Fine Art

An exciting new artist is about to emerge – you. Discover your distinctive creative voice on this fine art degree by experimenting with a range of media and materials. You will be mentored by some of the best fine art teachers in the country.

WHY CHOOSE THIS COURSE?
The wide-ranging facilities here encourage you to explore and experiment with painting, printmaking, photography, sculpture and installation, sound, film and video, digital media and performance. We only accept around 30 students each year so there is a close-knit community and our teachers have time to fully support you.

IS THIS COURSE FOR YOU?
If you enjoy experimenting with different working methods, materials and processes, Fine Art could be for you. Also, are you brave and inventive? Do you love possibility? If so, you belong at Derby School of Arts.

HOW YOU WILL LEARN
You’ll learn through studio workshops, group and individual tutorials, seminars, lectures and visiting artists. Each year, you can choose to visit a cultural centre in Europe or the USA, as well as national galleries and museums. A series of projects for real clients take you out of the studio – we’ve created sculptures and installations for the National Trust and Rolls-Royce Heritage Trust.

OPPORTUNITIES AND EXPERIENCES
You and your work will be highly visible because we enter national competitions and exhibitions. Our students are regularly offered artist residencies at home and abroad and have gained coveted places at events such as the Students’ International Biennale.

CAREERS AND EMPLOYABILITY
Many of our students go on to become long-term practising artists – undertaking residencies, opening studios, exhibiting nationally and internationally, and lecturing. However, you could also pursue careers in areas like curatorship, art therapy, community arts or teaching. One graduate, Paul Cummins, curated one of the most memorable WWI exhibitions, Blood Swept Lands and Seas of Red.

Based solely on more than 24,000 student reviews, the University of Derby was named Uni Compare's University of the Year 2027, and voted 1st in the UK for employability and 2nd in the UK for course quality.

Not only that, but 97% of students would recommend the University of Derby*, which we can offer you industry-relevant teaching, state-of-the-art study spaces, multi-award-winning accommodation, and a welcoming, inclusive community.

*Uni Compare 2027