BA Fine Art
About this course
BA (Hons) in Fine Art, a fine art degree focused on creative practice, critical analysis and historical context. Core topics include Research Methods, Communication & Writing, Ethics & Professional Practice, and Design & Creative Practice. Students complete studio work alongside professional projects and an annual degree show. The course begins with foundational modules including Form and Ground, Context: Making art and artists, Time and Space, and Presenting Representation, introducing materials, history and studio techniques. The second year builds further competence through modules such as Stuff and Things, Making, Sensing, Thinking, Professional Networks, and Art: Ethics and Aesthetics, which prepare students for independent practice and external collaboration. The final year centres on the Dissertation, Advanced Studio, Degree show, and Professional Futures, culminating in a major written analytical piece and a public exhibition of independent work.
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.
Entry requirements
Minimum entry requirements: 104 UCAS Tariff points; and 3 GCSEs at grade C/4 (or equivalent) including English Language. Portfolio Day: If your application is successful, you will be invited to a portfolio day. On the day, you will show your work to our tutors and discuss your work and the ideas behind it. You should prepare your portfolio with a range of work that may include finished projects, sketch books, digital work, paintings, photographs, drawings, 3D work, storyboards, short films or animations.
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What students say
Based on about 20 final-year students who answered (a small group: a rough guide only)
- Teaching on my course: 89%
- Learning opportunities: 88%
- Assessment and feedback: 91%
- Academic support: 88%
- Organisation and management: 69%
- Learning resources: 90%
- Student voice: 70%
Do students stay on the course?
Based on about 45 students who started
- Continued on course: 80%
- Left higher education: 5%
- Moved to a lower qualification: 10%
Where graduates work (5 years on)
Based on about 35 graduates, across similar courses at this university
- North East: 5%
- North West: 10%
- Yorkshire and the Humber: 80%
- East Midlands: 5%
- East of England: 5%
Who gets in
Based on about 40 students who started
- A levels: 85%
- Other HE qualification: 5%
- No formal qualifications: 5%
Accreditation & quality ratings
TEF 2023 (whole university): Silver overall, Gold for student experience, Silver for student outcomes.
Modules
- Form and Ground
- Context: Making art and artists
- Time and Space
- Presenting Representation
- Stuff and Things
- Making, Sensing, Thinking
- Professional Networks
- Something and Nothing
- Art: Ethics and Aesthetics
- Professional Networks (Exchange)*
- Advanced Studio
- Dissertation
- Degree show
- Professional Futures
Questions about this course
How much do graduates of BA Fine Art at York St John University earn?
The median salary is £19,000 after 3 years, £24,000 after 5 years. After five years the middle half of graduates earn between £19,500 and £27,500. The £24,000 median after five years is £1,500 more than the UK median for Art.
Are students happy with the teaching on BA Fine Art at York St John University?
89% 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 York St John University?
The average entrant had 136 UCAS points.
Does BA Fine Art at York St John University include a placement year or year abroad?
The course has an optional placement year.
How many students continue on BA Fine Art at York St John University?
80% of students continued into their second year, and 5% left higher education.