Fine Art: Critical Practice BA (Hons)

• A-levels: for those applying with A-levels only, grades BBB are expected, supported by a strong portfolio.
• BTEC: DDM.
• International Baccalaureate: 32 points.
• Access to HE Diploma: pass with 60 credits overall. Art and design diploma preferred. At least 45 credits at level 3, with 30 credits at merit or above.
• GCSE (minimum grade C): a good profile.

English Language Requirement:

• IELTS 6.0 overall, with 6.0 in writing and a minimum of 5.5 in the other elements.

Portfolio advice
When invited for interview you will be asked to bring a portfolio to show your work. We would like to see:

• Examples of work that demonstrates how you develop ideas. The work can be in any medium or combination of media (drawing, collage, photography, performance, video, text, etc.)
• Evidence of your potential to experiment and explore different techniques and media
• At least two sketchbooks
• One example of your writing

Interview advice

• Aim to arrive with time to spare
• The interview will normally be between yourself, two staff and one current student and lasts 20-25 minutes
• Show awareness and interest in contemporary art, artists and culture i.e. books, film, music
• The interview is a two-way process, so think of some questions to ask us!

Year 1

• Art practice
• Communication and research skills
• Professional development
• Theoretical knowledge skills
• Historical and critical studies
• Documentation

Year 2

As a second year full-time student you will continue to develop and deepen your critical engagement with theory and practice. Central to this year is a ‘student placement scheme’ which encourages each student to work outside the boundaries of our Grand Parade campus and engage with other areas of activity across the University of Brighton. Second years also participate in a public exhibition/event that aims to develop their awareness of producing work for exhibition. This is an important opportunity to demonstrate your ability to work collaboratively, give visible form to ideas and engage an audience.

Embedded within the art practice units are talks, workshops and seminars focused on professional practice, with the aim of helping you develop the tools needed to continue your practice beyond undergraduate study. Second years are also offered the chance to take one ‘Extension Study’ unit in the first semester, which runs alongside core Fine Art Critical Practice studies.

You will explore:

Art practice

• Historical and critical studies
• Professional development
• Documentation
• Post-studio practice

Year 3

The final year units will include discussions, seminars and workshops that require you to consider the processes and mechanisms that will support your core creative activities once you graduate, for example, making art, writing, performance and curating.

In Fine Art Critical Practice the units of study provide a focus for art practice and theory but do not define it. The units are intended to inter-relate and build into a coherent experience of contemporary art practice in the widest sense.

You will focus on:

• Research and articulation
• Formal presentation
• Documentation
• Final essay
• Public exhibition