Fine Art (Extended Degree)

Imagine. Learn. Create.

Art isn’t just in galleries—it’s all around us, in our cities, landscapes, and buildings, and even in our digital spaces. Art shapes how we see the world, reflect on our past, and express the present. At Northumbria, studying the BA (Hons) Fine Art will help you become a thoughtful, skilled artist who understands the power of art and can connect with communities locally and globally.

This course blends theory with hands-on practice to prepare you for many career paths, from community arts and teaching to curating, arts management, and more. You’ll explore the many forms of art with guidance from Northumbria’s experienced art practitioners, historians, and industry partners like The BALTIC Centre for Contemporary Art. Each module is built on active research that brings fresh insights to your learning experience.

The course is dynamic and flexible, allowing you to tailor your studies to fit your goals and giving you a strong foundation for further study or a successful career in the arts.

Extended Degree
This extended degree provides an alternative route to higher education and supports those who don’t meet the standard entry requirements for an undergraduate degree. It includes a foundation year which helps develop your skills, build confidence, and foster creativity. The extended degree gives you the chance to establish a strong academic foundation while exploring a wide range of creative arts disciplines, with a key focus on fine art.

What will I learn in my Foundation Year?
In the foundation year of this course, you'll have access to a diverse range of learning opportunities in challenging, engaging, and dynamic studio environments. You'll explore a number of different academic skills for higher education in relation to creative arts and fine art. The teaching approach combines studio and workshop activities, lectures, seminars, and hands-on experience with technology and equipment.

The foundation year of the course delivered at level 3 which develops your ability to study in Higher Education is not accredited. Subsequent levels and years are accredited and deliver the knowledge, competencies, and skills required to meet the specific course accreditation requirements that relate to the approved accredited award title.

Joining the Northumbria means joining a business-focused, professional university with a global reputation for academic excellence. Northumbria are currently ranked Gold for student outcomes and Silver for overall teaching excellence (Teaching Excellence Framework 2023).

Located in Newcastle, Northumbria University is home to an enormous student population of 31,170, and consequently, some of the best nightlife scenes in the country! Newcastle also has one of the lowest costs of living in the country (We Buy Any Home, 2024), so you don't have to break the bank to have fun either!

There's truly something for everyone at Northumbria! You can make use of the fantastic facilities including the £30 million flagship Sports Central. And if exploring is more your thing? You're never far from beaches, stunning countryside and local history.

Find out more about Northumbria and get in touch today!