Fine Art with Foundation Year

Course Summary

Exhibiting artwork, that is the result of inquisitive enquiry, is at the heart of our course. This course is outward-looking and believes in the adaptability of art practice for both recognized and unfamiliar exhibition contexts to foster an enterprising and professional attitude in students. An outward-looking and connective mindset is learnt through a holistic understanding of established and new cultural areas in tandem with asking how a developing art practice can intervene or contribute to these areas. Consequently, this encourages positive engagement with real-world society and awareness of broad creative industry employment opportunities.

What you will learn

Course content is designed to incrementally build your independence through helping you learn how to discover your area of interest; what we call subject matter for art practice. This structured framework is gradually removed throughout each unit as you identify your area of subject matter and subsequently use the course delivery activities to support your art practice. For example, the final unit of the course, Final Major Exhibition, will see you pursue an independently driven project that you will have designed specifically to suit your art practice.

Critically Reflective Writing is crucial and therefore works hand in hand with art practice, the course is approximately 80% art practice and 20% writing. Critically reflective writing helps improve your knowledge of your specific art practice by situating it in relevant theoretical frameworks. You will progressively deepen your understanding of theoretical frameworks by writing an essay in second and third year, in first year you create a visual essay that’s comprised of sourced images along with your analytical text. The essays are supported with lectures, seminars, tutorials, and study plans. It is also expected that other practical activities, such as practical workshops or study visits, will develop and influence your interests.

The course aims to raise your awareness of broad employment pathways, whilst not exclusive these can be generalised into three main routes for graduates: being an artist, becoming an educator, pursuing an enterprising business route. It is expected that you will independently seek out support and advice from AUB Futures – Careers and Enterprise, which will continue to support you for three years after graduation.

Foundation Year
If you feel you need some extra preparation before the full undergraduate degree experience, this Integrated Foundation Year (IFY) might be for you. IFY is for those who may not have the academic qualifications needed for admission onto the degree course or perhaps want the time and space to develop a foundation in creative and conceptual skills. It is intended to be a bridge between pre-university study and the academic rigour of an undergraduate degree. After IFY, you will hit the ground running – ready to take on your chosen undergraduate degree course and lean into the learning opportunities.
Students enrolled on the IFY will be a part of a cohort with other students in IFY courses across the School of Arts and Communication. Incorporating opportunities for you to work alongside your classmates, integrating opportunities for collaboration and fostering professional relationships to carry you throughout your degree and into your professional practice.

The School of Arts and Communication Foundation Year currently encompasses degrees in the following fields:
• BA (Hons) Commercial Photography



• BA (Hons) Fine Art



• BA (Hons) Graphic Design



• BA (Hons) Illustration



• BA (Hons) Photography

At Arts University Bournemouth, you’ll study at one of the UK’s leading specialist creative universities, joining a vibrant, collaborative community built around art, design, media, and performance.

With students and staff from over 60 countries and more than 30 creative courses across four specialist schools, AUB's a place where creativity and new ideas are encouraged and individuality is celebrated. From film and fashion to animation, design, architecture, and performance, you’ll develop practical skills and industry knowledge through hands-on, studio-based learning.

You’ll be preparing for a future in the UK’s creative industries sector - one of the country’s biggest employment sectors and worth £124 billion to the economy every year.

With guaranteed accommodation for all first-year students and set near award-winning beaches, AUB also offers an inspiring location where creativity can thrive both on and off campus.