Course overview

This Fine Art degree is concerned not only with equipping you with the skills, knowledge and understanding that will enable you to develop as an artist, it also allows you to learn within the exciting and stimulating environment of Cambridge School of Art.

Studio work is central to this degree, but you will also develop a critical understanding of theory and technique through seminars and written work. The core modules will give you a good understanding of the principles of Fine Art, while a wide choice of options will allow you to specialise in your preferred area. All students can develop their studio practice in a wide range of areas, including painting, drawing, sculpture or printmaking, and you can also work in more modern media, such as photography, video, film and digital media.

Throughout the course the emphasis is on the development of your own visual language, so tuition is often studio-based and one to one. You will exhibit your work at all stages of the course, culminating in your final degree exhibition.

This course will allow you to develop an understanding of the wider contexts of art. Course content is informed at all levels by debates about the nature of art, how it can be evaluated, what it might represent, and the meanings it might convey. This course is about achieving excellence in both Fine Art practice and in intellectual and critical understanding. The course content aims to encourage appreciation and enjoyment of Fine Art that will last a lifetime, as well as equipping students with the means to develop successful careers as practitioners, or through working in related areas.

Additional course information

When you graduate you will be able to:

• Display a command of chosen media and make appropriate use of materials and processes.
• Employ experimental and speculative strategies in order to test and articulate visual and conceptual themes.
• Demonstrate a range of skills commonly used within contemporary professional practice.

Module guide

Assessment

Assessment is through submission of artwork for studio-based modules and contextual studies essays.

Facilities

Based in the Cambridge School of Art, with studios leading directly off the Ruskin Gallery, the BA (Hons) Fine Art course at Anglia Ruskin is fast establishing itself as an alternative to well established London-based Fine Art courses. The work in the studios is extremely diverse, with students experimenting with a wide range of media, from painting and sculpture, to video and new media. The facilities include excellent printmaking and sculpture workshops, as well as photography dark rooms, life drawing, and computer suites for video production and digital imaging.

Libraries

Our campus libraries offer a wide range of publications and a variety of study facilities, including open-access computers, areas for quiet or group study and bookable rooms. We also have an extensive Digital Library providing on and off-site access to e-books, e-journals and databases.

We endeavour to make our libraries as accessible as possible for all our students. During Semester time, they open 24 hours a day from Monday to Thursday, until midnight on Friday and Saturday and for 12 hours on Sunday.


IT Resources

Our open access computer facilities provide free access to the internet, email, messaging services and the full Microsoft Office suite. A high speed wireless service is also available in all key areas on campus. If you are away from campus or a distant learner, our student desktop and its many applications can be accessed remotely using the internet. Your personal student email account provides free document storage, calendar facilities and social networking opportunities.

Throughout your studies you will have access to our Virtual Learning Environment (VLE), providing course notes, reading materials and multi-media content to support your learning, while our e-vision system gives you instant access to your academic record and your timetable.

Special features

The Fine Art Research Unit (FARU) runs a wide range of weekly lectures, which provide an additional opportunity for students to hear artists speak, and engage in relevant debates about contemporary art practice. Recent visiting artists have included Katrina Blannin, Alicia Paz, Juan Bolivar, Danny Rolph, Hayley Newman, Günter Herbst, David Kefford, Bernice Donszelmann, Phillip Allen and Tim Ellis.

In the 2008 Research Assessment Exercise for Art and Design, 70% of our research work was 'internationally recognised', 'internationally excellent' and, in some cases, 'world leading'. As a result, our income from the RAE to support our research is double our 2002 allocation.

Trips to Exhibitions

Field trips to exhibitions, retrospectives or biennials are an important part of the Fine Art course. As well as making use of Cambridge galleries and museums such as Kettle's Yard and the Fitzwilliam, regular visits to London are organised to galleries such as Tate Modern or the Saatchi Gallery. Additionally, international trips have run to Berlin (2009 and 2012) and Madrid (2010).

Course Leader

Benet Spencer

Related Links

Fine Art students create Niche
Amanda's cityscapes are a towering achievement
Ruskin Gallery
Cambridge School of Art Student Exhibitions website

Links with industry and professional recognition

For several years Fine Art students have participated in 'Offsite' exhibitions that are run in a wide range of spaces around Cambridge, and part-funded by the Arts Council. Student artwork has been loaned to Marshall Aerospace as part of Arts and Business in the East of England. Students have also held solo exhibitions at Clare College, as well as group exhibitions at the Cambridge Botanical Gardens, the Institute of Astronomy and Clare Hall. Fine Art students have been highly commended in the Searle Award for Creativity for the last 3 years, won prestigious national competitions such as 'New Sensations' at the Saatchi Gallery, and been selected for the Kettle's Yard Open.

Associated careers

Many of our graduates go on to become freelance artists, regularly exhibiting in Cambridge and London. Others have gone into a wide range of careers within the field of art and design, including roles in specialist print workshops, website design, and arts marketing and promotion. Teaching is another favoured option, as well as art therapy. Recent graduates from the BA Fine Art course gained entry for postgraduate study at the Royal Academy Schools; Norwich University College of the Arts; Goldsmiths College; Chelsea School of Art, and on the MFA at Anglia Ruskin.

UCAS Tariff points:	200 - 240
Additional Requirements:	Required subject(s): Any Art or Design or Media A level grade C., OR ND in Art & Design. Preferred subject(s): BTEC Foundation Diploma in Art & Design (level 3) is an advantage. Non-Academic Conditions: Art Portfolio, Interviews GCSE(s) Required: English at grade C or above (or equivalent)

Entry requirements listed are for September 2013 entry. Entry requirements for other intakes may differ.

Please note AS levels are acceptable only when combined with other qualifications.

Portfolio Requirements

Your portfolio should consist of up to 30 items including, where possible, original works.

• An A1 sized portfolio is recommended (this depends on the nature of the work).
• If documentation of artwork is necessary, please make sure it is of a good quality and well presented.
• Sketchbooks, notebooks and preparatory studies are very important.
• A varied approach to drawing is always relevant, including observational studies, experiments in process or technique, collage, or other supporting work such as photography or work in 3d media.
• Other research material that will help present your ideas about Fine Art, as well as your wider interests and points of reference.
• Please note - Fine Art portfolios often get quite heavy. It is recommended that artworks that benefit from mounting be presented this way, but otherwise that non-essential elements, such as plastic sleeves for artworks, are only used if necessary. Generally, A1 or A2 works on paper do not require mounting.

If invited to interview you will receive a letter further detailing the requirements for submission of your portfolio.

International Applicants

International applicants are encouraged to host their portfolios online and provide us with the URL or submit in pdf format by email attached. CD or hardcopy formats submitted by post to our International Admissions Office are also acceptable but please note that these will not be returned to applicants.

Our published entry requirements are a guide only and our decision will be based on your overall suitability for the course as well as whether you meet the minimum entry requirements.

We welcome applications from International and EU students. Please select one of the links below for English language and country-specific entry requirement information.

• International students
• EU students
• English language requirements

If we have confirmed you do not meet our entry requirements you might want to consider a preparatory course at Cambridge Ruskin International College (CRIC), our partner college, based on our Cambridge campus, before coming to study with us.