Bachelor of Fine Arts Degree BA (Hons)
This degree program course provides a stimulating creative environment where you can develop your studio practice as a professional artist and engage in the vibrant world of fine art. Unlock your artistic potential with the BA (Hons) Fine Arts degree at Northbrook College- where creativity meets professional practice.
Unlock your artistic potential. Northbrook College's BA (Hons) Fine Arts degree stands out among arts programs for its innovative curriculum, fostering both creative expression and professional development.
Pursuing a Bachelor of Fine Arts (BFA) opens up a world of creativity and opportunity. If you're passionate about art and design, a BFA degree can be your ticket to a vibrant career. Here, we explore various paths you can take with a BFA and how they align with your creative aspirations.
Understanding the BFA Degree
A Bachelor of Fine Arts degree focuses on developing your artistic skills alongside a solid foundation in liberal arts. Unlike a traditional Bachelor of Arts (BA), which offers a broader academic experience, a BFA emphasizes studio work and practical skills. This degree is ideal for those who want to immerse themselves in their art form, whether it's painting, sculpture, graphic design, or another discipline.
Arts BFA Course Overview
- Location: Northbrook College, Worthing, West Sussex, England
- UCAS code: W102
- Duration: 3 years full-time
- Application deadline: 15 July 2024
- Start date: September 2024
- Fees: £16,500
Entry requirements
- 2 A-Levels and 3 GCSEs in other subjects grade 9-4 or A-C (or equivalent)
OR - 1 A-Level, a Foundation course and 3 GCSEs in other subjects grade 9-4 or A-C (or equivalent)
A portfolio of work or audition is also needed to demonstrate ability in the specialist area.
Contact us to assess your qualifications for UK equivalency.
English language requirements
IELTS certificate or equivalent with an overall score of 6.0, 6.0 in the writing element and 5.5 in all other sub-elements.
Your application will be assessed based on grades, interview, portfolio/audition, and experience.
Course Information
This fine art course combines practical workshops with critical discussions to help you develop your artistic practice and contextual understanding.
Course Content
Course Content:
The course fosters a dynamic learning environment that goes beyond individual exploration. Workshops, critical reviews, and seminars provide opportunities to discuss your work with peers and faculty. You'll exchange ideas, engage in lively debate, and receive valuable critical feedback on your creations through these interactions. This collaborative approach will help you evolve as an artist.
Through talks, discussions, gallery visits, and research, immerse yourself in art history. This will give you the knowledge to evaluate your work and the art world critically.
Teaching Method
Teaching Method:
We use a variety of teaching methods, including:
- practical and creative studio-based workshops
- discussions
- lectures/seminars
- tutorials
- small group study
- self-directed study
- study trips
Key Features
Key Features:
- Taught by practising artists with industry experience.
- Build your profile as a fine artist with opportunities to exhibit your work within the College and in public spaces.
- Spacious studios and facilities including printmaking workshop, life room, 3D crafts workshop, ceramics studio and darkrooms
Course Structure
Year One
Year One
The 1st year of the BA (Hons) in Fine Art equips you for artistic creation, building a foundation in core techniques and exploring creative methods.
The program moves beyond technical skills, emphasizing how visual research informs your studio practice and artistic concepts.
To develop your artistic identity, you'll undertake project-based learning. This involves establishing and exploring a focused theme through experimentation with various drawing and research techniques. Throughout the program, critical evaluation reinforces the link between artistic theory, ideas, and practical application, equipping you with the confidence to work independently.
Through workshops and discussions, you'll delve into art theory, history, and cultural contexts, developing your ability to analyze and discuss art.
The program also prepares you for a career in the arts, introducing you to different art professions and equipping you with professional skills.
- Unit 1: Introducing Fine Art
- Unit 2: Developing Visual Research
- Unit 3: Thematic Project
- Unit 4: Cultural and Contextual Studies
- Unit 5: Fine Art Opportunities
Year Two
Year Two
The second year focuses on developing your artistic practice and preparing you for a career in the arts. You'll explore two chosen fine-art areas: diverse materials, techniques, and drawing practices. You'll learn to integrate visual research and theoretical concepts into your creative process, fostering critical thinking and self-directed learning. Workshops will provide additional support to bring your ideas to life.
Building on the foundation of year one, you'll deepen your understanding of contemporary and historical art practices as they relate to your studio work. Through ongoing reflection and self-directed study, you'll refine your research and artistic direction.
This expands your knowledge of theoretical frameworks, cultural contexts, art history, and social issues within the arts. You'll actively participate in discussions, hone academic and research skills, and conduct independent research, culminating in a formally presented response.
This looks towards your future career in the arts. You'll explore areas of professional interest, research and analyse contemporary exhibitions, and identify relevant professional contexts that align with your development. You'll gain essential technical skills for promoting and managing your artistic practice while refining your visual and oral communication skills. This connects your creative research with professional practice, preparing you for a successful career path.
- Unit 6: Exploratory & Interdisciplinary Practice
- Unit 7: Confirmatory Project
- Unit 8: Advanced Cultural & Contextual Studies
- Unit 9: Potential Prospects
Year Three
Year Three
This year builds on your existing skills and prepares you for your final exhibition. The first stage involves defining your artistic direction with individual support and exploring advanced techniques in workshops. This springboard project will pave the way for your final piece.
You'll refine your ideas further, delve deeper into research, and confidently use advanced techniques to create a focused body of work for the final exhibition. This is your chance to work independently and truly showcase your artistic vision.
You'll also conduct a self-directed research project, exploring a chosen topic in-depth and presenting your findings in a dissertation, report, or other academic format.
Finally, the course equips you for your artistic career. You'll refine your digital skills for professional presentation, develop strong communication skills, and explore professional contexts relevant to your artistic practice.
- Unit 10: Minor Project
- Unit 11: Major Project & Degree Show
- Unit 12: Creative and Critical Research Project (Dissertation)
- Unit 13: Self Promotion
Career Opportunities with a BFA
Visual Artist
One of the most straightforward paths for BFA graduates is to become a visual artist. Whether it's exhibiting your work in galleries or selling pieces online, this career path allows you to express your creativity and potentially earn a living from your passion.
Graphic Designer
With a BFA, you can also dive into the world of graphic design. This field offers numerous opportunities in advertising, marketing, and publishing. As a graphic designer, you'll use your artistic skills to create compelling visuals for brands and companies.
Art Director
If you're interested in leading creative projects, consider becoming an art director. This role involves overseeing the visual aspects of projects in advertising, publishing, and film. A BFA provides the necessary skills to manage teams and ensure the visual consistency of projects.
Animator
For those fascinated by animation, a BFA can lead to a career in this dynamic industry. Animators work in various fields, from movies to video games, bringing characters and stories to life through motion.
Expanding Horizons with a BFA
A BFA degree not only opens doors to traditional art careers but also provides a stepping stone to other creative fields. Many graduates find success in roles such as art educators, museum curators, and even entrepreneurs. The skills and experiences gained during your BFA program are highly transferable, allowing you to adapt to various industries.
Why Choose a BFA?
Choosing a BFA means committing to your artistic development. This degree equips you with the technical skills and creative mindset needed to thrive in the competitive art world. Additionally, many programs offer opportunities for internships and exhibitions, providing practical experience and exposure to the industry.
Final Thoughts
A Bachelor of Fine Arts degree offers a fulfilling path for aspiring artists and creatives. With diverse career opportunities and the chance to specialize in your chosen field, a BFA is an excellent choice for those passionate about art. Whether you dream of seeing your work in galleries or designing for top brands, this degree can set you on the right path.
Remember, your journey with a BFA is just the beginning. Embrace the possibilities, explore your creativity, and let your passion guide you toward a rewarding career.
