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BA Fine Art

Birmingham City University

About this course

A BA (Hons) in Fine Art. Core topics include Ethics & Professional Practice. The course is structured around four key principles: Making Skills, Making Public, Making Communities, and Making a Living. Students undertake live projects with external organisations and present their work in public exhibitions.

Written by AI from the university's course page and module list. It can get details wrong, so check the official course page before you rely on it.

Institution
Birmingham City University
Level
undergraduate
Subject
Fine Art - BA (Hons)
Duration
3 years
UCAS code
W101
Typical offer
A-level BBC, UCAS 112
Median salary
£24,500 after 5 years

Entry requirements

Standard offer: 112 UCAS Tariff points. Learn more about UCAS Tariff points . Accelerate offer: 80 UCAS Tariff points. Find out more about BCU Accelerate . As creativity is an important part of this course, you are expected to submit a portfolio as part of the selection process. This is your opportunity to show your ideas and skills to our tutors. If you are not studying a creative subject at Level 3, you can still apply for this course. Our portfolio guidance information includes alternative options for how you can show us your passion for art. This course does not require evidence of GCSE qualifications. Please see A Level, BTEC and other level 3 requirements below. A Level / AS Level: A Level: 112 UCAS Tariff points / BBC (or equivalent) AS Level: Must be in a different subject to A Levels A maximum of four subjects will be considered Pearson BTEC (Diploma / Extended Diploma/ Extended Certificate): 112 UCAS Tariff points Diploma accepted with one A Level or equivalent level 3 qualifications Extended Certificate accepted with two A Levels or equivalent level 3 qualifications T Level: Merit overall All subjects accepted but Craft and Design preferred. Access to HE Diploma: Pass with 60 credits, 45 credits at level 3 Accepted subjects: Arts, Media and Publishing subjects preferred but other subjects also considered OCR Cambridge Technical qualifications: 112 UCAS Tariff points NCFE CACHE Level 3 qualifications: 112 UCAS Tariff points WJEC Level 3 qualifications: 112 UCAS Tariff points Considered with two A Levels or equivalent level 3 qualification(s) Irish Leaving Certificate (Highers): Minimum of 112 UCAS Tariff points, achieved in five Higher level subjects Scottish Higher / Advanced Higher: 112 UCAS Tariff points from three Advanced Highers (CCD) or two Advanced Highers (CD) plus two Highers (CC) Welsh Baccalaureate: 112 UCAS Tariff points. Considered with three A Levels or equivalent level 3 qualifications UAL Level 3 Extended Diploma: Merit overall Foundation

See the highest paying Art, Design, Music & Drama degrees in the UK →

What students say

Based on about 23 final-year students who answered (a small group: a rough guide only)

  • Teaching on my course: 88%
  • Learning opportunities: 88%
  • Assessment and feedback: 84%
  • Academic support: 92%
  • Organisation and management: 71%
  • Learning resources: 92%
  • Student voice: 85%

Do students stay on the course?

Based on about 40 students who started

  • Continued on course: 80%
  • Left higher education: 15%

What graduates do next

Based on about 92 graduates who answered, across similar courses at this university

  • Working: 71%
  • Working and studying: 9%
  • Further study: 1%
  • Unemployed: 7%

Most common jobs

  • Web and Multimedia Design Professionals: 12%
  • Elementary occupations: 12%
  • Business and public service associate professionals: 10%
  • Skilled trades occupations: 9%
  • Artistic, literary and media occupations: 9%
  • Find their work meaningful: 68%
  • Feel on track for their future plans: 64%
  • Use what they learnt on the course: 52%

Where graduates work (5 years on)

Based on about 860 graduates, across similar courses at this university

  • North East: 1%
  • North West: 5%
  • Yorkshire and the Humber: 2%
  • East Midlands: 10%
  • West Midlands: 59%
  • East of England: 5%
  • London: 9%
  • South East: 4%
  • South West: 3%
  • Wales: 2%

Who gets in

Based on about 45 students who started

  • A levels: 90%
  • Baccalaureate: 5%
  • Access course: 5%

Accreditation & quality ratings

TEF 2023 (whole university): Silver overall, Gold for student experience, Silver for student outcomes.

Modules

  • Making a Living 1: Developing Skills
  • Making Meaning
  • Making Public
  • Making a Living 2: With Communities
  • Making Critical
  • Live Project
  • Making a Living 3: Professional Practice
  • Making Exhibitions

Questions about this course

How much do graduates of BA Fine Art at Birmingham City University earn?

The median salary is £25,000 after 15 months, £19,500 after 3 years, £24,500 after 5 years. After five years the middle half of graduates earn between £19,000 and £29,500. The £24,500 median after five years is £2,000 more than the UK median for Art.

What do graduates of BA Fine Art at Birmingham City University do next?

82% were in work or further study 15 months after finishing (Graduate Outcomes 2023-24).

Are students happy with the teaching on BA Fine Art at Birmingham City University?

88% of final-year students were positive about the teaching in the National Student Survey 2025-26.

What grades do I need for BA Fine Art at Birmingham City University?

The typical offer is BBC at A level. The average entrant had 120 UCAS points.

Does BA Fine Art at Birmingham City University include a placement year or year abroad?

The course has an optional placement year.

How many students continue on BA Fine Art at Birmingham City University?

80% of students continued into their second year, and 15% left higher education.