BA (Hons) Fine Art (Full Time)

The BA (Hons) Fine Art degree at Southampton Solent University supports your creative development and encourages an open yet questioning approach to fine art in order to develop your skills as an independent practitioner.

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You will learn how to make art and evaluate different critical approaches to your work by studying units that integrate studio practice and critical studies. The course structure will allow you to develop your practice by exploring a wide range of media including drawing, painting, film, video, installation, performance, photography, new media, printmaking and sculpture.

As well as building your unique body of studio work, you will take part in theoretical units and engage in critical argument, debate and research.You will experience a diversity of attitudes and approaches, and will begin to define your own artistic practice and working methodology, which may include a single or multidisciplinary approach tailored to your own ideas and philosophy.

Industrial focus

Our staff team of practising artists and theorists has strong links with local and national art agencies and you will have the opportunity to visit international art centres, galleries and film festivals.

Course content

Year 1

You will be exposed to a broad range of fine art practices including drawing, painting, video, sculpture, performance, print-making, animation, photography, written text, conceptual art, net art, live happenings and events, disparate theoretical and philosophical concerns and many other visual and intellectual pursuits.

Six core units:

• Practice
• Process
• Participation
• Context
• Research
• Communication

Year 2

You will be expected to develop and refine the aims of your practical work based on self-reflection, an understanding of the continuing importance of a theoretical and analytical context to your work and the critical responses of staff and peers.
With staff guidance, you will continue to develop your individual creativity and set of practical skills in order to produce high-quality art work.

Two core units:

• Context 1 and 2

First option from:

• Independent Study
• Negotiated Study
• Curriculum Plus (Work-based Learning, Foreign Language, Community Volunteering).

Second option from:

• Live Project
• Professional Development
• Curriculum Plus (Work-based Learning, Foreign Language, Community Volunteering).

Year 3

You will produce a 5,000-word dissertation and a body of practice-based work reflective of your own individual artistic practice. This will bring together all previously acquired knowledge and culminate in the final-year degree show. Students are expected to become fully independent and self-motivated, and to gain complete ownership of their own practice.

Three core units:

• Practice
• Exhibition
• Dissertation.

Why choose Solent

This dynamic, student-centred and critically engaged course will provide you with the skills, expertise and understanding to develop to your full potential as a fine artist.

• Strong links with local art organisations including Showcase Gallery, A Space Arts, Artsway, Aspex Gallery, Southampton Art Gallery and the John Hansard Gallery.
• In Year 2 you have the opportunity to spend some time at a European partner university.

Assessment

This takes place at the end of each semester in the form of a viva presentation and an exhibition of the student’s individual coursework, along with the submission of a written assignment.

Projects/work experience

The professional practice unit in Year two allows students a unique opportunity to work alongside professional artists and curators to organise and curate a show for a public space in Southampton city centre.

Key career skills

Creative thinking, problem solving, teamwork, presentation skills, time management and a diverse range of technical skills including photography, print-making, publishing, drawing, digital media software, sound and video high-definition editing and book-making skills.

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Graduate quote

Helen Marland

Helen graduated in 2010 and has set up an artist -run studio organisation in Southampton, along with other recent graduates.

“The course is extremely challenging and hard work but is, above all, very stimulating and provides a solid base from which to start a career in the arts.”

Key info from UNISTATS