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Fine Art Practice

Course details
  • FdA
  • 2 Years
  • Full-time
  • September 2026
  • Undergraduate
Course location
Medway School of Arts
Awarded by:
University of Kent

Course summary

This is a two-year, full-time, Foundation Degree course, which upon successful completion allows you to apply for a third ‘top-up’ year and convert into a BA (Hons) Degree.
This qualification is validated and awarded by the University of Kent.

This is a highly practical course where students are introduced to a range of materials, technologies and tools associated with Fine Art Practice. Workshop-based projects have an experimental agenda where students learn to recognise the potential and interactive relationship between materials, media and processes, and between ideas and issues in order to develop their skills in visual communication.
In year one you will build a broad skill set before specialising in year two.
Contextual / Critical Studies will underpin your practical learning to ensure you are aware of contemporary practice and have the skills to critically analyse and evaluate your own work and the work of others.
Work based learning is central to the programme to ensure you have the opportunity to network with practising artists and designers, and work on live projects and gain industry work experience.

Modules

In year one your will study 6 modules at Level 4 totalling 120 credits:
Visual Recording & Communication (15 credits)
Digital Applications (15 credits)
Contextual Research & Referencing (15 credits)
Work Based Learning: Professional Engagement (15 credits)
2D Processes (30 credits)
3D Processes (30 credits)

In year two you will study 4 modules which will provide you with a further 120 credits at Level 5:
Developing Fine Art Practice (30 credits)
Professional Practice and Work Based Placement (30 credits)
Critical Studies (30 credits)
Exhibition and Professional Portfolio (30 credits)

Assessment method

Assessment will be through a submission of a sketchbooks / portfolio of practical experiments, reflective journals, essays, and presentations evaluating the research undertaken and how it enabled students to reach conclusions.

How to apply

Apply by
14 January

This is the deadline for applications to be completed and sent for this course. If the university or college still has places available you can apply after this date, but your application is not guaranteed to be considered.

Application codes

Course code:
M142
Institution code:
M76
Campus name:
Medway School of Arts
Campus Code:
B

Points of entry

The following entry points are available for this course:

  • Foundation

Entry requirements

UCAS Tariff
72 - 168 points

A level

A levels grades must achieve a minimum of 72 UCAS tariff points and include at least one Art & Design based subject.

Pearson BTEC Level 3 National Extended Diploma (first teaching from September 2016)

Must be in an Art & Design subject with a minimum of 72 UCAS tariff points.

Access to HE Diploma

Access to HE in Art and Design required with a minimum of 72 UCAS tariff points.

UCAS Tariff points should include an Art & Design subject at A Level or a Full Time Art & Design Vocational programme, you should also hold a minimum of five GCSE passes at Grade 4 / C or above, including English and Maths.
All applicants will be asked to attend an interview and provide a portfolio of creative work.
Applicants with alternative qualifications, or without formal qualifications as stipulated above, are welcome to apply and will be assessed for suitability for the programme on the knowledge and skills demonstrated in their portfolio and may be required to complete a written task.
Applicants who show potential but are not yet ready to start undergraduate study may be offered a place on our UAL Awarding Body: Foundation Diploma in Art & Design.

Additional entry requirements

Interview
Portfolio

Historical entry grades data

This section shows the range of grades that students who received offers were previously accepted on to this course with (learn more).

It is designed to support your research but does not guarantee whether you will or won't get a place.

Admissions teams consider various factors, including interviews, subject requirements, and entrance tests. Check all course entry requirements for eligibility.

Not enough data available

We are unable to show previous accepted grades for this course. This could be because the course is new, it's a postgraduate course, there isn't enough historical data, or the provider has opted out of sharing their entry grades data for this course - learn more.

Fees and funding

Tuition fees

Per year tuition fees

LocationFeeYear

Tuition fee status depends on a number of criteria and varies according to where in the UK you will study. For further guidance on the criteria for home or overseas tuition fees, please refer to the UKCISA website.

Additional fee information

The course will cost £6,000 per year and can be financed through an undergraduate student loan via Student Finance England
Get undergraduate student finance: step by step - GOV.UK (www.gov.uk)

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