Fine Art

This Fine Art course creates opportunities to work across disciplines with the principal ambition of driving positive social change and impact in Nottingham, regionally and beyond. The course provides opportunities to build sustainable markets, grow communities and develop projects through core activities and initiatives that spill out of the studio and into the city, where art connects with people, places and ideas.

Through our involvement in Artists Access to Art Schools, a nationwide programme that connects art schools with local and regional talent, the course builds relationships with professional artists and artistic producers. Students work directly with these practitioners to gain valuable experience, skills and knowledge.

The ongoing curatorial projects and events that are platformed in the industry focused Design and Digital Arts resource also feature strongly in this career focused, flexible curriculum. The course is unique in providing professional standard resources and workshops, impactful research and staff expertise in both emerging technologies and analogue haptic production methods.

Our curriculum is built around the merging of these disciplines, from clay to code, and their critical application in professional, real-world contexts with the core aim of supporting and sustaining Nottingham's creative economy. Through our partnerships with both established and grassroots city organisations and richly diverse communities, this course is a core component of a thriving city arts scene in which our students learn, live and work.

Key features


• Gain hands-on industry experience: You’ll have the opportunity to complete a work experience placement of up to a year in length. Dependent on the duration of your placement, you could gain an additional Diploma or Certificate in Professional Practice.



• Learn from visiting artists and experts: Attend lectures and events featuring national and international artists, writers and curators. Connect with professional networks through our links to galleries, festivals and artist-led organisations across the UK and beyond.



• Take part in global opportunities: Apply to study part of your degree abroad through our exchange programmes. You can also join optional study trips to destinations such as Berlin or Copenhagen, expanding your ideas and artistic references.



• Be part of Nottingham’s art scene: Explore the city’s galleries, artist studios and cultural spaces including Nottingham Contemporary and New Art Exchange. Build connections with the local art community through staff, alumni and live project opportunities.



Employability

A high proportion of graduates stay in Nottingham to pursue artistic activities. Many go on to become artists or work in roles such as curators, teachers, gallerists, animators, musicians, community artists, photographers and filmmakers. Some go on to use the skills and experience they’ve gained to enter careers in journalism, media, photography, web design, interiors, landscape design, and education.

Successful and notable graduates from this course include:


- film director Simon Ellis


- painter Nigel Cooke


- artist and illustrator Jon Burgerman


- curators Hannah Conroy and Ashley Gallant


- artists Tim Noble and Sue Webster


- award-winning landscape designer Sarah Price


- video artist Marianna Simnett


- artist Yoko Hayashi


- sculptor David Batchelor.

Nottingham Trent University (NTU) is recognised as one of the UK's top three universities, ranking 1st for Course Quality and top five for Student Life and Employability (University Compare 2027).

Nottingham is one of the UK's top student cities and is located in one of England's most affordable regions. With more than 15,000 student rooms within walking distance of campus, there's accommodation to suit every budget. NTU also guarantees first-year accommodation for students studying in Nottingham (T&Cs apply).

Across five campuses in Nottingham and London, students benefit from world-class facilities, innovative learning spaces and a vibrant community. Whether you live on campus or commute, NTU offers an accessible and supportive student experience.

At NTU, you'll graduate with experience, not just a degree. Every course includes at least eight weeks of professional experience, backed by strong employer links, placement opportunities and long-term career support. NTU also offers Gold-rated teaching (TEF 2023) and is recognised for its high-quality teaching, excellent learning resources and student support.

Join NTU this September for academic excellence, career-focused learning and a thriving student community.