Art and Design
BA (Hons) Fine Art Painting (Full-time) - 2024 Entry
- This degree is one of only a select few in the country of its type, allowing you to study painting as a specialist practice from day one of your study.
- You will have unrivalled access to lecturers who are practising artists and active (PhD) researchers, exhibiting nationally and internationally.
- Benefit from individual and generously sized studio space for the duration of your studies.
- This degree provides excellent progression to postgraduate study (MA, MFA, MRes, PGCE) and employment.
| Validated By: |  |
|---|---|
| UCAS Code: | W120 |
| Institution Code: | S51 |
| Start Date: | September 2024 |
| Duration: | 3 Years, Full-Time |
| Campus: | St Helens Town Centre |
| Tuition Fee: | £7,995 per year |
| Entry Requirements: | 80 UCAS Tariff points |
| Programme Specification: | View Programme Specification here. |
| Programme Leader: |
Fiona Stirling This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. |
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|
Degree Overview
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
Modules
| 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 |
Entry Requirements
For 2024 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.
Learning Environment and Assessment
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.
Tuition Fees
For 2024 entry, tuition fees for full-time study are £7,995 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.
Careers and Progression
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
Apply Now
Apply online through UCAS using institution code S51 and course code W120.
Would you like to speak to someone before making your decision?
Call 0800 99 66 99 or email This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. and our team will be more than happy to help.
BA (Hons) Game Art (Full-Time) - 2024 Entry
- Teaching takes place in a dedicated light and spacious purpose-built game art laboratory, where you will learn to use the latest industry-standard software.
- Taught by industry professionals with world-class experience on AAA game titles in Los Angeles with Konami, Sony, and Electronic Arts.
- Take advantage of a unique opportunity to spend your third year working on a published game as an intern within a games development studio.
| Validated By: | |
|---|---|
| UCAS Code: | W282 |
| Institution Code: | S51 |
| Start Date: | September 2024 |
| Duration: | 3 Years, Full-Time |
| Campus: | St Helens Town Centre |
| Tuition Fee: | £8,495 per year |
| Entry Requirements: | 80 UCAS Tariff points |
| Programme Specification: | View Programme Specification here. |
| Programme Handbook: | Coming Soon |
| Programme Leader: |
Dean Betton This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. |
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|
Degree Overview
The BA (Hons) Game Art degree has been developed and designed by AAA game industry experts. It will provide you with specialist training to become a professional 3D games artist, along with the theoretical and core skills required for success in a modern, creative games studio. It is the ideal degree for creative individuals with a passion for gaming.
In your third year of study, there is an opportunity to apply for a highly coveted, year-long internship with a successful games developer. Previous interns have secured valuable industry experience, published game credits, and of course, employment in the games industry.
As their Study Enhancement Gift, all new, first year (Level 4), full-time undergraduates on this course will be equipped with a high spec personal laptop with access to installed industry-standard software such as 3DS Max, Maya, Blender, Unreal Engine, Zbrush, Substance Suite, and World Creator. The ownership of this laptop will pass over to the student on successful completion of the course.
Take a look at our dedicated Instagram account for degree-related news, student work and much more: www.instagram.com/ucshgameart.
Modules
| Year 1 | Year 2 | Year 3 |
|---|---|---|
| Visual Studies - 20 Credits | Character Modelling - 40 Credits | Game Art Preproduction - 40 Credits |
| Modelling for Game Art - 40 Credits | Advanced Level Creation - 40 Credits | Game Art Production - 40 Credits |
| Level Creation - 40 Credits | Game Culture - 20 Credits | Game Culture in Context - 40 Credits |
| Game Studies - 20 Credits | Advanced Modelling - 20 Credits |
Entry Requirements
For 2024 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
All suitably qualified applicants will be invited to attend an interview. This is designed to be an informal meeting, providing you with the opportunity to see if this degree is suitable for your needs. It will also provide an opportunity for you to discuss and explore your career interests with the Programme Leader.
You will need to present appropriate evidence in the form of a physical or digital portfolio. This could include coursework (from brief to final product), independent art/design work, 3D models, level builds (screenshots) and any level design (plans for games and game design documents) and/or creative process that could be diverse from the games industry. Your portfolio should present your full range of skills and knowledge.
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.
Learning Environment and Assessment
Learning will be theoretical and practical through lectures, workshops, demonstrations, seminars, group critiques, self-directed study, written work, presentations, group work, visits, and guest lectures. Industry-standard software will enhance your learning experience, enabling you to master the skills vital for success in this exciting industry.
Entry into a 'dream job' within the games industry is very competitive and students need to commit to long hours of study. Therefore, we equip you with a high spec personal laptop, fully loaded with software, that is yours to keep.
Our lecturers have a wealth of industry experience, having worked across the globe, on AAA game titles such as Wipeout, Mercenaries, Lord of the Rings and Star Wars Battlefront 1 and 2.
Assessment is carried out throughout the three years of the degree through projects, assignment work, design briefs, computer-based work, presentations of artwork, industry critique and essays. The final year show in your third year will allow you to display your work to a wider audience, including influential industry advocates.
Tuition Fees
For 2024 entry, tuition fees for full-time study are £8,495 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 | Core texts and reading lists should generally be available in the library. However, students may prefer to buy their own copies. These can be purchased from any source. Students will provide their own day-to-day stationary items e.g. pens, pencils, notebooks. |
| Trips | Estimated cost is £75 per year for various travel and entry costs. 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.
Careers and Progression
You will be industry ready upon graduation, having developed the core skills to effectively fit into a team and learn new processes and software in an entry-level role in the computer games industry.
The Northwest is an important centre for the game development industry. University Centre St Helens has important links with the local industry, being located centrally in a region that has a cluster of games companies. In recent years, graduates have gained employment with Rebellion and Sony in Liverpool, TT Games in Cheshire and Foundry in Manchester.
As a Game Art graduate, you may have the opportunity to progress into a range of careers, including:
- Game Developer
- 3D Artist
- Studio Manager
- AR/VR Artist
Apply Now
Apply online through UCAS using institution code S51 and course code W282.
Would you like to speak to someone before making your decision?
Call 0800 99 66 99 or email This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. and our team will be more than happy to help.
BA (Hons) Graphic Design (Full-Time) - 2024 Entry
- Learn in a spacious and purpose-built studio using the latest software and technology.
- Take advantage of strong links with the Northwest design community, providing work-related opportunities with local and regional design studios.
- Showcase your work and raise your profile at the annual Vortex end-of-year show.
- Learn from expert lecturers who have years' of industry experience.
| Validated By: | |
|---|---|
| UCAS Code: | W211 |
| Institution Code: | S51 |
| Start Date: | September 2024 |
| Duration: | 3 Years, Full-Time |
| Campus: | St Helens Town Centre |
| Tuition Fee: | £8,495 per year |
| Entry Requirements: | 80 UCAS Tariff points |
| Programme Specification: | View Programme Specification here. |
| Programme Leader: |
Mark Simmonds This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. |
 |
|
Degree Overview
This degree is designed to align to employer expectations and requirements, with the aim of producing skilled graduates capable of meeting modern industry demands.
We have established links with the regional and national design community and offer work-related opportunities with local design studios, as well as the chance to work on live projects in collaboration with other creative organisations.
In your final year of study, you will have the opportunity to showcase your work in our annual Vortex exhibition, to friends, family and the local and regional arts community. You may also have the chance to collaborate with University Centre St Helens’ Graphic Design and Marketing Team, to produce the Vortex brand.
As their Study Enhancement Gift, all new, first year (Level 4), full-time undergraduates on this course will be equipped with a high spec personal laptop with access to installed industry-standard software such as Adobe Creative Suite. The ownership of this laptop will pass over to the student on successful completion of the course.
Take a look at our dedicated Instagram account for degree-related news, student work and much more: www.instagram.com/ucshgraphicdesign
Modules
| Year 1 | Year 2 | Year 3 |
|---|---|---|
| Visual Communication - AR4901 - 40 Credits | Applied Research - AR5901 - 20 Credits | Major Project - AR6901 - 40 Credits |
| Ideas and Concepts - AR4902 - 20 Credits | Design and Production - AR5902 - 40 Credits | Research Report - AR6902 - 40 Credits |
| Typography - AR4903 - 40 Credits | Contemporary Media - AR5903 - 20 Credits | Client Brief - AR6903 - 20 Credits |
| Live Project - AR4904 - 20 Credits | Work-Related Learning - AR5904 - 20 Credits | Professional Practice - AR6904 - 20 Credits |
| Studio Practice - AR5905 - 20 Credits |
Entry Requirements
For 2024 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 graphic design. You will need to present a physical or digital portfolio of 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.
Learning Environment and Assessment
Learning will be both theoretical and practical, delivered through lectures, workshops, seminars, group critiques, self-directed study, written work, presentations, group work, visits and guest lectures.
During the second year of this degree, a work placement opportunity will enable you to build upon your experience and links within the industry.
Assessments are carried out through group and individual critiques, design artefact(s)/outcomes, essays, workbooks, initial response maps (proposals), project plans, visual rationales and presentations.
The annual final year show, Vortex, will take place in the third year of your studies and will allow you to display your work to a wider audience.
Tuition Fees
For 2024 entry, tuition fees for full-time study are £8,495 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 | Core texts and reading lists should generally be available in the library. However, students may prefer to buy their own copies. These can be purchased from any source. Estimated cost is £100 per year for printed materials in relation to coursework submissions such as essays, projects etc. A list of University Centre St Helens' printing costs can be found via www.sthelens.ac.uk/printroom Students have access to Macs/PCs in the Graphic Design Studio (J317) including Creative Cloud software, covered by the College's software license. However, it is strongly recommended that students also have access to this equipment and software outside of their studies to enhance learning. Students will provide their own day-to-day stationary items e.g. pens, pencils, notebooks. |
| Trips | Estimated cost is £120 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.
Careers and Progression
Upon completion of this degree, many graduates have gained successful careers in the creative industries, working across both print and digital platforms, throughout the UK, Berlin, New Zealand and London. The degree continues to produce innovative and respected designers, including Entyce winners, Penguin Book award finalists and E4 sting winners!
As a graduate, you have the opportunity to progress into a range of careers, such as:
- Graphic Designer
- Film and Video Editor
- Creative Director
- Illustrator
Apply Now
Apply online through UCAS using institution code S51 and course code W211.
Would you like to speak to someone before making your decision?
Call 0800 99 66 99 or email This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. and our team will be more than happy to help.
