We look at each application individually, considering your grades, interview (along with your portfolio/audition) and any relevant experience. We typically expect students to have achieved 48 UCAS points or PPP in a Level 3 Diploma / Extended Diploma. Mature students who don’t meet these standard entry requirements may be able to show us their potential through relevant experience. Applicants whose first language is not English and who do not have GCSE English will be asked to take an IELTS assessment or equivalent and will need to achieve an overall score of 6.0, with 6.0 in the writing element and at least 5.5 in all other sub elements.
Entry requirements
Why this course?
An ambitious studio degree that encourages experimentation, critical enquiry and social engagement. You’ll explore painting, sculpture, installation, performance and digital practices, connect ideas to contemporary contexts, and exhibit work. Professional artists on the course team mentor you to develop a confident, authentic practice.
This dynamic course empowers you to explore and refine your creative vision, equipping you for a future in the visual arts or broader creative industries. Rooted in experimentation, you’ll work across a diverse range of traditional and emerging technologies.
From the outset, you’ll engage in an immersive programme of workshops, inductions, and collaborative projects, designed to inspire bold connections between your ideas and artistic practice. As you progress, you’ll have the flexibility to explore multiple disciplines or specialise in one or more areas, with the guidance of other practising artists.
Central to the course are critical reviews, seminars, and artist talks, where you’ll exchange ideas, receive feedback, and sharpen your ability to evaluate your work and that of others. You’ll also participate in professional development sessions that cover key skills, such as presenting your work, strategic planning, and navigating the creative industries.
Enriched by gallery visits and live projects, the course situates your practice within historical and contemporary contexts. Collaborative opportunities with students from Music, Theatre, and other Art and Design programmes allow you to engage in cross-disciplinary research and experiment with innovative approaches to your practice.
You will benefit from strong links with regional galleries and arts organisations, offering opportunities to work on live briefs and internships. Recent collaborations include Fabrica, Brighton, Worthing Museum & Art Gallery, Pallant House Gallery, Chichester, and Superstar Arts, Worthing. These projects, alongside community initiatives and professional development activities, will help enhance your industry readiness and career prospects.
The course offers a flexible study structure: full-time (three years) or part-time (five years).
Further information
Artists who want time, space and expert critique to evolve a personal practice and situate it within contemporary discourse. It suits independent thinkers ready to test materials and ideas, write reflectively, collaborate and present to public audiences across a range of formats and contexts.
The course is delivered in a flexible manner to accommodate different learning styles and commitments.
We encourage you to challenge conventions, explore social and environmental issues, and connect your work to global perspectives. With expert guidance from professional artists and industry creatives, you will develop the skills and confidence to make a real impact on the art world.
- Major project and degree show presentation
- Professional practice, enterprise and audiences
- Project development, curation and exhibition
- Studio methods across 2D, 3D and digital
- Visual research, theory and critical writing
Alumni progress to studio practice, residencies, curation, community arts, education and further study. Many establish hybrid careers—exhibiting, freelancing and collaborating with cultural partners—supported by enterprise skills embedded throughout the programme and a confident public-facing profile.
Our teaching and assessment methods are designed to keep learning dynamic, engaging, and hands-on. You will experience a mix of:
- Practical and creative studio-based workshops to refine your skills
- Group discussions to exchange ideas and insights
- Lectures and seminars to explore concepts and techniques
- Small group study to collaborate and learn from others
- Independent study to deepen your knowledge and creativity
- Field trips are an exciting part of the course, offering you the chance to gain real-world insight into the fine art industry
Assessment is primarily based on a portfolio of creative work developed in response to set briefs. This portfolio typically includes practical artwork alongside supporting research and development.
To ensure flexibility and accessibility, students have options for different submission formats, such as reports, essays, presentations, recordings, journals, or blogs. This approach allows for a diverse and inclusive assessment process that supports various creative and academic strengths.
With this variety, you’ll have plenty of opportunities to grow and demonstrate your skills in ways that suit your strengths and challenge your creativity, problem solving and adaptability.
Flexible Exit Awards
This programme is designed as a three-year course leading to the award of a BA (Hons) degree. It is delivered through a flexible 1+1+1 structure, with each year representing a distinct stage of learning and achievement. This approach allows students to progress through the programme in clearly defined phases while retaining the flexibility to exit at the end of any academic year if their circumstances change.
Students who complete the full programme will be awarded a BA (Hons). However, students who choose to leave the course before completion may be eligible for an interim award that formally recognises the credits they have successfully achieved.
Level 4 (Year 1) Students who successfully complete 120 credits at Level 4 and then leave the programme may be awarded a Certificate of Higher Education (CertHE).
Level 5 (Year 2) Students who successfully complete 240 credits, and then leave the programme may be awarded a Diploma of Higher Education (DipHE).
Level 6 (Year 3) Students who successfully complete 360 credits, will be awarded a Bachelor of Arts with Honours (BA Hons).
This flexible 1+1+1 model ensures that students who do not complete the full degree can still receive formal recognition for their achievements, while those who continue through all three years graduate with a BA (Hons) qualification.