Fine Art

A Brighton Fine Art degree prepares you for a variety of rewarding creative career paths, including roles such as professional artist, curator, set designer and art consultant.

Art and Design at Brighton is ranked in the top 20 in the UK in the QS World University Rankings 2025.

Studying here at Brighton, you’ll be part of a community that helps you grow, no matter what your background. This course is packed with opportunities to build real-world experience, including a paid placement after year two and hands-on experience with a range of materials and processes throughout the course.

Our inclusive approach to learning will help you go further and explore who you are as a creative; we’ll make sure you play to your strengths and learn in ways that suit you best.

Top reasons to choose this course

• Our lecturers are practising artists who bring their skills and experience to your learning.

• You will gain skills working with a range of materials and processes and have the freedom to explore your ideas and turn them into tangible creative outcomes.

• You’ll have your own dedicated studio space where you can explore your creativity and collaborate with your peers.

• You will have regular opportunities to present your work to peers and staff in a supportive environment.

• Push creative boundaries through an open, exploratory approach that encourages experimentation and innovation.

• Build professional connections through projects and networking opportunities with experienced creatives.

• Benefit from our outstanding facilities including workshops where you can experiment with woodworking, plaster casting, metal, clay, stone and much more!

• Boost your CV with an optional paid placement year to apply your learning in a real-world setting.

Why Brighton is a great place to study Fine Art
Brighton is a city with creativity at its heart, making it the perfect setting to study Fine Art. From independent studios to galleries and design festivals, the city offers endless inspiration and opportunities to engage with the creative community.

Our long heritage in art and design education means you’ll be part of a diverse network of creatives, with access to exhibitions and industry connections that extend beyond the campus. Living and studying here gives you the chance to explore new ideas in a supportive, open-minded city known for its culture, innovation and craft.

Named one of the best cities on the planet and third best city in the UK by Time Out, Brighton is also a bustling hub for music, media and fashion.

Course Modules

Year 1
You’ll be introduced to studio practice and will explore the relationship between thinking and making in a supportive and friendly environment. There is an emphasis on material exploration and experimentation, and through discussion with staff and your peers, you’ll build confidence in talking about your practice.

Core modules
Studio Practice 1: Thinking and Making
Studio Practice 2: Making and Sites
Theories and Practices of Fine Art: Introduction to Global Art Histories and Art Writing

Year 2
You will develop the visual, written and spoken communication skills needed to present your work. There is more emphasis on the context, form and cultural framing of your work and the skills needed for making proposals, documenting artwork and creating exhibitions.

Core modules
Studio Practice 4: Practice-led Research
Theories and Practices of Fine Art: Contexts and Specialisms
Studio Practice 3: Public Exhibition

Optional Placement Year
An optional placement year gives you the chance to apply your skills in a professional setting, gain industry experience and build valuable contacts before returning for your final year.

Final year
You’ll complete an independent project that showcases your technical skills, creativity and critical thinking and will exhibit this work in our Graduate Show. You’ll also focus on documenting your practice, your artist statement and how your work fits into different contexts to help prepare you for further study and careers within the creative industries.

Core modules
Theories and Practices of Fine Art: Articulation of Your Critical Position
Studio Practice 5: Consolidating and Situating Practice
Studio Practice 6: Planning and Completion of Degree