Fine Art with History of Art BA

This course combines studio practice with art historical study, enabling you to become an academically strong, thoughtful artist who understands how your practice relates to the art of the past.

You’ll split your time equally between studio practice and art history and theory, exploring what has been understood as ‘art’ in different cultures and societies over time.

Working across a range of media, you’ll develop your own body of work under the guidance of artist-lecturers and visiting practitioners, and study alongside artists and cultural theorists in a stimulating research environment.

Optional modules will give you the chance to focus on topics that interest you, from African art to contemporary cinema and the contemporary art market. You’ll gain professional skills as you develop and exhibit your own artistic work in every year, preparing you for a career in the arts and cultural sectors, for example as an artist, curator, writer or educator.

Specialist facilities in the School

Housed within a single central campus location, the School has excellent facilities and resources. You'll work in well lit studios with 24-hour access and will benefit from versatile exhibition spaces and social areas.

Project Space, a multi-purpose space designed for the development of curatorial practice and visiting exhibitions, sits at the core of the School’s building.

Resources include:

• dedicated Mac and PC computer suites for video editing, animation and image manipulation;
• printmaking workshops for etching, relief and screen printing;
• a photography darkroom for film developing and printing;
• a woodworking and casting area;
• igital and 3D printing.

University facilities and resources

The Brotherton Library holds a wide variety of manuscript, archive and early printed material in its Special Collections - valuable assets for your independent research.

In addition to the wide range of museums and galleries in the city and beyond, the University campus features:

• The Stanley & Audrey Burton Gallery

• Treasures of the Brotherton Gallery

• Museum of the History of Science, Technology and Medicine

• Marks & Spencer Company Archive

• ULITA – an Archive of International Textiles

• Public art trail

You’ll have the chance to work across all fine art media and you’ll be encouraged to find your own direction as an artist. Half of the degree is devoted to studio work, giving you the time and space to develop your ideas.

You’ll take field trips to exhibitions, galleries and fine art fairs and combine lectures with group seminar sessions to discuss contemporary art practice, which you can use to inform your own creative work.

To support these studies you’ll take core modules that introduce you to contested ideas about the artist, art and the history of art as well as the relationship between art and society. You’ll gain research and analytical skills that provide a foundation for your degree.

Year 1

You will gain the fundamental skills and knowledge for the study of art and culture and explore your own direction as an artist by developing a creative portfolio across a range of media. Compulsory and optional modules will introduce key themes and interpretive methods, examine different cultures and materials, and consider the intentions and identities of artists.

Year 2

You will build upon and critically apply the knowledge and skills learned in year 1 and further pursue your own individual interests. Compulsory modules will examine contested ideas about art and the artist and how the theory and history of art relate to practice. You will also continue to develop your portfolio.

Year 3

You will apply your research and critical skills to an independent piece of research on a topic of your choice, which can either complement your studio practice or focus on a topic of your choice within art history. You will complement and support these projects with a choice of optional modules.

You’ll undertake a self-directed research project to explore aspects of your own visual art practice. This awareness will inform your studio work, which forms the main focus of the year.

Towards the end of the year you’ll work on a curated exhibition and public degree show, applying your artistic and professional skills as you interact with outside agencies, sponsors and the media.

Course structure

The list shown below represents typical modules/components studied and may change from time to time. Read more in our Terms and conditions.

For more information and a full list of typical modules available on this course, please read Fine Art with History of Art BA in the course catalogue

Modules

Year 1

Year 2

Year 3

Broadening your academic horizons

At Leeds we want you to benefit from the depth and breadth of the University's expertise, to prepare you for success in an ever-changing and challenging world. This course gives you the opportunity to broaden your learning by studying discovery modules. Find out more on the Broadening webpages.

Learning and teaching

Studio tutors are practising artists, writers and curators who are contributing to national and international exhibitions and publications.

This course combines studio, exhibition and curatorial work, screenings and visits with traditional teaching and learning methods such as lectures, seminars, tutorials and workshops. You’ll also have the chance to enhance your learning by attending talks by visiting artists and speakers, as well as attending exhibitions and conferences both on and off campus.

Independent study is a vital element of this degree, allowing you to develop your creativity and build important skills in areas such as research, analysis and interpretation.

We encourage you to carry out small research projects on your own or in groups. The final year dissertation enables you to undertake substantial independent research in a topic of particular interest to you.

On this course you’ll be taught by our expert academics, from lecturers through to professors. You may also be taught by industry professionals with years of experience, as well as trained postgraduate researchers, connecting you to some of the brightest minds on campus.

Assessment

We usually use a combination of assessment methods that allows you to develop diverse skills. These include your studio work, exhibition crits, module presentations, essays and exams, depending on the modules you choose.

The University Library offers free classes and resources on topics such as exam technique, public speaking, research and structuring essays throughout the course of your degree.

Entry requirements

A-level: AAB

Other course specific tests:

Where an applicant is undertaking an Extended Project Qualification (EPQ), the School may make an alternative offer that is one A level grade below that of our standard offer – on the condition that the applicant achieves a grade A in their EPQ (e.g. AAB at A level / alternative offer ABB plus grade A in EPQ).

NB: An EPQ is optional and not a requirement of application.

All applicants will also be required to submit a satisfactory portfolio of work.

• Access to HE Diploma

  Pass with 60 credits overall including 45 credits at Level 3, of which 30 credits must be at Distinction and 15 must be at Merit level.

• BTEC

  Extended Diploma: DDD-DDM.

• Cambridge Pre-U

  D3, D3, M1 – D3, M1, M1 in three principle subjects.

• International Baccalaureate

  34-35 overall (with at least 4 in English Language).

• Irish Highers (Leaving Certificate)

  AAAABB-AAABBB.

• Scottish Highers / Advanced Highers

  AABBB (AB at advanced level) OR AAABB (A at advanced level). For applicants just undertaking the higher level, grades of AAAABB will be required.

• Other Qualifications

  Art Foundation Diploma: Merit/Distinction with an A level at grade A (excluding General Studies or Critical Thinking).

  European Baccalaureate: 77-80% overall and at least 60% in English.

Read more about UK and Republic of Ireland accepted qualifications or contact the School’s Undergraduate Admissions Team.

Alternative entry

We’re committed to identifying the best possible applicants, regardless of personal circumstances or background.

Access to Leeds is an alternative admissions scheme which accepts applications from individuals who might be from low income households, in the first generation of their immediate family to apply to higher education, or have had their studies disrupted.

Find out more about Access to Leeds and alternative admissions.

International Foundation Year

International students who do not meet the academic requirements for undergraduate study may be able to study the University of Leeds International Foundation Year. This gives you the opportunity to study on campus, be taught by University of Leeds academics and progress onto a wide range of Leeds undergraduate courses. Find out more about International Foundation Year programmes.

English language requirements

IELTS 6.0 overall, with no less than 5.5 in any component. For other English qualifications, read English language equivalent qualifications.

Improve your English
If you're an international student and you don't meet the English language requirements for this programme, you may be able to study our undergraduate pre-sessional English course, to help improve your English language level.

How to apply

Apply to this course through UCAS. The institution code for the University of Leeds is L23. Check the deadline for applications on the UCAS website.

International students apply through UCAS in the same way as UK/EU students. Our network of international representatives can help you with your application. If you’re unsure about the application process, contact the admissions team for help.

Read about visas, immigration and other information in International students. We recommend that international students apply as early as possible to ensure that they have time to apply for their visa.

Next steps

Qualified applicants are invited to an assessment afternoon.

You will be required to submit a digital portfolio a minimum of 1 week in advance. On the day, you are not required to bring a portfolio. Instead, we ask you to bring a maximum of four A3 or A4 photographic prints of your work.

You will take part in a variety of activities lasting the whole afternoon, offering you the chance to explore the School properly, meet students in their studio environment and discuss with staff your understanding of the course and your own practice.

Admissions policy

Faculty of Arts, Humanities and Cultures Undergraduate Admissions Policy 2020

Fees

UK/EU: See fees section below

International: £19,500 (per year)

Undergraduate tuition fees for 2020 entry 
For UK and non-UK EU full-time students starting in 2020, the fee for 2020/21 will be £9,250. 

The fee may increase in future years of your course in line with inflation, and as permitted by law. Fees for UK and non-UK EU undergraduate students are decided by Government and may vary if policy changes.

The UK government has confirmed that non-UK EU students starting in the 2020/21 academic year will have home fee status and be eligible for UK government student loans for the duration of their course. The UK government has not confirmed the situation for future years, so keep checking our website for updates.

UK undergraduate tuition fees for 2021 entry 
Tuition fees for UK full-time undergraduate students starting in 2021/22 have not yet been confirmed by the UK government. In other years, the government has confirmed fee levels in summer. When the fee is confirmed, we will publish an update on this website.

Tuition fees for a study abroad or work placement year
If you take a study abroad or work placement year, you’ll pay a reduced tuition fee during this period. For more information, see Study abroad and work placement tuition fees and loans.

Read more about paying fees and charges.

Brexit 
Visit our Brexit page for the latest information on the effect of the UK's exit from the EU on current students and applicants to the University.

There may be additional costs related to your course or programme of study, or related to being a student at the University of Leeds. Read more about additional costs

Financial support

If you have the talent and drive, we want you to be able to study with us, whatever your financial circumstances. There is help for students in the form of loans and non-repayable grants from the University and from the government. Find out more in our Undergraduate funding overview.

This degree will allow you to develop into a thoughtful artist with strong critical, interpretative and communication skills, as well as strong visual and critical awareness and an understanding of the ways in which your practice responds to and questions the art of the past.

This will prepare you for a career in the arts and culture sectors, where you could join our graduates working in diverse careers as artists, curators, academics, writers and teachers. Others have used their skills to work in the creative industries, publishing, PR, film, television and education.

Graduates from our School have gone on to work at the Guggenheim Museum in Venice, the Tate Britain, Tate Modern, The Saatchi Gallery, The Henry Moore Institute, National Trust, Bonham’s, Leeds City Museums, The Hepworth Gallery, The Geffrye Museum London, The Heritage Lottery Fund and the Rydale Folk Museum.

Some of our graduates have gone onto postgraduate study and some have completed PhDs and are teaching in higher education institutions around the world.

The School is committed to helping you achieve your career ambitions - you'll be able to work closely with staff in the School to source opportunities throughout your degree to gain experience, develop your skills and build networks.

The optional study abroad or work placement year offer opportunities to gain transferable skills, develop your experience and build your networks.

The Faculty of Arts, Humanities and Cultures offers a number of paid internships every year too.

Careers support

We encourage you to prepare for your career from day one. That’s one of the reasons Leeds graduates are so sought after by employers.

Leeds for Life is our unique approach to helping you make the most of University by supporting your academic and personal development. Find out more at the Leeds for Life website.

The Careers Centre and staff in your faculty provide a range of help and advice to help you plan your career and make well-informed decisions along the way, even after you graduate. Find out more at the Careers website.

Study abroad

On this course you have the opportunity to apply to spend time abroad, usually as an extra academic year. We have over 300 University partners worldwide and popular destinations for our students include Europe, the USA, Canada, Australia, New Zealand, Singapore, Hong Kong, South Africa and Latin America. 

Find out more at the Study Abroad website.

Work placements

Practical work experience can help you decide on your career and improve your employability. On this course you have the option to apply to take a placement year module with organisations across the public, private and voluntary sectors in the UK, or overseas.

Find out more about work experience on the Careers website.

Some recent examples include placements at Harewood House, the Cultural Institute, Urban Outfitters, Tigerprint, Leeds Museums and Galleries, Pyramid of Arts and Hang-Up Gallery.