Imagine. Learn. Create.
Art isn’t just in galleries - it’s all around us, in our cities, landscapes, and buildings, and even in our digital spaces. Art shapes how we see the world, reflect on our past, and express the present. At Northumbria, studying the BA (Hons) Fine Art will help you become a thoughtful, skilled artist who understands the power of art and can connect with communities locally and globally.
This course blends theory with hands-on practice to prepare you for many career paths, from community arts and teaching to curating, arts management, and more. You’ll explore the many forms of art with guidance from Northumbria’s experienced art practitioners, historians, and industry partners like The BALTIC Centre for Contemporary Art. Each module is built on active research that brings fresh insights to your learning experience.
The course is dynamic and flexible, allowing you to tailor your studies to fit your goals and giving you a strong foundation for further study or a successful career in the arts.
Why choose Northumbria to study Fine Art?
Top 15 – Art & Design at Northumbria is
ranked top 15 in the UK (Times Good University Guide, 2025).
Taking on Tomorrow – This course is
contemporary, future-facing, and critically rigorous, preparing you to make a
positive impact in the world.
Research Powerhouse – Art and Design at
Northumbria is ranked 4th in the UK for research power (REF, 2021). This is a
rise of 6 places compared to 2014.
Partnered with Industry – The fantastic
opportunity to work with the BALTIC Centre for Contemporary Art, where you will develop the skills and confidence
needed for your future.
What is a ‘cultural partnership’ and how will it support my learning?
Cultural partnerships are when groups or institutions work together to share or promote art, traditions, or values. At Northumbria, this includes museums, charities, and education partners teaming up to create an enhanced curriculum designed to support your learning experience and employability. These partnerships help you:
Showcase talent and innovation
Attend events such as masterclasses and workshops
Access specialist facilities and archives
Gain experiential learning opportunities, such as working on live briefs
Immerse yourself in real-world settings, working directly within the community
Network with key employers
Unlock potential placement opportunities, during or beyond your studies
For example, there is the chance to work with The BALTIC Centre for Contemporary Art on developing an exhibition proposal. Here, you will work in teams, as artists with different skill sets and backgrounds. In doing so, you will develop skills in project management and arts business that are important to employers within the creative and cultural industries.
How does this course enhance my employability?
From the start, this course helps you develop essential skills like critical thinking, teamwork, communication, and confidence. As you progress, you’ll gain industry-specific abilities, from using digital editing software to understanding art criticism, research, design, and project management.
As well as working on projects with the BALTIC Centre, you may also wish to organise an external work placement, gaining hands-on industry experience and confidence. Many course modules are designed to boost your employability, helping you gain relevant skills and explore future career paths in the arts.