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University Centre

Art and Design

BA (Hons) Fine Art Painting (Full-time) – 2025 Entry

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Specialising in painting, this is a unique degree offered at only a few institutions in the UK. From day one of your studies, you will innovate and experiment to build a relevant and exciting individual practice.

Based in our spacious painting studios, you will develop an understanding of a range of technical, philosophical, and aesthetic processes, whilst learning from experienced lecturers, who are active professionals in the industry.

At the end of your studies, you will have the opportunity to exhibit your work at University Centre St Helens’ Degree Show, where family, friends, lecturers, and the local and regional arts community can see your work.

Take a look at our dedicated Instagram account for degree-related news, student work and much more: www.instagram.com/ucshfineartpainting

More information

The course will start in September and will take three years, full-time to complete.

This course will take place at our Town Centre Campus, Water Street, St Helens, WA10 1PP.

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For 2025 entry, you will need 80 UCAS Tariff points.

Some typical examples of how you can achieve 80 UCAS Tariff points are detailed below:

  • A levels – CDD
  • BTEC Level 3 Extended Diploma – Merit, Merit, Pass (MMP)
  • Access to Higher Education Diploma – 45 credits at Level 3, for example, 15 credits at Distinction, 0 credits for Merit and 30 credits for Pass. The required total can be attained from various credit combinations.

Prior Learning and Experience

University Centre St Helens welcomes applications from mature students (aged 21+) and students from a varied range of backgrounds and experience. Offers of a place on the degree will not be based solely upon academic qualifications alone and related skills gained in the workplace will also be considered.

Additional Entry Requirements

We are looking for applicants who are fully committed, highly motivated and have a genuine passion for fine art painting. We seek fine art painters with individuality and an enthusiasm to challenge established fine art practices. As such, we will require a portfolio of creative design work to be presented at interview.

Your interview is designed to be an informal meeting and will also provide an opportunity for you to discuss and explore your career interests with the Programme Leader.

Information for International Applicants

If you are a non-EU/EEA/Swiss national, you may need to apply for a Tier 4 visa in order to enter and study in the UK. However, please note that University Centre St Helens does not hold a Tier 4 Sponsor Licence to support student visa applications.

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Validated By: University of Chester Logo
UCAS Code: W120
Institution Code: S51
Entry Requirements: 80 UCAS Tariff points
Programme Specification: View Programme Specification here.
ProgrammeLeader: Fiona Stirling fstirling@sthelens.ac.uk
Year 1 Year 2 Year 3
Introduction to Painting – AR4905 – 40 Credits Painting Language and Identity – AR5906 – 40 Credits Painting Major Study – AR6905 – 40 Credits
Contextual Studies – AR4906 – 20 Credits Painting Critical Study – AR5907 – 20 Credits Critical Study in Context – AR6906 – 40 Credits
Academic and Personal Development – AR4907 – 20 Credits Career, Studio and Gallery Practice – AR5908 – 40 Credits Professional Presentation – AR6907 – 40 Credits
Drawing Process – AR4908 – 20 Credits Drawing Personal Development – AR5909 – 20 Credits  
Image Capture and Collage into Painting – AR4917 – 20 Credits    

Learning will be conducted through tutorials, seminars, lectures, technical workshops, self-directed study, group work, artist talks, visits and events. You have open access to generously sized studio spaces throughout the three years of the degree.

Assessment is carried out using both formative and summative methods, and will include practical work, journals, sketchbooks, oral presentations, written essays and live projects. Work is also reviewed through seminars, group crits, peer reviews and academic tutorials.

The level 6 Degree Show will allow you to display your work to a wider audience.

For 20254 entry, tuition fees for full-time study are £8,250 per year.

Additional Costs

Course-Related Travel (Placements/Work Experience/Voluntary/Site Visits Variable dependent on the distance travelled and the method of transportation.
Equipment and Materials Estimated cost is £300 per year for oil paint, acrylic paint, turps, mediums, other art materials, canvas, paper, journals, sketchbooks and files.
Trips Estimated cost is £75 per year for various travel and entry costs to exhibitions and galleries.Estimated cost is £300 for optional international study visit (subject to student numbers) including estimated £200 spending money.
Volunteering Opportunities for Personal Development Variable depending on type of activity.

Financial Support

Subject to eligibility, students can apply for a tuition fee loan from Student Finance England to cover the full cost of tuition fees, which means you don’t have to pay anything upfront and there’s nothing to pay back until you’re qualified and earning over £481 a week, £2,083 a month or £25,000 a year. You may also be eligible to apply for additional funding to help with living costs. Visit our finance support page for more information.

Study Enhancement Gift

All new, first year (level 4), full-time undergraduates studying a qualifying Foundation Degree, Bachelor’s Degree or Higher National Diploma at University Centre St Helens, will receive a non-repayable Study Enhancement Gift up to the value of £400. This could be a specific gift, such as a laptop, or subject specific equipment, extra qualifications or trips and visits.

For more information, visit our study enhancement gift page.

Upon completion of this degree, graduates have gone on to set up their own studios, galleries or workshop centres, or have undertaken further qualifications at Postgraduate level at prestigious institutes.

As a graduate, you have the opportunity to progress into a range of fields including:

  • Artist/Painter
  • Curatorial Practice
  • Gallery Assistant, Educator or Manager
  • Art Restoration and/or Conservation
  • Art Technician
  • Studio Manager
  • Art Therapy or Art Psychotherapy
  • Secondary School Teaching
  • Further Education Teaching (upon completion of a PGCE)
  • Higher Education Teaching (upon completion of an MFA)
  • PhD Researcher (in relevant field)
  • Art Writer

 
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