BA (Hons) Fine Art Bachelor's degree at the Arts, London
BA (Hons) Fine Art at Arts London was founded in 1986 and leads to a nationally recognised degree. You'll study core theory, research and methods, applied practice, specialist options, an independent project, and professional skills.
About this course
BA (Hons) Fine Art is a Bachelor's degree (BA (Hons)) at the Arts, London, based in Chelsea College of Arts. It runs 3 years, studied full-time.
For Art graduates from this provider, typical earnings around £23,000. (HESA Graduate Outcomes / LEO, via Discover Uni.)
For the typical curriculum, specialisations, career paths and graduate earnings for Art & Design, see the sections below.
Course evidence score
The arithmetic mean of the official measures available for this course: NSS satisfaction, graduate activity and continuation.
Published threshold met NSS publication requires sufficient responses; small differences are not a rank. NSS mean of 7 published themes (Discover Uni snapshot 2026-06-21)
Published threshold met Discover Uni suppresses continuation data below its publication threshold. Cohort 2021-23. Continuation 85% (2021-23; Discover Uni snapshot 2026-06-21)
Curriculum & modules
Real modules published for this course, grouped only where the source gives a year, stage or level.
Year 1 4 modules
- Unit 1: Introduction to Fine ArtCore
Module details
This unit is an introduction to your course, the College and the University. You'll learn new ways of thinking, researching and working. You'll use these as you work through the course. You'll see the spaces and facilities available for Fine Art students at the College. You'll work towards an open studio event.
- Unit 2: InvestigationsCore
Module details
You'll begin to develop the independence needed to define your own art practice and research. Experimental workshops, seminars, gallery visits and artist's talks will encourage new ways of thinking and working. You'll reflect on progress through peer reviews, research activities and studio crits. You'll begin to think about the processes necessary for materials and ideas to become artworks. You'll consider the impact of working in different ways.
- Unit 3: MatteringCore
Module details
You'll form a studio collective around ideas in your practice. Working together you'll curate and produce an off-site exhibition or project. You'll think about the relationship between your practices and their context. You'll start to develop a critical understanding. You'll consider the way materials (matter), artworks, contexts and ideas work together. How they produce meaning and experiences that matter and have consequences.
- Unit 4: SpeculationsCore
Module details
This unit gives you the chance to reflect on your progress and imagine an ambitious future for your work and ideas. As the 3rd year students develop their Degree Show you'll think about how your own work might evolve. You'll investigate different ways artists and curators turn proposals into realised projects.
Year 2 4 modules
- Unit 5: Intra-action (collaborative and collective practices)Core
Module details
Forming an active research collective you'll work towards an experimental collaborative exhibition. You'll learn from each other working with new ideas and processes. You'll negotiate and appreciate difference. You'll think about how your own identity as an artist form through encounters with the work of others.
- Unit 6: ConstellationsCore
Module details
You'll revisit your own practice in the light of the collaborative work undertaken in unit 5. You'll map out the range of ideas and practices that are informing your work. You'll begin to explore the connections between them. Writing workshops will help you articulate and develop ideas that underpin your practice.
- Unit 7: FieldsCore
Module details
During this unit you'll work on 2 exhibitions. These will build a deeper understanding of how your work responds in different situations or 'fields'. You'll work with other students on an off-site exhibition or project. You'll also produce an accompanying publication. In the second half of the unit, you'll work towards an ambitious on-site exhibition. This will help prepare you for exhibitions in Year 3.
- Unit 8: EntanglementsCore
Module details
You'll carry out in-depth investigation of the connections and entanglements between the ideas suggested by your practice. Research workshops will help you to develop new ways to explore ideas and articulate your thinking. These will enable you to communicate your interests in writing. They will feed and support your practice as it develops towards your dissertation and Degree Show.
Year 3 3 modules
- Unit 9: Professional futuresCore
Module details
The unit aims to address the 3Es (employability, enterprise and entrepreneurship). You'll reflect on your learning and skills across the entirety of your study. You'll have an opportunity to showcase your outcomes and intentions. You'll consider your next steps as you enter industry or continue with your education.
- Unit 10: Thinking, making, writingCore
Module details
This unit will support you to develop the complex connections between practice and theory in your work. We will encourage you to respond to the challenge of re-thinking your practice for an experimental exhibition/event. You'll submit a draft dissertation. This will give you the opportunity to test ideas and absorb feedback in preparation for your public-facing outcomes in Unit 11.
- Unit 11: Making publicCore
Module details
You'll work towards your final dissertation and the public-facing Degree Show. You'll work in ways that take both site and audience into consideration. You'll gain skills to support your work beyond the course. You'll think about independent practice, employment or postgraduate study.
Between Years 2 and 3 3 modules
- Diploma in Professional StudiesOptional
Module details
This optional diploma can be taken between years 2 and 3. With support from your tutors, you'll undertake an industry placement for a minimum of 100 days/20 weeks. As well as developing industry skills, you'll gain an additional qualification upon successful completion.
- Diploma in Creative ComputingOptional
Module details
Between years 2 and 3, you can undertake the year-long Diploma in Creative Computing. This will develop your skills in creative computing alongside your degree. After successfully completing the diploma and your undergraduate course, you'll graduate with an enhanced degree: BA (Hons) Fine Art (with Creative Computing).
- Diploma in Apple DevelopmentOptional
Module details
This optional diploma can be taken between years' 2 and 3. You'll have the opportunity to become an accredited Apple developer, undertaking a learning programme designed by Apple for UAL. After successfully completing the diploma and your undergraduate degree, you'll graduate with an enhanced degree: BA (Hons) Fine Art (with Apple Development).
Source: provider course page. Modules can change; required/optional status, credits, descriptions and assessment are shown only when explicitly published.
Course in depth
What this course covers, who it suits and where it leads.
What you'll study
You'll develop a strong visual foundation before moving into specialist practice. In your first year, you'll study visual principles such as colour, composition and form across media, explore materials and processes through workshops in print, textiles and digital fabrication, and engage with art and design history. Year 2 emphasises sustained studio practice and developing a personal direction, alongside digital and emerging media tools, and live client briefs with real deadlines. In your final year, you'll focus deeply on a specialist pathway such as graphic design, illustration, fine art, fashion and textiles, or UX and digital, whilst building professional practice skills and a portfolio. You'll conclude with a self-directed major project, exhibited in a degree show.
Who it's for
This course suits students interested in developing fine art practice and critical understanding. Most entrants held A-levels or equivalent qualifications; among accepted students over recent years, 85% came in with A-levels or equivalent. The most common UCAS tariff band among accepted students was more than 240 points.
University & format
This is a full-time Bachelor's degree taught in English at Chelsea College of Arts, part of University of the Arts, London. The course runs for 3 years and leads to a BA (Hons) qualification. It is a recognised UK degree-awarding body, so your degree is nationally recognised. The university received a Bronze award for teaching quality in the Office for Students' TEF 2023.
Student satisfaction
How students on this course answered the National Student Survey, by theme.
Share of students responding positively.
Published threshold met NSS publication requires sufficient responses; small differences are not a rank. NSS mean of 7 published themes (Discover Uni snapshot 2026-06-21)
Applicant information
The next application dates for this course, followed by facts the provider publishes.
- 2027 entryCompleted applications can be submitted
Your application needs a reference before you can send it.
- 2026 entryFinal date for 2026 applications
Applications must reach UCAS by 18:00 UK time.
- 2026 entryLast day to add a Clearing choice
Check that this course still has a vacancy before adding it.
- 2027 entryEqual-consideration deadline
18:00 UK time for most undergraduate courses.
Show 5 later dates
- 2027 entryUCAS Extra opens
Applicants who used all five choices and hold no offer may be able to add another choice.
- 2027 entryLast day applications go directly to providers
Applications received after 18:00 UK time are entered into Clearing.
- 2027 entryClearing opens
Eligible applicants can see vacancies and release themselves into Clearing.
- 2027 entryFinal date for 2027 applications
Applications must reach UCAS by 18:00 UK time.
- 2027 entryLast day to add a Clearing choice
Check that this course still has a vacancy before adding it.
Provider-published requirement; check the linked course page before applying.
Entry & how to get in
Who gets in
What recently admitted students actually held, official admissions data, not a stated requirement.
UCAS tariff of entrants
Grades are the A-level equivalent of each points band. Tap a band to check your own chances below.
Qualifications held on entry
| Qualification | Share |
|---|---|
| A-levels or equivalent | 85% |
| another higher-education qualification | 10% |
| a Baccalaureate | 2% |
| a previous degree | 1% |
| an Access course | 1% |
| Other | 1% |
Entry & your chances
An honest read from the official entry data, plus your personal match.
Accepted students typically held strong UCAS tariffs. Check how your predicted grades compare and whether a contextual offer applies.
Will you get in? Plot your grades
Pick your predicted A-levels and watch your UCAS points land on the real spread of students admitted to this course.
Each bar is the share of admitted students in that UCAS-points band (lower → higher). Grades show the A-level equivalent.
Based on the official admitted-student tariff distribution. Many universities make contextual (reduced-grade) offers, so a result below the range doesn’t rule you out.
How to apply
Undergraduate applications go through UCAS. Here’s what matters for this course, the right deadline, the grades to aim for, and the steps in order.
- 1Register on UCAS Hub
Create your UCAS application and add this course (code W104). One application covers up to five choices.
- 2Write your personal statement
A single statement covers all your choices, so keep it broad enough for similar courses while showing genuine interest in this subject.
- 3Submit by 13 January 2027, 18:00 UK time
UCAS equal-consideration deadline for most undergraduate courses. Source: UCAS 2027 dates.
- 4Reply to your offers
When decisions are in, pick a firm (first) choice and an insurance (back-up) choice with slightly lower grades.
- 5Results day & confirmation
On results day (mid-August) your place is confirmed if you meet the offer. Just missed? Talk to the university, or find a place through Clearing.
Fees & funding
What this course costs and how UK student finance covers it.
Tuition per year
Provider fee page (England 2026/27 cap where not stated).
Check fees at Arts London →For students who normally live in England
2026/27 Student Finance England figures. Maintenance support is means-tested and this two-point view is not an entitlement calculator. The course total uses its published length and home fee where both are available; a missing full-time fee uses the clearly labelled England-cap scenario, while part-time fees and unknown lengths are never guessed. Use the official calculator. Scotland, Wales and Northern Ireland use separate systems: SAAS, Student Finance Wales, and Student Finance NI.
Starting on or after 1 January 2027?
The Lifelong Learning Entitlement is a separate system. A new learner’s tuition entitlement is currently stated as £39,160 (about 480 credits at 2026/27 fee levels), subject to prior study and eligibility. Check the official LLE guide.
Paying for it
- Tuition Fee Loan: can cover eligible tuition up to the applicable limit and is paid straight to the provider.
- Maintenance Loan: up to £10,830/yr away from home outside London (England, 2026/27), means-tested on household income.
- Repayment: 9% of income above £25,000, nothing below it; written off after 40 years.
- Earn alongside: most students work part-time in term, part-time roles on the StudySmarter job board.
England figures shown; Scotland, Wales & NI run their own schemes, check gov.uk.
Scholarships & bursaries you could qualify for
That does not mean no funding exists. Check the university directory for current amounts, eligibility and application dates.
We only display a named award when its provider source identifies the award and who it is for.
Still deciding what to study?
StudyKit brings course choice, applications and funding together in one place, with a personal AI assistant. Find what really fits you and start your UCAS application step by step.
Careers & earnings
What Art & Design graduates actually earn, from real outcome data, 15 months, 3 years and 5 years after graduating.
Graduate earnings: this course
| When | Median | Typical range | Graduates |
|---|---|---|---|
| 15 months after | £23,000 | £19,500 – £26,500 | 935 |
| 3 years after | £18,500 | £12,500 – £25,000 | 335 |
| 5 years after | £24,000 | £18,000 – £30,500 | 335 |
Nominal earnings for graduates of this course/subject at this provider. Stronger evidence. Published sample: 935. Cohort 2021-22.
Graduate outcomes, 15 months on: this course
- 1Graduate roleFirst role after the degree · 0–2 yrs
- 2Specialist / PractitionerWorking in art & design · 2–5 yrs
- 3Senior / LeadLeading work and people · 5–10 yrs
- 4Head of / ExpertSenior leadership or deep expertise · 10+ yrs
How pay grows: this course vs Art & Design nationally
National figures for Art & Design graduates, HESA Graduate Outcomes (15 months) and the Longitudinal Education Outcomes (LEO) dataset (3 & 5 years). These are national, not university-specific; actual pay varies by employer, region, role and experience. Different cohorts, so the bars are not one group over time.
Work out your pay
Headline figures hide a lot. Calculate realistic take-home pay for this field by role, region and experience, then check your CV before you apply.
What happened to 100 students?
Choose an outcome to translate the published percentage into a simple 100-person view. Each dot represents one percentage point, not an individual tracked student.
continued or completed
continued into the next year or completed their qualification
Source: Discover Uni, using Graduate Outcomes and continuation data. Cohorts: 2021-23. Stronger evidence. Published sample: 935. Cohort 2021-22. Each tab is a separate published measure; categories can overlap and should not be added together.
Value compared with similar courses
How this course’s 5-year median earnings compare with Art & Design courses at the same study level.
Compared with 1,698 courses with compatible official earnings data. This is a course-value comparison, not a quality ranking.
Job market & outlook
How Art & Design graduates fare in the labour market, and how AI is reshaping the work.
How AI is changing the work
AI doesn't replace the profession, it shifts it: routine tasks get automated, while judgement, working with people and using AI well become more valuable.
What AI takes off your plate
- Routine information gathering
- First-draft writing and summaries
- Standard analysis and admin
- Repetitive processing tasks
More human than ever
- Judgement and original thinking
- Working with and leading people
- Owning and sense-checking AI output
- Ethics and accountability
The strongest graduates pair subject depth with the ability to use AI tools critically.
Roles & employers
Where Art & Design graduates typically go, indicative destinations from graduate career data. Each role links to live openings on the StudySmarter job board.
Roles graduates go into
Where they work
- Design studios & agencies
- In-house brand teams
- Games & media companies
- Freelance & self-employed
Jobs after this course
Current roles from the StudySmarter job board that suit Art & Design graduates.
Fine Art TechnicianFirst Choice StaffPharmacy Technician – Brand New State-of-the-Art HospitalCompass AssociatesArtificial Intelligence Engineering ManagerMBN SolutionsArtificial Intelligence EngineerExperis UKDelivery Driver (Part Time 24 hours) - AndoverOcado LogisticsCompliance Business PartnerNashrock Insurance RecruitmentIs this course right for you?
The essentials UK applicants ask about: finance, outcomes, entry and quality.
Student finance
For comparison, the standard full-time England tuition cap is up to £9,790 per year in 2026/27; the actual fee varies by course and provider. If you normally live in England, eligible students can apply for a Tuition Fee Loan, plus a Maintenance Loan for living costs. Under Plan 5 you repay 9% of income above £25,000, nothing below that, and the balance is written off after 40 years.
Where graduates go
Most graduates were in work or further study, with a median salary of £23,000. See the full breakdown in Careers & earnings above.
Your entry chances
Use the UCAS points calculator above to see how your predicted grades compare with admitted students, and whether a contextual offer could apply.
Official-data snapshot
Averaging the official measures published for it, this course scores 8.2 out of 10: NSS 78.9% · continued 85%.
Who studies here and in this subject?
Provider- and UK subject-level context.
University of the Arts, London
Design, and creative and performing arts across the UK
HESA student record 2024/25. Counts are rounded.
Local crime-data context
A neutral snapshot around the published teaching location.
Around Chelsea College of Arts
5,453 street-level reports returned within roughly one mile across 2026-04 to 2026-06.
Police.uk street-level API. Approximate locations, not confined to campus. England, Wales and Northern Ireland; not Scotland.
Is Art & Design right for you?
Tick what applies to you and see how good a fit it is.
International students
What applying to Arts London from outside the UK involves: fees, English, visa, funding and living costs.
Tuition fees
International tuition is £28,570 / year for this course (from the provider’s fee page). You’re not eligible for UK Tuition Fee or Maintenance Loans, so plan for fees plus living costs upfront.
English language
This course lists IELTS level 6.0 or above, with at least 5.5 in reading, writ. If you’re just short, most universities run a pre-sessional English course that counts towards the requirement.
Student visa
You’ll usually need a Student visa (Student Route). After you accept an offer the university issues a CAS; you then show funds for fees plus about £1,023–£1,334/month living costs and pay the Immigration Health Surcharge for NHS access.
Scholarships & funding
Many universities offer international/global scholarships (often £2,000–£6,000/yr), check Arts London’s funding pages.
Living costs
Budget roughly £1,100–£1,400/month outside London and £1,400–£1,800/month in London for rent, food and travel; the figure also matters for your visa.
Working while you study
A Student visa usually allows up to 20 hours/week in term time and full-time in holidays, useful alongside study, though not something to rely on for fees.
Visa rules and fees change. Always confirm the current requirements with Arts London and gov.uk before you apply.
Related courses
More at Arts London
Common questions
How competitive is entry?
What are the entry requirements?
What do graduates go on to do?
What will it cost me?
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