in gaining employment after graduation.
Alternatively, you may wish to explore other cultures while you work and undertake our Experiential Overseas Learning module. With Experiential Overseas Learning, you can take advantage of our long-established links with organisations worldwide and undertake a five-week work placement abroad.
An additional option for most students is the year-long Study Abroad module. This offers the exciting opportunity to study overseas for a full academic year.
If you opt for this module, you will undertake study at one of our partner universities, once you have successfully completed Level 5; it is expected that you choose a series of modules at the university abroad, which accrue at least (100 credits; 50 ECTS).
Additional subjects may be taken, but these can only be used for credit if the university abroad assigns ECTS credits to them (i.e. if students pass all the required assessments associated with the relevant module at the university abroad).
As an alternative to the Study Abroad module, at the end of Level 5, you can opt to undertake Working in the Creative and Cultural Industries, our year-long work placement module. This is an opportunity to enhance your subject understanding through observation and application of subject skills in the workplace; gaining professional insights, exploring industry tasks and responsibilities, fostering personal and professional growth and transferable skills, and familiarising you with real-world work dynamics, problem-solving and teamwork.
Entry Requirements
112 UCAS Points
UCAS Tariff |
112 points |
GCE A Level |
Typical offer – BCC-BBC including an art, design or media-based subject. |
BTEC |
BTEC Extended Diploma (Art & Design): DMM |
International Baccalaureate |
26 points including HL5 in Visual Arts |
Irish / Scottish Highers |
Irish Highers - H3 H3 H3 H3 H4 including H3 in Art Scottish Highers – BBBB including Art |
Access requirements |
Access to HE Diploma (Art & Design): 45 credits at level 3, of which 30 must be at Merit or above |
T Level |
Considered alongside a Level 3 Art and Design qualification |
OCR Cambridge Technicals |
OCR Extended Diploma (Art & Design): DMM |
Extra Information |
Welsh Baccalaureate Advanced and A level General Studies will be recognised in our offer. We will also consider a combination of A Levels and BTECs/OCRs. |
Students from countries outside the UK are expected to have entry qualifications roughly equivalent to UK A Level for undergraduate study and British Bachelor's degree (or equivalent) for postgraduate study. To help you to interpret these equivalents, please click on your country of residence to see the corresponding entry qualifications, along with information about your local representatives, events, information and contacts.
We accept a wide range of qualifications and consider all applications individually on merit. We may also consider appropriate work experience.
English Language Requirements
- IELTS Academic: Undergraduate: 6.0 (minimum 5.5 in each band)
- Postgraduate: 6.5 (minimum 5.5 in each band)
For more information on our English Language requirements, please visit our International Entry requirements page.
Fees and Funding
£9,250 per year (2024/25)
Our full-time undergraduate tuition fees for Home students entering University in 2024/25 are £9,250 a year, or £1,540 per 20-credit module for part-time study.
The University may increase these fees at the start of each subsequent year of your course in line with inflation at that time, as measured by the Retail Price Index. These fee levels and increases are subject to any necessary government, and other regulatory, approvals.
Students from the UK, Isle of Man, Guernsey, Jersey and the Republic of Ireland are treated as Home students for tuition fee purposes.
Students from countries in the European Economic Area and the EU starting in or after the 2021/22 academic year will pay International Tuition Fees.
Students who have been granted Settled Status may be eligible for Home Fee Status and if eligible will be able to apply for Tuition Fee Loans and Maintenance Loans.
Students who have been granted Pre-settled Status may be eligible for Home Fee Status and if eligible will be able to apply for Tuition Fee Loans.
Irish Nationals living in the UK or Republic of Ireland are treated as Home students for Tuition Fee Purposes.
£13,950 per year (2024/25)
The tuition fees for international students studying Undergraduate programmes in 2024/25 are £13,950.
This fee is set for each year of study. All undergraduate students are eligible for international and merit-based scholarships which are applicable to each year of study.
For more information, go to our International Fees, Scholarship and Finance section.
Irish Nationals living in the UK or ROI are treated as Home students for Tuition Fee Purposes.
Your course will involve additional costs not covered by your tuition fees. This may include books, printing, photocopying, educational stationery and related materials, specialist clothing, travel to placements, optional field trips and software. Compulsory field trips are covered by your tuition fees.
If you are living away from home during your time at university, you will need to cover costs such as accommodation, food, travel and bills.
The University of Chester supports fair access for students who may need additional support through a range of bursaries and scholarships.
Full details, as well as terms and conditions for all bursaries and scholarships can be found on the Fees & Finance section of our website.
Your Future Career
Job Prospects
Fine Art graduates possess multiple transferable skills including specialist workshop skills, research and presentation skills, communication and writing skills, universally applicable across a broad range of roles. Graduates from the programme work in galleries and museums, as curators, educators and makers and roles that involve any form of visual communication.
Graphic Design at the University of Chester will prepare you for a wide range of careers within and beyond the creative industries. Our graduates are working with employers such as the BBC, Laura Ashley, Co-Op, Music Magpie, Games Workshop and the NHS, designing user experience and user interface, websites, packaging, brand identities, apps, motion graphics, editorial and interiors.
Progression Options
Fine Art MA
Art Therapy MA
Arts and Media (MRes)
Design MA
Careers Service
The University has an award-winning Careers and Employability service which provides a variety of employability-enhancing experiences; through the curriculum, through employer contact, tailored group sessions, individual information, advice and guidance.
Careers and Employability aims to deliver a service which is inclusive, impartial, welcoming, informed and tailored to your personal goals and aspirations, to enable you to develop as an individual and contribute to the business and community in which you will live and work.
We are here to help you plan your future, make the most of your time at University and to enhance your employability. We provide access to part-time jobs, extra-curricular employability-enhancing workshops and offer practical one-to-one help with career planning, including help with CVs, applications and mock interviews. We also deliver group sessions on career planning within each course and we have a wide range of extensive information covering graduate jobs and postgraduate study.