Fine Art

UCAS code: W101

Here's what East Sussex College says about its Fine Art course.

Our Fine Art course will develop your knowledge and understanding of what makes contemporary art and provide you with the skills and inspiration to create it. You can study this course over 3 year full time or 6 years part time, and enhance your research, theoretical precepts, and work related learning opportunities; while engaging in exploration and articulation of Fine Art texts and artefacts, helping to prepare you for various roles in the industry. You will develop your technical and practical skills in painting, printmaking, sculpting and installation, while exploring a range or mixed media, film and photography

During your first year, we will introduce you to essential Fine Art knowledge, skills and visual language. We will encourage you to challenge your preconceptions and experiment with traditional and non-traditional ideas, materials and processes. You will explore the disciplines of painting, printmaking, sculpting, photography, and moving image, as well as build a contextual understanding of historical methodologies and interpretations of Fine Art.

The second year will require you to build on your theoretical and contextual understanding of Fine Art by researching contemporary artists and movements, helping you to gain a better understanding of the individual specialisms in this fascinating subject. You will also be introduced to the practice of curating your own work and that of others, challenging the idea of the traditional gallery space, and taking into account the promotion of exhibitions through print and digital media.

In your final year, you will draw on your experience from the previous years to help prepare you for your exhibition project, demonstrating personal vision and artistic maturity. You will undertake your dissertation project providing a cultural, social, and historical context to Fine Art, and prepare yourself for a long and successful career in the industry.

What previous qualifications or experience do I need? Minimum of 64 UCAS points (160 old system) from a BTEC Level 3 Diploma or Extended Diploma / A Levels / Foundation Diploma / Access Diploma in a related subject; if English is not your first language, an IELTS score of 6.5 with a 6 in writing; proof of qualifications; a satisfactory reference.

What can I do after completing this course? Once you have graduated, you will have a diverse range of transferable skills that will enable you to start your career in this exciting industry. You will be fully-equipped to seek out roles and apply your knowledge as an artist, curator or critic. Other options could include further study onto MA programmes or complete a Post Graduate Certificate of Education.

In 2024 we were awarded an exceptional 94% National Student Survey (NSS) rating. Every university in the UK takes part in the NSS, as do many colleges. This survey gathers students’ opinions on the quality of their courses which helps to inform prospective students’ choices and provide data that supports universities and colleges to improve the student experience. East Sussex College University Courses is very proud of our extremely high score. The NSS is managed by the OfS on behalf of the UK funding and regulatory bodies.

Year 1 core modules:

• Workshop 1 Painting and Print
• Workshop 2 Photography and Moving Image
• Workshop 3 Sculpture and Installation
• Contextual Studies
• Personal Project

Year 2 core modules:

• Contemporary Critical studies/theory
• Curation and Communication
• Work Experience
• Extended Practice
• Exhibition/Personal Project

Year 3 core modules:

• Studio Practice
• Extended Essay
• Professional practice
• Exhibition

Please note that programme structures and individual modules are subject to amendment from time to time as part of the University’s curriculum enrichment programme and in line with changes in the University’s policies and requirements.