| Program start date | Application deadline |
| 2023-09-01 | 2023-07-09 |
| 2024-01-01 | 2023-11-26 |
| 2024-09-01 | - |
Program Overview
Course overview
Work placement
School of Arts & Creative Industries
See what it's like to study at our School of Arts & Creative Industries.
What makes our fine art degree stand out?
Your own studio space, lectures with established artists, art form specialisms, technical workshops and an international art gallery.
What you learn
Develop your work as an artist from drawing to digital media, bookbinding to printmaking, screens to sculpture, canvases to community projects. We support all art forms – you have access to industry-standard technical workshops and are taught by practising artists and curators.
By studying a fine art degree here at Teesside University, you have your own studio for the duration of your course - a personal space to make, experiment and think critically about your work in a supportive environment with your peer community. Working both on your own and in teams, you can specialise or cultivate multimedia exhibitions. You gain insight from visiting international artists, and learn effective research and reflection techniques.
Career opportunities
This fine art degree develops your artistic and professional skills, preparing you for a career as an artist, curator, primary or secondary teacher, or art therapist. You can work in roles across the cultural sector – museums and galleries, community wellbeing and education projects, creatives businesses of all kinds.
Middlesbrough Institute of Modern Art
You study at our School of Arts & Creative Industries, led by Teesside University and Middlesbrough Institute of Modern Art (MIMA), an international contemporary museum and gallery. You gain a full artistic experience, learning in a social space that inspires dynamic ideas, fuels collaboration and allows you to build local, national and international networks with industry professionals for your future fine art career.
This course includes a foundation year - ideal if you need additional preparation or if you don't have sufficient grades to join Year 1 of a degree.
Top three reasons to study fine art at Teesside University
1. As an art gallery and a university, our students contribute to making a museum, not just taking a degree course.
2. You are taught by accomplished and award-winning practising artists, writers and curators.
3. You work in your own individual studio with lots of space to develop your ideas.
And you may be eligible for a £2,500 Marston Scholarship
We are in the top 50 in the UK for our Art & Design courses in the Complete University Guide 2023. (tees.ac.uk/source)
Download pdf Order prospectus
Program Outline
Fine Art (with Foundation Year) BA (Hons) at Teesside University
Degree Overview:
This course allows students to explore their creativity through drawing, sculpting, printing, and painting, with the goal of preparing them for a career in the arts. The program encourages experimentation with new formats and media, and emphasizes the development of a distinct artistic voice. Students learn by working alongside their peers and staff in the studio, collaborating on projects, engaging in critiques, and participating in exhibitions. The program includes a foundation year, which is ideal for students seeking additional preparation before starting the degree course. This year provides a strong foundation in the principles and techniques of art and design.
Course Outline:
The Fine Art course at Teesside University is a four year program (including the foundation year). The course is structured around a combination of core and optional modules, which are delivered through a blend of lectures, seminars, workshops, and independent study.
Year 1
- Collaboration Project: This module focuses on developing teamwork, communication, project management, and negotiation skills. Students work in groups to develop a small-scale creative project in response to a specific brief.
- Contemporary Studio Practice: This module explores the key methods, tools, and critical concepts of contemporary art making. Students develop a body of work which engages with current conversations on art making, while learning about different making processes and publics.
- Introduction to the Creative Industries: This module provides an overview of the structure and operation of the creative industries sector, including its interdisciplinary relationships with art, design, and media. Students explore how the sector operates locally, nationally, and globally, and debate the role of policy and the importance of sustainability.
- Skills and Studio Practice: This module explores techniques and strategies for art making and the development of an art practice. Students investigate different ideas and making perspectives, while learning the safe and appropriate use of specialist equipment.
Year 2
- Creative Research Project: This module develops critical thinking and analysis skills by exploring contemporary issues and debates related to the creative industries. Students research a specific area or development within their chosen subject, drawing on appropriate academic and industry sources.
- Expanding Studio Practice: This module focuses on the development of a body of experimental work that demonstrates the student's ability to think and create critically. Students engage in self-initiated projects, exploring various artistic disciplines and media, while receiving feedback through group critiques.
- Industry Project: This module provides students with an opportunity to work on a real-world, industry-based project in their chosen area of specialization, such as design, art, media, music, photography, or illustration. Students develop a professional portfolio, gain experience in project management, apply research methods, and collaborate on creative projects.
- Working in the Creative Industries: This module examines the social, political, and ecological challenges facing contemporary art, design, and media practices. Students research these challenges and develop small-scale projects in response, reflecting on their understanding of enterprise in the context of the creative industries.
Year 3
- Major Project (optional): This module allows optional placement year students to expand upon their knowledge gained from their practical experience in industry. They conduct further research on their chosen subject area and undertake a more ambitious creative project.
- Research & Development Project (optional): This module provides an opportunity for optional placement year students to develop research skills and apply them to their creative practice. They conduct a focused research project on a specific aspect of their chosen field and present their findings in a thesis format.
- Professional Placement (optional): This module offers optional placement year students the opportunity to work in a professional environment related to their field of study. They gain valuable work experience, develop industry skills, and make professional connections.
Final Year
- Major Project: This module is the culmination of the program, where students independently develop and present an extended piece of creative work or a portfolio of work. They are supervised by an academic member of staff, who provides guidance and feedback throughout the process.
- Professional Practice: This module focuses on preparing students for the transition from education to their professional careers. They develop a professional portfolio, explore career paths and opportunities, and network with industry professionals.
Assessment:
The program utilizes a continuous assessment approach, with key assessment deadlines located at the midpoint and endpoint of each year. This allows students to receive regular feedback and refine their work throughout the program. The assessment methods vary depending on the module and may include:
- Essays and written work
- Presentations
- Practical projects and artwork
- Portfolios
- Examinations
Teaching:
The program is taught by experienced artists and academics who are active in their respective fields. The teaching methods prioritize a practice-based learning environment, encouraging hands-on engagement with creative materials and processes. Students receive individualized feedback through studio visits and critiques, and they are encouraged to experiment and explore new ideas. The program also provides opportunities for guest lectures by renowned artists, industry professionals, and curators.
Careers:
The Fine Art program prepares graduates for a wide range of careers within the arts sector, including:
- Artist
- Curator
- Gallery manager
- Arts administrator
- Art therapist
- Arts educator
- Designer
- Illustrator
- Photographer
- Writer Graduates may find employment in museums, galleries, studios, arts organizations, educational institutions, or media companies. The program also prepares students for further study at postgraduate level.
Additional Information:
The program includes a strong focus on industry engagement, and students have access to a range of opportunities, including:
- Visiting artist talks and workshops
- Exhibitions and events at Middlesbrough Institute of Modern Art (MIMA)
- Networking opportunities with industry professionals
- Internships and work placements The program also provides access to excellent facilities, including:
- Well-equipped studios with a range of equipment
- Digital media labs
- Printmaking facilities
- Darkrooms
- Library and research resources
The program's strong emphasis on practice-based learning, industry engagement, and individualized support provides students with a unique opportunity to develop their artistic talent and professional skills.
Tuition Fees and Payment Information:
UK Applicants:
- £9,250 a year (Full-time)
- More details about our fees
International Applicants:
- £17,000 a year (Full-time)
- More details about our fees for international applicants
Note:
- This information is for the full-time program.
- There are links provided for more details about the fees.
- Information about payment options is not available in the provided context.
