Our Fine Art course will develop and expand your critical aptitude, creative skills, and professional acuity in preparation for your future career as an artist. You will explore a range of subjects through the disciplines of drawing, painting, printmaking, sculpture, photography, and moving image and the creative investigation and application of both analogue and digital methodologies.
The curriculum includes studio-based projects, public exhibitions, work experience and international study options and enables you to specialise in a particular discipline or alternatively adopt a broader multi-disciplinary approach which culminates in a spectacular annual Degree Show. We provide outstanding studio environments, fully equipped workshops and a highly experienced staff team, all set within a stunning riverside campus and natural landscape.
Year 1
This full-time, studio-based year will develop your creative and critical practice and challenge your understanding of the Art & Design disciplines. These experiences will expand on both your contextual and practical knowledge, introduce you to the Creative Industries and inform your course options for Year 2.
Year 2
You will expand your knowledge and understanding of key theoretical principles through creative interplay between studio, workshops, lectures, seminar discussions etc. Learn with tutors, technical experts, peers, and from yourself, as you define your unique visual language driven by own personal interests. Critical writing and professional skills are developed that deepen your awareness of the Creative Industries.
Year 3
Develop creative play, risk taking and critical thinking through a deep dive into your own chosen themes and workshop interests. Now is the time to get lost and find yourself anew. Stage 3 further develops personal insight into professional ambitions through optional work experiences, placements or international study at one of our partner institutions. Self-directed studio projects enable intensified creative focus in preparation for Year 4.
Year 4
An extended period of supported independence devoted to the production of a fully realised body of work driven by your own studio practice. Asking and answering the critical questions that underpin your creative enquiry. The annual Degree Show is a spectacular end-of-year public exhibition showcasing the extraordinary talents of our graduates in celebration of their achievements as they embark on life after art school.
Student Stories
Hear from our students and graduates about their experiences studying this course:
Events
We have on campus and virtual events to help you find out more about study, student experience and future career paths.
Modules
Modules and delivery order may change for operational purposes. The University regularly reviews its courses. Course content and structure may change over time. See our course and module disclaimer for more information.
Learning Methods
The course is structured to develop resilient, independent graduates with skills to work with confidence and professionalism in the creative industries. Studio and workshops are central to the daily experience - a place to make, think, experiment and interact with staff and peers. At each stage of study, appropriate levels of tutorial support (academic and pastoral) will be given, these include group and one-to-one contact. As students’ progress through the course, they undertake several self-organized exhibitions that explore contexts for reaching an audience. Each semester culminates in the submission of a portfolio of artwork and supporting material that is assessed using defined criteria.
Activity Summary
Year 4
- Lectures - average 80 students per group, 1 hour per week
- Seminars - 12-15 students per group, 1 hour per week
- Tutorial - one-to-one sessions up to groups of 10 students, 45 minutes - 2.5 hours per week
- Practical class or workshop - 12 students per group, 2.5-5 hours per week
- Independent Study - 80 students per group, 15 hours per week
- External Visits - 15-40 students per group, 7 hours per semester
Group sizes and dedicated hours are indicative only, subject to change and may vary within each module. More detailed information about indicative student workload hours can be found within each module's detailed information page.
How long is a BA (Hons) Fine Art course?
The duration of a Fine Art degree is 4 years. This includes lectures, workshops, independent study and other activities.
Independent Study
BA (Hons) Fine Art is defined by ‘studio culture’ and the collaborative learning environment that our students create within studios and workshops. Tutors provide structured, supported guidance in Stage 1 & 2, becoming increasingly independent by Stage 4. This builds effective skills in working collectively, developing self-confidence and creative independence.
Staff delivering on this course
The whole staff team comprise of a rich tapestry of academic tutors, technical experts, CCS lecturers, Professional Skills and Employability advisors, Inclusion support services, and library staff. External speakers are invited through our Guest@Grays lecture series. Our diverse and dynamic team at Gray’s comprise of highly experienced and deeply committed creative ‘artist educators’ who are passionate about their craft. The core module activities of Studio Practice, Critical and Contextual Studies, and Creative Futures combine to provide interlinked opportunity to learn from multiple voices and perspectives. Of course, students learn from our staff team but equally learn from themselves and their fellow peers.
Recent STAR Award winners include:
Caitlyn Main; Michael Agnew; Jim Hamlyn; David Blyth
Assessment
Typically students are assessed each year:
Year 1
- 1 written assignment, including essays
- 2 portfolios
Year 2
- 2 written assignments, including essays
- 2 portfolios
Year 3
- 2 written assignments, including essays
- 1 report
- 2 portfolios
- 1 practical skills assessment
Year 4
- 1 dissertation
- 1 portfolio
Feedback
We aim to provide you with feedback within 20 working days of hand-in for all written exams, coursework and practical exams.
Academic Support
The Inclusion Centre advises and supports students who disclose a sensory or mobility impairment, chronic medical condition, mental health issue, dyslexia and other specific learning differences. Applicants are encouraged to arrange a pre-entry visit to discuss any concerns and to view the facilities.
Online Learning & Support
All undergraduate and postgraduate students, whether you are learning on campus or by online learning, benefit from using our collaborative virtual learning environment, CampusMoodle. You will be provided with 24/7 online access to your learning material and resources, along with the ability to interact with your class members and tutors for discussion and support.
Study Skills Support
The Study Support Team provides training and support to all students in:
- Academic writing
- Study skills (note taking, exam techniques, time management, presentation)
- Maths and statistics
- English language
- Information technology support
Library Support
The Library offers support for your course, including the books, eBooks, and journals you will need. We also offer online reading lists for many modules, workshops and drop-ins on searching skills and referencing, and much more.
Placements
The curriculum in Stage 3 offers students the opportunity to tailor your learning experience by selecting some optional study pathways:
Intensive Studio-based Study
This extended studio module predominantly focuses on developing deeper understanding of your own studio practice, investing in creative experimentation with material processes, contextual frameworks and creating strategies for audience engagement in the public sphere.
Combined Work Experience and Studio pathway
Alongside a shortened studio module, the work experience module can be undertaken to broaden a students’ awareness of the professional working environment. Work experience is negotiated with external partners and commonly involves one day-per-week throughout the semester (or a shorter condensed block) to enable students to continue their own Studio, CCS and Creative Futures modules alongside work-based learning.
Study Abroad
Semester 2 in Stage 3 provides the optional opportunity for students to undertake a semester-long period of international study with our partner institutions across Europe, Canada and the US.
Job Prospects
Is Fine Art a good career choice?
Previous BA (Hons) Fine Art* graduates of Gray’s School of Art, RGU have continued to live creatively, going on to pursue a diverse range of careers in the Creative Industries and public sector:
- Exhibiting Artist
- Art + Healthcare
- Publishing
- Curator and Gallery Assistance
- Education (Primary, Secondary, Tertiary)
- Further Study (MA, PhD)
- Marketing, TV and Media
- Art Writing
Whilst many of our students advance their creative practice by studying Fine Art at Masters level, many of our young graduates establish their careers through active involvement with young artist collective networks in Aberdeen and across Scotland, developing fresh and fluid ideas that respond to creative opportunities are they arise. Gray’s graduates learn to be adaptable and flexible, responsive to society and the world we live in. They engage with sustainable and ethical themes throughout the learning journey developing a personal awareness and knowledge that helps them to sustain of their creative practice. Living Creatively.
*BA (Hons) Contemporary Art Practice and BA (Hons) Painting courses have merged as one course, BA (Hons) Fine Art in 2024-25.
What is needed for a BA (Hons) Fine Art degree?
Standard Entry Requirements
Entry to Year 1
These requirements relate to the first year of the BA (Hons) Foundation Art and Design. Entry to the BA (Hons) Fine Art course is from year 2 only either via suitable entry qualifications as stated, or after completion of year 1 BA (Hons) Foundation Art and Design.
- SQA Higher: BCC to include Art & Design (or a creative design and/or media subject e.g. Graphic Communication, Media Studies) and English (or a written subject requiring the use of English)
- GCE A Level: CC to include Art & Design (or a creative design and/or media subject e.g. Media Studies) and English (or a written subject requiring the use of English e.g. History).
- Irish Leaving Certificate Higher: H3H3H4 to include Art (or a creative design and/or technology subject e.g. Graphic Communication, Media Studies) and English (or a written subject requiring the use of English)
- IB Diploma: 24 to include Higher Level Visual Arts and English (or a written subject requiring the use of English).
All applicants with the appropriate qualifications (or due to sit appropriate qualifications) will be invited to attend a portfolio review/interview and participate in a selection process.
Entry to Year 2
Suitable qualifications for entry to Year 2 (or above) may include:
- Relevant GCE A Levels, HNC/HND or Diploma in Foundation Studies (e.g. Art & Design, Design & Media, Fashion Design, Textile Design).
- GCE A Level: BCC to include Art & Design (or a creative design and/or media subject e.g. Media Studies) and English (or a written subject requiring the use of English).
- IB Diploma: 27 to include Higher Level Visual Arts and English (or a written subject requiring the use of English)
All advanced entry applicants with the appropriate qualifications (or due to sit appropriate qualifications) and who successfully meet the criteria will be invited to attend an ‘advanced’ portfolio review/interview and participate in a selection process.
Minimum Entry Requirements
The minimum entry requirements for widening access applicants are:
- SQA Higher: CCC to include Art / Design (or a creative design and/or media subject such as Graphic Communication, Media Studies) and English or a written subject requiring the use of English
Alternative Qualifications
Those who may not hold the standard qualifications listed are encouraged to apply if they can evidence other appropriate/relevant creative work, qualifications and/or life experiences. Such candidates are advised to contact the Student Admissions Service for further advice and guidance.
A portfolio review/interview is still a requirement for this category of candidate.
Portfolio Review
Suitable applicants should submit a digital portfolio through a Flickr account. Details of the process are in the downloadable portfolio guidance. After viewing digital portfolios all successful applicants will be offered a place. If we feel more information would be useful to your application we will invite you for an interview. All offer holders will be invited to the school for an Applicants Event, which will allow you to meet staff and students while experiencing the teaching environment. It will also be an opportunity for you to ask questions.
Engage - Portfolio Guidance
Our online and in-person Portfolio Guidance courses help support and prepare you for applying for an undergraduate course at Gray's School of Art.
International Students
International students who do not meet our direct entry requirements for this course can gain additional entry points through our International College at Robert Gordon University.
English Language Requirements
Applicants whose first language is not English should have an IELTS of 6.0 overall, with no component lower than 5.5, or an equivalent.
We accept a variety of in-country and secure English language tests, find out more:
Please note, some courses may require a higher standard of English than stated in this page. Contact admissions@rgu.ac.uk for further information.
Academic Year 2024-2025
Scottish Students
Full Time
On Campus | ||
---|---|---|
Over 4 years | Year 1 | £1820 |
Year 2 | £1820 | |
Year 3 | £1820 | |
Year 4 | £1820 |
Rest of UK Students
Full Time
On Campus | ||
---|---|---|
Over 4 years | Year 1 | £6930 |
Year 2 | £6930 | |
Year 3 | £6930 | |
Year 4 | £6930 |
EU Students
Full Time
On Campus | ||
---|---|---|
Over 4 years | Year 1 | £6930 |
Year 2 | £6930 | |
Year 3 | £6930 | |
Year 4 | £6930 |
International Students
Full Time
On Campus | ||
---|---|---|
Over 4 years | Year 1 | £17670 |
Year 2 | £17670 | |
Year 3 | £17670 | |
Year 4 | £17670 |
Additional Costs
Additional learning opportunities are sometimes provided by the School that are subject to variable changes. Where opportunity permits, international study trips are often organised to enhance and catalyse the creative learning experience. These optional trips are not mandatory and will often accommodate approximately 40 places. Smaller trips and visits to regional venues, particularly in the central belt, will incur small costs to cover transport hire/travel fares. Course costs include:
- Studio fund: £90 Year 1, £75 Year 2, £75 Year 3, £75 Year 4
- £50 - £150 art materials per semester
- £250 Field Study (optional)
- £750 International Travel (optional)
- £300 Digital Camera (optional)
- £1,000 Laptop (optional)
The course does not require students to access social media to engage with the course, or pay for any associated online or off-line digital subscription charges. The course provides a well-equipped technical loan store and offers complete access to Adobe Creative Cloud digital software and LinkedIn Learning resources. Laptop facilities are available to all students in RGU Library, where required.
Some other costs are not included in the course fees:
- The cost of books that you may wish to purchase.
- Costs associated with any placement / study abroad
- Accommodation and Living Costs
- Printing
Student Funding
If you are a Scottish resident, you may be eligible for funding and should apply to SAAS for funding.
Students from other parts of the UK should visit the appropriate website:
Scholarships and Financial Awards
You may qualify for a scholarship or financial award:
Disclaimer
For new intakes, course fees are reviewed and published annually for each mode of delivery. Tuition fees are fixed for the duration of a course at the rate confirmed in the offer letter. For further information:
Any questions?
Get in touch with our Student Admissions Service and we'll do our best to help.