Foundation Year Fine Art BA (Hons)

Course Overview

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.

Upon successful completion of the foundation year, you will automatically progress onto the BA (Hons) Fine Art 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 five modules: Arts and the City; Arts Portfolio; Identity; Nature and Technology; The Body.

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.

Career Edge

The Fine Art Foundation Year course produces active and responsible members of a creative global community. On successful completion of this course you will be able to use your knowledge to think independently and contribute positively to the cultural and creative industries.

This course offers numerous opportunities to undertake extra-curricular activities that promote employability and can benefit your future employment prospects. They include talks from the careers service, talks from external speakers and engagement with alumni who can ensure you understand the ways in which an Arts qualification can support you in gaining employment.

You will also be given the opportunity to engage with our numerous partners in the creative and cultural industries in the north east.

Throughout the duration of your course you will be working alongside students from a diverse range of backgrounds, thus developing your communication skills.